At Breitling, black is still the new black. After recently adding new Blacksteel models to its Colt, Navitimer, and Avenger Seawolf collections, the aviation-inspired Swiss brand now extends its newest brand family, the Chronoliner, with a version in a Blacksteel case.
The steel case of the Breitling Chronoliner Blacksteel is coated with a highly resistant carbon-based treatment and sports satin-brushed surfaces that contrast with the polished, scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. The watch is the latest addition to Breitling’s Chronoliner collection of “authentic flight captain’s watches,” inspired by designs from the 1950s and ’60s and introduced at Baselworld 2015. It combines two pilot-friendly functions, a 1/4-second chronograph for measuring flight times and a triple timezone display to keep track of the times in various time zones whilst in flight.
The second time zone is indicated by a red-tipped hand on a 24-hour scale around the black dial, while a third time zone, also in 24-hour mode, can be read on the notched, bidirectional rotating bezel. The chronograph counters are at 12 and 6 o’clock, small seconds are at 9 o’clock, and the date is at 3 o’clock. The case measures 46 mm in diameter, resists water pressure down to 100 meters, and features on its back side an engraved image of stylized airplanes. Nighttime legibility is enhanced by luminous coating on the large hands and hour markers.
The Breitling Chronoliner Blacksteel contains the chronometer-certified Breitling Caliber 24 (based on the reliable ETA Valjoux 7750) and comes on a specialized black rubber strap that evokes the mesh design of Breitling’s steel Aero Classic bracelet. The price is $8,600.
