Breitling has been rekindling vintage-inspired pieces for a while now. Last month, we showed you the in-house Transocean 1915 Mono-pusher Chrono, and before that a 38 mm Transocean Chrono. But, let's not forget that Breitling's legacy as a tool fake watch applies as much in the air as it does on the sea. Its latest release, the Breitling Chronoliner, is an aviation themed fake watch that evokes images of that bygone era.
When Breitling says that it drew inspiration from vintage pieces in designing this aviator, it's only natural that we focus on our favorites. If we put on our vintage goggles, we don't have to look too hard to notice piston pushers and a black bezel on a panda dial ?and that means a Breitling Co-Pilot as far as vintage aviators are concerned. We covered one here not too long ago. Granted, the registers are at 6, 9, and 12 instead of 3, 6, and 9 and the bezel is of the 24-hour variety instead of 12, but maybe the Chronoliner's looks are inspired by a medley of older models. Veteran HODINKEE readers may be familiar with the Uni-Time, which we dug up here from 2009. Heck, even the blacked-out date window reminds me of the digital minute counter of a 765 AVI from the '50s (okay, maybe I'm reaching - or maybe I just like Breitling of yesteryear too much).
The new Chronoliner is a large watch. The stainless-steel case is 46 mm wide, and that's definitely modern sizing. Although, let's keep in mind that the Co-Pilot's successor (the 7650 circa '67) was around 43 mm at its largest back in the day. A few modern upgrades include a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, super-luminescent hands and markers, and a second timezone indicated by the red-tipped arrow hand. And while we, and probably quite a few other old souls, would've loved it if that window at 3 o'clock would register minutes, it's just a standard date (but that's good news for the pilots out there).
Breitling opted for a solid case back on the new Chronoliner. Inside, you'll find the Breitling Caliber 24. Like many movements inside the models of yore that we covered above, it's a modified ETA Valjoux 7754. Known to be as reliable as a workhorse, it'll beat at 28,800 bhp for about 42 hours, and it's self winding. In addition, the Chronoliner is COSC-certified.
Drawing from many a vintage theme, the Breitling Chronoliner is a modern aviator with old-school spirit. It will be available on a mesh steel or a Navitimer bracelet. Pricing has yet to be announced.
For more information, visit Breitling online.
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