I just picked this up on impulse 99% LNIB from you know who in Austin, TX and I love it.
Lightly used in-demand watches don't last with that seller, so it was any easy decision. Too many WIS and civilians are onto him/them.
It's just the right size for me @ 41 mm.
The Chronomat 44 lugs and bezel just look too bulky to my eye - 41-42 seems to be the sweet spot for my 7.25" wrist, especially because I prefer bracelets to straps.
Some observations:
What a useful power reserve for the B01 at 70 hrs - take it off for three days and it's still on time - that's a big improvement over 7750's 42 hours.
The details of the AMAZING and somewhat symmetrical dial are highlighted by dual anti reflex - this is especially nice when viewed at an angle. Is there a more sharp and sporty dial than the blackeye gray?
The generous lume glows all night and is very legible.
The date wheel not only doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, but *compliments* the dial. I can't stand a black or gray dialed watch with a stock black numerals on white background date wheel. No matter how nice the dial is, this ruins the watch for me. I like the unique font of the date wheel too, that reminds me it's in-house innovation behind that gorgeous dial.
You can adjust the date anytime - no worries.
The clasp has an applied logo instead of stamp like a Chronomat EVO I had a while ago. Also, the flip lock clip is now perpendicular instead of angled.
300M is more than enough protection. I'd love a Navitimer 01 or the Datora in that busy black/white/black dial, but I want a sporty watch I can wear on a beach vacation. You can't go snorkeling or even give the kids a bath with a Navitimer on - at least I wouldn't. To me, that detracts from the enjoyment of a watch. What's the point if you have to leave it behind for X life activity.
That's cool about the auto centering hammers...no big deal.
What a great independent brand Breitling is. They have some great sporty watches. I love that they do high end quartz too, suggesting that they really are at least somewhat about providing professional instrument watches that are highly accurate (and may even save your life)- not ONLY a neat gizmo/trophy for successful and wealthy guys. It's nice to see them moving towards a fully in-house package.
To me, the improvements of the B01 over the 7750 based "Breitling" 13 are a big step in the right direction. Not that the 7750 isn't great (I've had and loved many a 7750 based watch,) but the B01 is a great improvement in specs. It seems to me they were compelled to innovate because of the Swatch groups taking their 7750 and leaving the sandbox. Regardless of that, Breitling should be proud of this caliber and provided it holds up over time, they have solidified themselves as a legitimate chronograph manufacture, perhaps even the premier one?
"In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity."
~Hunter S. Thompson
- breakdownstatus