With the new limited-edition Transocean Chronograph 01, Breitling somewhat loses its present individuality of a maker of some seriously blingy sh*t, but makes a good claim to the niche of elegant dressy chronographs powered by manufacture-made movements.
What do we have here? Did Breitling finally realize that the signature brutal design became obsolete and the time has come to offer customers something so old, that for the young generation of wealthy clientele it may look completely new?
If this is so, I am glad for the brand: they really need to come back to their roots to reinvent themselves.
Of course, there is always a risk that some persons may blame the company in mimicking other brands that still produce classic watches. Doesn’t the new Transocean look too close to the existing Omega Speedmaster Moon chronographs?
The same baton-shaped hands, almost the same recessed snailed chronograph counters, similar-looking classic round push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock…
Even the slender bezel with a beveled profile looks close to the Speedmaster’s, safe for the lack of tachymeter scale, which is printed on the dial in case of Breitling.
Well, both models are close in appearance, but in fact, Breitling is resurrecting its design language from the 1960s. In fact, the new Breitling Transocean looks much like the 1969 MY Breitling Top Time chronograph!
According to the Swiss company, the Transocean Chronograph 01 will be produced in two versions: the regular-issue and a limited edition series, which is the most interesting to us.
The Breitling Transocean Chronograph 01 Limited Edition will be presented in steel (2000 pieces) and red gold (ref. RB015212/G738-CROC, 200 pieces.) The watches will be delivered in mirror-polished bezel and case with “No.X/2000”-style individual number engraved at its side.
The limited-edition versions will be available only with Mercury Silver or Black dials and will feature transparent case backs covered with sapphire crystals.
Standard issue models will be delivered with solid case backs (they will probably also be powered by a more mundane chronograph movement, like ETA Valjoux 7750.)
Judging by the pictures, there will be a choice of leather or crocodile leather strap, but a woven steel bracelet looks like the best choice for the version in stainless steel.
What can I say? I really, really like this model and hope that Breitling will issue more vintage-styled timepieces. I am kinda tired of those chunky sporty watches.
See also: Breitling Blackbird Red Strike Chronograph Limited Edition
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: Breitling
Breitling Transocean Chronograph 01 Limited Edition specification
Price: $21,500 (ref. RB015212/G738-CROC in rose gold)
Movement: Breitling Caliber B01, automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, in-house, Swiss Made
Jewels: 47
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Power reserve: 70 hours
Case: Stainless steel or 18-karat Red gold
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Lug width: 22/20 mm
Case height: 14.40 mm
Dial: Black, Mercury Silver
Hour markers: Applied in red gold or rhodiumed steel
Hands: Baton-shaped, luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Crocodile leather strap, tapered with tang buckle in matching metal or a woven steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective
Back: Sapphire