Breitling is a brand built on a bedrock of no-nonsense and robust tool timepieces keeping in mind the needs of the professionals. Over its history of 140 years, the brand has gained the most attention and popularity for its technical and highly accurate chronographs.
New for 2023– the famous Breitling ‘Premier’ chronograph lineup is revamped. This historically important collection represents the brand’s shift from core functional tool watches to more elegance. Now, the manufacturer has added 6 new Premier models to it (5 made of stainless steel and one of 18ct rose gold).
But more on that later; let’s glance at its history first.
Birth of the Premier
Around 1943, Willy Breitling designed an elegant chronograph called the ‘Premier’. He elevated the tool-watch chronograph into the style icon that we know today. The watches featured sophisticated and clean designs inspired by the Art Deco style.
In 2019, Breitling took a new approach to redesign their classic Premier, and this time the watches were sportier and generally a lot more contemporary. Under the new management, the watches stayed true to their roots and boasted the best materials, calibres and finishes.
However, with time the demand for heritage designs grew and finally, in 2021, the brand went full vintage and replaced the 2019’s Premier collection with the new 40mm Breitling B01 Heritage Chronograph lineup.
What Now?
Impeccable style meets substance as Breitling celebrates its 80th Anniversary this year with 6 new Anniversary models, combining vintage elements with modern aesthetics. As anniversaries call for celebrating important milestones, Breitling launches 6 new Premier models, each in a 42mm case.
People who have seen the new Premier’s design for the first time will probably find it surprising as it doesn’t fit into the brand’s conventional watch looks. For example, there’s no oversized bezel and slide rule that we usually see in Breitling’s divers and pilot watches.
But anyone following the brand’s design evolution over the years will agree that the Swiss Maison has breathed new life into the iconic collection. The watches sell at a good price in the pre-owned market, and it’s only a matter of time before these new releases reign the secondary realm.
The Vision of the 2023 ‘Premier’ Release
Breitling CEO Georges Kern stated that they’re now committed to preserving Willy Breitling’s vivid vision of combining the accuracy of a tool watch with the sophistication of a contemporary dress watch. He added that the former classic Premier watches embodied the postwar era energy and are proud to continue with that tradition to date. But the new releases will surely embrace the modern-retro version of today’s time. So, anyone who liked the 2021’s catalogue will definitely appreciate the fusion.
Now comes the main question: how does the new generation Premier model look?
Style & Design Of The New Premier B01 Chronogaph
APPEARANCE
All six models flaunt a slimmer profile than the previous versions. The models come in a 42mm case. The brand made five variations with a stainless steel case, and another with an 18ct rose gold case, both featuring a fixed, smooth bezel. While the steel models feature new dial shades in blue, green, salmon and cream, the rose gold variant features a classic cream dial.
The dials are graced with applied Arabic numerals, syringe-style hands, the text ‘Chronograph Premier’ and two registers at 3 & 9 o’clock, respectively. They all come on a 7-row metal bracelet or a leather strap.
MOVEMENT
The 6 new Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph models stand true to Willy Breitling’s uncompromising watch standards. The self-winding Breitling Calibre 01 powers all six variants, providing maximum accuracy, functionality, and reliability. The industry highly regards this movement, certified to offer an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.
Other Specifications
- Case Thickness: 13.6mm
- Lume: Yes
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Winding: Automatic
OUR THOUGHTS
It’s not difficult to conclude that the new releases by Breitling have a league of their own. When it comes to prestige, precise technicality, watchmaking and heritage, Breitling well-knows how to own it all! These 6 new additions offer a dressier character than 2019’s sportier versions. Also, you’ll surely have difficulty choosing between classic black or elegant salmon. Or perhaps the blue is too irresistible!