Apart from the classic pilot and dive replica watch, the new Premier series is quite different but still retains all the unique Breitling features. We also reviewed the flagship models of this new series and provided the original Olaf Koster photos.
In contrast to the meter track around the Breitling Navitimer 1 dial or Chronomat’s structure of one-way rotating rings, the watches in Breitling’s new Premier series feature a low-key style. But if we look back, we can clearly see them as Breitling replica watches. Today, most people who chose the Breitling watches weren’t even born when it was introduced in the 1940s. In times of turbulence and new beginnings, the watch’s primary route is designed to convey reliability, value, and a sense of elegance. These advantages are also very welcome today, giving us a chance to get away from this fast-paced world and enjoy a little peace.
Our test watch, the Premier B01 Chronograph 42, is the flagship of the new collection. Its name makes it completely clear that it is decorated with Breitling manufacture movement 01, available with either a silver or blue dial with black counters. A particular Bentley version is available with a British racing green dial and the Bentley Centenary Limited Edition is also available with a brown dial and a red-gold case.
When it comes to the date, on the Premier B01 Chronograph 42, it is easily legible at its location at 6 o’clock. Its prominent position is possible because by reducing the display with a timed movement of 01, it omits the 12-hour counter and allows the date offset position to move between 4 and 5 to a straight up and down position at 6. The two black subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock present a charming and readable “panda” face on a white background.
Powering down is no problem with this replica Breitling manufacture movement. With its power reserve of 70 hours, the timepiece can easily be taken off the wrist and set aside for an extended “time out” without any worry of its stopping, particularly since the rate results are shown to be stable despite gradually falling amplitudes. The same is true for the operation of the chronograph. The timepiece runs at an average rate of +2.4 seconds per day with amplitudes around 265 degrees. In any case, it offers chronometer quality, which has long been the standard for all Breitling clocks.
But the Premier B01 chronograph showed that the Breitling’s instrumental nature was very famous — and not just the chronometer. The center-mounted stopwatch hand had a red tip that circled a subtle but clear tachymeter track, which was expertly printed on a black dial flange ring that slid over the top of the second track, divided into thirds to reflect the 4-hertz aperture 01 automatic movement rhythm.