Although Breitling first introduced the Chronomat in the 1940s as an instrument for engineers and mathematicians, its story really starts with its rebirth as a pilot’s watch in 1984. Designed in collaboration with the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team, it features a chunky rotating bezel, a screw-down crown and pushers, and a robust water-resistant case. It quickly became a flagship pilot’s chronograph, lifting the brand out of a slump.
As the years went by, the watch became bigger and bolder, with in-house movement, polished surfaces, and 500m water resistance. Many Chronomat 44s are powered by this movement, including the Breitling Chronomat CB011012/A696, a watch that Precision is proudly featuring in our collection. Priced at $7,995, it is the ideal example of sports luxury.
Breitling Chronomat 44mm CB011012/A969 Hands-on Review
With its three subdials, a polished case, and tachymeter chaptering, this watch is hard to ignore. Find out what we discovered when we experienced it in our showroom.
The Aesthetics
One of the standout features of this watch is its highly polished rose gold and stainless steel surfaces. Unless we are mistaken, not one surface is brushed except the bezelled numerals. So, what you get is the flash of an all-gold watch, but because it’s partially stainless steel, it’s at a lower price point.
The watch features a bold design with broad lugs, rounded case flanks, and screwed-in crown guards, giving it a somewhat industrial look. That carries through with broad sword lumed hour and minute hands and matching indices, all in this rose gold and ivory theme. Overall, the feel is very chunky, wearing large and shiny.
The silvery white dial contrasts nicely with the rose gold and polished steel. It gives the watch a clean look, which is welcome given the busyness of the tachymeter, subdials, and date window. This brings luxury to the pilot-level robustness of the surrounding features.
The Fit
At 44mm diameter and 16-17mm thickness, this is a big watch. As such, it looks best on a bigger wrist, 7-7.5”. The lugs slope, which can help it hug your contours, but if you have a smaller wrist, it will overhang.
Beyond that, the watch is surprisingly comfortable. It has a weighty feel, but it’s more substantial than heavy. The smooth caseback also helps it balance and not flop around.
While the watch is glamorous, it will not fit under a dress shirt. Its bulky profile clearly establishes it as a sportsperson’s watch.
The Bracelet
The comfort fit is also owed to the integrated bracelet. Its linked design helps the watch adjust to the wrist. The mix of rose gold and stainless steel carries through the color and material scheme, producing a cohesive appearance.
Completing the bracelet is a fold deployment clasp with a safety latch. It feels secure once closed, thanks to the extra safety fold-over that helps prevent accidental openings. You can also remove links to fine-tune the fit.
Caseback and Movement
Turning the watch over, we see it has a solid stainless-steel screw-down case with logo and branding engravings. The screw-down construction contributes to the high water resistance (up to 500m), while the smooth edges and slightly rounded profile support the watch’s high-comfort design.
The Breitling Chronomat 44mm CB11012/A696 is considered innovative as it is one of the first to feature the brand’s B01 movement. Designed and developed by Brietling itself, it was built around what many consider a modern ideal of chronograph architecture, offering a smooth, concise feel. It provides efficient winding in both directions and a 70-hour power reserve.
Functionality
This watch has a lot of functionality going on. First, the date window sits at 4:30, keeping the 3-6-9 chronograph layout intact. Bold and black inside a white box, it is small but readable.
The chronograph offers a classic 3-register layout with a central chronograph second hand, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, and running seconds on the subdial. It’s ideal for timing flights, dives, workouts, or anything lasting up to 12 hours.
The unidirectional rotating bezel features four raised rider tabs that improve grip and enhance the Chronomat’s distinctive look, while offering basic elapsed timing by aligning the zero marker with the minute hand. The rotation prevents accidental extension of timing.
Experience the Breitling Chronomat White Dial at Precision Watches
Watches like this CB011012/A696 showcase why the Chronomat line has remained relevant for decades. We break down those qualities in more detail in our article on why the Breitling Chronomat continues to appeal to collectors. Are you thinking of adding this watch to your collection? Try one out at Precision Watches. We offer a wide selection of new and used luxury watches, ensuring you find one ideally suited to your lifestyle and personal tastes.
We also offer professional watch repair, sales, and trades, supporting you throughout the time you own your watch. Browse our online selection, or visit us in our Lower Gwynedd showroom to learn more about our products and services.
FAQS
When was the Breitling Chronomat 44mm CB011012/A696 model released?
The CB011012/A696 was introduced in the early 2010s as part of the B01-powered Chronomat 44 range, following the launch of the B01 movement in 2009. It ran through the mid-2010s and has since been discontinued in favor of new Chronomat lines.
Is the Breitling Chronomat 44mm a good everyday watch?
The CB011012/A696 can be a good everyday watch, as it offers a robust case and bracelet, strong water resistance, a long power reserve, and a versatile appearance. However, its large size, heavy weight, and highly polished, flashy aesthetics mean it may not be the best choice for casual wear.
What’s special about the Breitling Chronomat B01 movement inside?
The B01 movement is Breitling’s first fully in-house integrated chronograph. It is equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch for smooth, precise chronograph operation. The watch is COSC-certified with a 70-hour power reserve.
Is the B01 movement reliable and accurate?
Yes, the B01 movement was designed for accuracy. As a COSC-certified technology, it is typically within 4/+6 seconds per day with normal wear. Its integrated design and large, sturdy components make it a durable choice. It is considered one of the more solid and modern in-house chronograph movements at its price point.
