Let's start by discussing the Breitling aspect of the watch. Each of the 81
pieces in the limited edition will have metal from an original Breitling in the
bezel of the watch. Of course the case is in stainless steel measuring 46mm
wide. Design-wise, the Breitling
Chrono Matic replica
does not inherently suggest the automobile in
all aspects. However, the yellow, red and white "lights" in the subsidiary
seconds dial are meant to suggest the car's famous tail lights.
The dial
is a rather fresh design that still feels very much like a Breitling in concept.
I wasn't sure what to make of the dial at first because frankly - I wanted more
Breitling in there. At the same time I realized that Breitling wanted to suggest
the theme of the Breitling in the watch design, not make it look like a
Breitling per se. The dial is in mostly brushed steel with black painted
sections to suggest the seams of the car's body panels. On the rear of the watch
is a caseback plate that features an engraving of the Breitling with the gull
wing doors open.
Inside the Breitling watch is a Swiss mechanical
automatic Breitling movement. It is a base Concepto and offers the time and 12
hour chronograph. Not the easiest chronograph in the world to use given that you
need to count the tag heuer
replica
on the subdials to read how long you've timed. An
acceptable sacrifice given the design. I actually wondered why Breitling didn't
use more inspiration from the Breitling actual instrument
cluster.
Actually it seems that the car's instrument cluster is rather
utilitarian and looks to be inspired by an aircraft cockpit - there's already
enough watches that use cockpit gauges as inspiration.
Attached to the
watch is an "upholstery" black leather strap with gray stitching. It is meant to
resemble the seats in the car. Breitling will produce just 81 pieces in the
limited edition Breitling watch collection (as a testament to 1981, the year the
car debuted).