Breitling classic Navitimer series is welcoming its brand new member – CHRONO-MATIC 1461, a fresh limited edition of 2000 pieces. This new watch, bearing a stunning heritance from the vintage Chrono-Matic line, is a little more sophisticated than ever judging from its look. The photos here are not able to do this fact justice. I think it is very easy for you to get a visual treat just looking at the sides and rear of the watch.
In 1969, Breitling created the first selfwinding chronograph movement, an invention that paved the way for the development of an entire range of Chrono-Matic chronographs. As a tribute to this forerunner of ultra-large watches, the new CHRONO-MATIC 1461 measures 49mm in diameter (the largest I have ever seen in normal design models, not in the concept ones). The rotating bezel with circular slide rule confirms its identity as a descendant of the Navitimer line. It stands out for the resolutely 1960s modern style expressed through a case with taut, angular lines. The sides of the case are all nicely milled and cut, and a cambered sapphire crystal gives a good protection to big dial.
The splashes of hot red on the second hand and several markers add a little spiciness to the new Breitling. Firstly pictured is a version with mercury silver dial and black subdials. This striking colour harmoniousness is attractive and extremely contemporary. Three counters are finely designed on the big dial. The chronograph features include 1/4th second, 30 minutes and 12 hours. The case back is engraved with the brand logo and name in the center. In my last article, I said I love the model with its brand logo or signature, and the CHRONO-MATIC 1461 absolutely belongs to my beloved collection.
The special feature of this Chrono-Matic 1461 limited series lies in its movement equipped with a chronograph and a leap-year calendar displaying the day, the date and the month. This sophisticated mechanism, chronometer-certified Breitling Caliber 19, need only be adjusted once every leap year. Three versions are available and you can catch a direct visual impression through the following pictures.
