Most vintage collectors would agree that when they hear the name 'Breitling', the model that springs to mind is the Navitimer, arguably the quintessential pilot’s chronograph and navigational tool.
But the Navitimer owes its success to the inroads made by its predecessor, the Chronomat. Where the later Navitimers were produced in 42mm, the original Chronomat was built around a sleek 37mm steel case, making it infinitely more comfortable and discreet on the wrist.
This contemporary Chronomat, however, is anything but discreet.
It belongs to Breitling's South Sea Capsule, a collection created to look right at home amongst palm trees, crystal blue waters and fruity cocktails garnished with tiny umbrellas being served at a top-tier luxury resort in the Pacific. This example, a Reference A10380-611C1P1, features a 36mm stainless steel case with a signed crown, sapphire crystal and an eye-catching, gem-set bezel.
The luminous, lacquered blue dial features applied rose gold tone indices accompanied by diamond settings, a matching rose gold handset, a minute track printed along the rehaut and a date window at 6 o’clock. This piece has been upgraded from the stock model and comes paired with Breitlings 90s-cool bullet-style stainless steel bracelet deployant clasp - we dig!
Powered by the self-winding, COSC-certified Breilting Calibre 10, this example remains in outstanding condition throughout, offers a marvelous case and dial, and gives an otherwise steady midsize Breitling Chronomat an absolute vibe!