Equipped with a relatively fresh in-house Caliber B04, the 2013 Transocean Chronograph GMT adds a second time zone functionality to the elegant collection making it look more complete.
According to the Swiss watchmaker, the watch is animated by their own COSC-certified Caliber B04. The same automatic chronograph movement that already powers several of their recent models including the last year’s Chronomat GMT.
Manufactured in their own production facilities, the movement sports some nice decor that, while laconic, is still a pleasure to admire.
It was a shame that the Chronomat GMT hid the mechanism behind the customary solid steel case back cover. This new Transocean Chronograph GMT addresses this issue with a display back that allows you to take a good long look at the movement through a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Another pleasant surprise here is the dial that features a fine guilloche pattern on its silver or black surface.
While not detracting a single bit of the timekeeper’s mojo, the motif not only makes this watch more wearable with formal attire (even despite its slightly oversized body of 43 millimeters in diameter) but also creates a more contrasting background for its main indicators including the bright red, spear-shaped second time zone hour hand.
Unlike the second time zone indicators on some cheaper watches, you can manipulate this one with no hassle at all: you only need to pull the crown and turn it either clockwise or counterclockwise.
The secondary hour hand will move in the respective direction in one-hour increments without affecting minutes and seconds indicators. It must be a handy feature for those frequent travelers that cross the Pond several times a week.
The only problem with this solution is that there are countries that, for some reason, use half-hour and even 45-minute offsets, but, well, maybe just don’t travel there?
Like many Breitlings, this Transocean Chronograph GMT will, too, be sold only as a limited edition.
While versions in stainless steel will be produced in a total run of 2000 pieces, the Transocean in 18-karat rose gold cases will only be limited to 200 examples, which will probably make them more challenging to obtain if you don’t have the money on hand and will have to save a little before your son’s graduation ceremony.
See also: Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary Automatic
Photos: Breitling
Breitling Transocean Chronograph GMT specification
Price: $9400 (MSRP, stainless steel)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber B04, in-house, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 47
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: More than 70 hours
Movement decoration: Geneva stripes on bridges, sunburst pattern on the oscillating weight, polished screw heads
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Case: Stainless steel (2000 pcs) / 18-karat Rose gold (200 pcs)
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Case height: 15.75 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Back: Sapphire
Dial: Black / Silver
Numerals: Arabic (24-hour scale, printed)
Hour markers: Luminous dots
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Fine Barenia or crocodile leather strap, crocodile leather/Ocean Classic stainless steel mesh bracelet (steel version only)