Breitling launches the new Chronomat collection for women

“Our inspiration for this new collection is the Breitling woman herself, as represented in our Squad on a Mission campaign: a woman of purpose, action, and style who’s at the top of her game,” said Breitling CEO Georges Kern . “Who better than Charlize Theron, Misty Copeland, and Yao Chen to turn the spotlight on major global causes as they redefine what it means to be a strong woman? Three leading stars known for being fierce and pushing boundaries.”

Breitling new Chronomat 32 in bicolor Ref.-U77310591A1U1

Taking cues from the ’80s original, the first Chronomat designed for women blends retro style with a contemporary sporty-chic versatility that pairs well with today’s more casual lifestyles. “It completely recalls the original codes from the 1980s—you have the rider tabs, the smooth case, and the Rouleaux bracelet, but the watch is reimagined for 21st century,” said Tiffany To, watch specialist at Phillips auction house in Geneva, at the event. “You really see the heritage and DNA of Breitling, but it’s completely changed for a new segment of the market.”

The new line includes a 36mm Automatic and a 32mm SuperQuartz version for women who prefer the convenience of a quartz movement. There are options in stainless steel, bi-coluor steel and red gold, and solid 18-karat red gold, with or without a splash of diamonds on bezels and indexes.

Add in an array of coloured lacquer dials in white, pale green, midnight blue, or copper, and there are 10 versions to choose from in the Chronomat Automatic 36 range (US$4,860-US$25,650), equipped with the Breitling Caliber 10 delivering a power reserve of about 42 hours.

Powered by the Breitling Caliber 77 with a battery life of three to four years, the Chronomat 32 (US$3,800-US$20,500) comes in seven versions, with white or midnight blue dials.

The women’s Chronomat, along with the rest of Breitling’s watches, will come in new eco-friendly packaging starting next year. The smaller, foldable box is entirely made from 100% upcycled PET bottles, which are among the most widely recyclable types of plastic. And once you no longer need the box, it can be recycled, too. With its fold-flat design, the logistical benefits of the smaller boxes are estimated to reduce transport-related CO2 emissions by more than 60% compared to shipping traditional packaging.

Breitling new Chonomat for women in 36 and 32 mm

“This is a disruptive move for the watch industry, but we believe it is absolutely the right step and will set the right standard,” said Kern, who adds that those who prefer the traditional packaging will still be able to get it on request. If they do, the brand will invite them to offset the environmental impact by making a donation to Breitling’s latest sustainability partner SUGi. 

SUGi encourages anyone anywhere to help restore biodiversity and regenerate ecosystems in SUGi Urban Forests around the world. Its global network of “forest makers” helps to create ultra-dense, biodiverse forests of only native species using a Japanese technique called the Miyawaki method to create forests that are 100% natural, 30 times denser and 100 times more biodiverse than conventional tree plantations.

“At Breitling, we believe the future of luxury is casual, inclusive and sustainable,” Kern said.

Breitling Spotlight Squad – Charlize Theron, Misty Copeland, and Yao Chen