Inspired by a vision to redefine how time is measured, understood, and mastered, Léon Breitling founded Breitling in St. Imier in Switzerland in 1884. In 1958, the company launched the Breitling Transocean: a simple but robust timepiece that was shockproof, anti-magnetic, and had a ‘super sealed automatic chronometer.
Years later, the firm is paying tribute to its impressive history in watchmaking by launching a new Transocean collection that draws inspiration from the original Transocean chronograph. The new Breitling Transocean collection brings a contemporary edge to the classic elegance of the 1950s, creating a distinctive air of sophistication and style.
A Look Back at Breitling’s Colourful History
Since its inception, Breitling has been challenging the limits of the watch-manufacturing industry, thereby pioneering self-winding chronograph technology. It was the first in the industry to introduce two independent push-pieces in watches. To this day, the Swiss luxury watchmaker continues to keep its culture of innovation alive through the Breitling Chronométrie laboratory in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Breitling has a long-established reputation for manufacturing chronographs that are precise and reliable, without compromising on design. A familiar brand among luxury aviation watches, Breitling’s long history of being the favoured watch for aviators is a testament to the quality and high performance of its watches.
Going beyond aviation, Breitling also prides itself on designing durable and functional timepieces for divers, explorers, and even astronauts.
Here are six of the finest and latest timepieces handpicked from the Breitling Transocean collection.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph Automatic
Featuring two sub-dials, the silver and gold Breitling Transocean Chronograph Automatic Watch is a timeless piece with understated elegance.
Classic but never unimaginative, this watch features a contemporary design while retaining the character of the original Transocean. A COSC-certified, self-winding automatic Calibre 01 chronograph movement powers this sophisticated watch. Besides that, it is worth noting that this was the first movement entirely developed and manufactured in Breitling workshops.
The 43mm polished steel case includes a hinged case back that can be opened to reveal the intricate inner workings of the watch. This watch comes with multiple functions including a chronograph, tachymeter, 70-hour power reserve, and a date at 6 o’clock. With only 2,000 pieces manufactured, this limited-edition piece promises to bestow an air of sophistication upon any gentleman.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime
With a blue globe at the centre of a black dial, the Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime is a unique piece that is perfect for aspiring world explorers. Case in point: it features 24 time zones at the outer rim of the watch.
With a function to automatically adjust the date according to the local time, this world-time watch makes it hassle-free for anyone travelling across different time zones.
Furnished with an automatic Breitling 05 calibre movement, the Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime also includes a calendar function. With a sapphire crystal that is scratch-resistant and glare-proof, this rugged but stylish piece is perfect for adventure-seeking globetrotters. It is water-resistance up to 100 metres.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph Automatic with Diamonds
With its brown and rose-gold tones, the Breitling Transocean Chronograph Automatic Watch is the perfect synthesis of vintage and modernity.
This watch’s 38mm stainless steel case features an 18K rose gold, diamond-studded bezel. Additionally, luminescent rose gold-tone hands and detailed markers add an elegant finishing touch. The same goes for the brown crocodile leather strap.
Powered by the Breitling Calibre 41 automatic movement, this timepiece features two sub-dials (60 seconds and 30 minutes). A date display is also visible at 6 o’clock. In addition, this watch also has a tachymeter scale and nautical miles conversion, scale plus water resistance of up to 100 metres. For those looking for a casual timepiece with a flair of splendour, this diamond-studded rose gold and brown timepiece is the perfect answer.
Transocean Chronograph Limited Edition
A limited-edition model, the Breitling Transocean Chronograph features a stunning deep blue dial in a 43mm polished steel case and powered by an in-house-made Calibre 01 movement.
A date display is visible between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions. In addition, three sub-dials — also in blue — perfectly blend in with the rest of the functions on the dial. A blue leather strap finishes the look, making it a distinctive timepiece both in style and functionality.
Breitling Transocean Day & Night
Photo from Breitling
Crafted in rose gold with a black dial, the Breitling Transocean Day & Night is characterised by a striking contrast and elegance.
Powered by a COSC-certified, self-winding Calibre 45 movement, this is a high-performance watch that offers 40 hours of power reserve. At 12 o’clock, the day is displayed in an arc-shaped aperture, while the date aperture is visible at 3 o’clock.
As a tribute to the quintessential design of the original Transocean, this watch features a subtle cross-shaped dial arrangement. Moreover, with its slim bezel and midnight black slender lugs, the Transocean Day & Night is arguably an epitome of urban sophistication.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph in Steel Black
Photo from Breitling
With a classic silver and black design, the Transocean Chronograph in Steel Black reminisces the original Transocean by reviving the pure design of the classic chronographs from the 1950s and 1960s.
At 43mm, this sleek timepiece upholds Breitling’s commitment to quality. A Calibre 01 in-house chronograph movement runs the watch, which features a power reserve of 70 hours. Significantly, the beauty of this timepiece lies in the details of its applied hour markers and finely recessed, snail counters.
Simple and sophisticated, this steel black Breitling Transocean Chronograph is remarkable in its understated elegance and clean, contemporary design.
For another exciting read on luxury watches, check out our feature on the Best Panerai Watches in 2019.
