For the third year in a row, Breitling is launching a Sylt Edition. The Chronomat GMT 40 Sylt Edition is limited to 288 pieces and is available exclusively in Germany. In addition, Breitling and the jeweller Spliedt in Kampen, a town on the northern German island of Sylt, are inviting customers to an exclusive pop-up store on the island from 22 July 2023 until the end of August. Unlike the past two years, this year’s watch is not a special edition from the SuperOcean Heritage collection. Rather, for the first time Breitling are opting for a Chronomat, which plays host to a new dial in honour of Sylt. The Chronomat is considered Breitling’s first pilot’s watch and the forerunner of the Navitimer. In 2020, the Swiss watch brand celebrated the Chronomat‘s comeback with a modern re-edition.
The case
The 40 mm case of the Chronomat GMT 40 Sylt Edition is made of stainless steel. The screw-down onion crown and with two seals, the timepiece is able to offer water-resistance to a depth of 200 m. The stainless-steel bezel can be rotated in one direction and features the typical riders in 15-minute increments. The screw-in caseback features a beautiful engraving of Kampen’s landmark lighthouse, as well as the words ‘One of 288’ in reference to the watch’s limitation.
The dial
In keeping with the maritime flair of Germany’s largest North Sea island, the dial of this year’s Sylt Edition is navy blue with a sunburst finish. The 24-hour scale for using the second time zone is alternately navy blue and light blue. This is presumably in reference to the day (light) and night (dark) times. The hand for the second time zone is also light blue. Thus, the colour scheme of the dial for this special edition differs from the usual models of the Chronomat collection. At 6 o’clock, Breitling successfully execute the inclusion of a date window with a matching dark blue background.
Calibre 32
The B32 calibre, which uses the ETA 2893-2 as its base, provides the necessary drive for the timepiece. It offers a bidirectional winding system that supplies the barrel with fresh energy up to a maximum power autonomy of 42 hours. The frequency of the balance is 4 Hz. Finally, with the distinction of being a COSC chronometer, corresponding power and accuracy values are also a guarantee.
Price and availability
The Chronomat GMT 40 Sylt Edition is now available exclusively in Germany. The sporty model is worn on a stainless steel Rouleaux strap. Limited to 288 pieces, the new Sylt Edition costs 5,900 euros.
The DiaStar is rather a historic model for watch manufacture Rado, with the timepiece appearing only five years after the brand's founding back in 1957. The first 1962 DiaStar quickly gained a following for its distinctive shape and extremely resistant tungsten-carbide case – a highly unusual material for a watch both then and now. Following…
After presenting the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel on the watch fair SIHH this January, the Swiss watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre now presents another chiming model: the Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle with silver (Ref. Q5233420) and blue dial (Ref. Q52334E1). Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle with blue dial (Ref. Q52334E1) (links) Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition…
Launching an array of new pieces at LVMH Watch Week, Swiss manufacture Zenith is getting creative this year as it extends its DEFY Skyline watch options. The horology house also introduces the world to its very first 41 mm DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition, a couple of new dial colours, as well as some scaled-down 36…
At this year's Watches and Wonders 2020, Hermès introduced five new Arceau L’heure de la lune models, including three with meteorite dials. These 43 mm timepieces simultaneously display the moon phases from the perspective of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are available with the following designs: a Black Sahara meteorite dial with a white-gold…
Created in collaboration with nature photographer Kourosh Keynejad, the Zenith DEFY Extreme Desert captures the atmosphere of barren desert landscapes. It is the first model in a series inspired by harsh environments. The watch has a special case with falcon's eye, a dark quartz gemstone. Inside operates an El Primero movement with no less than…
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand, Hublot is releasing three limited editions. They take inspiration from the 1980 Classic Original model, yet also incorporate more modern elements. The minimalist models are available in 18-carat yellow gold, titanium, or black ceramic cases, and are accompanied by a black rubber strap. The History The 1980…
Yesterday morning at 9 AM (CET), with a quick refresh of my safari page, Patek Philippe dropped seven new watches to its sports collections. All of them carry precious stones and are aimed towards the female clientele of the brand. This is truly the season for minute repeaters; as well as the new Ref. 1938…
In the late 1970s, Porsche Design developed the stainless steel military chronograph. The timepiece, which was characterised by reliability and optimal readability, attracted the interest of the aviation industry. Soon, international air forces, such as the pilots of the US Air Force, wore a Porsche Design chronograph on their wrist. Today, more than 40 years…
Audemars Piguet is introducing a new watch in the form of two versions – the Royal Oak Concept Frosted Gold Flying Tourbillon. Available in either 18-carat pink gold (26630OR.GG.D326CR.01), or 18-carat white gold (26630BC.GG.D326CR.01), both versions showcase a contemporary dial, consisting of multiple layers lined with gold to match the cases. Moreover, the new ladies'…
The Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer is a dress watch limited to 50 pieces that puts the historical relic of the officer-type case cover in the spotlight. Indeed, the watch has a hinged back that reveals the mechanics at the push of a button. True to the old school, the watchmakers not only decorate the…
With the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton, the brand is presenting a skeletonised version of the Overseas with tourbillon. In addition to a variant with a pink gold case, the house is also launching a model made entirely of titanium - a first for the brand. The calibre 2160 powering the watch was skeletonised and…
Zenith and the Japanese bag brand Porter have collaborated to create two watches in khaki ceramic. The Pilot Automatic Porter Edition and Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter Edition are limited to 500 pieces each. Together with these watches, Porter has designed a matching bag. But what else do these two timepieces offer? In this article,…