Breitling Chronomat B01 is going to be the “main character” in this article today. That’s a fabulous watch I decided to review due to its high accuracy, perfect functionality, and impressive water resistance profile. I’m going to go through all the aspects of the genuine model, then compare it to the replica version we have in our stock. It’s always a pleasure to review impressive timepieces and Breitling is specifically the brand that makes it like no other.
Basic specifications of the genuine Breitling B01 Chronomat
The brand came up with the concept to build an all-purpose sports timepiece to serve in different environments and situations. That’s exactly how the B01 Chronomat collection appeared in its portfolio. To be honest, each time I think of a sports watch, I picture a bold, severe, and somewhat chunky watch, in which technical functionalities prevail over accurate aesthetics. But, not with Breitling. This brand has such a specific design taste, that even the sportiest of its timepieces looks impressively elegant and gorgeous. That’s exactly what I can say about the Chronomat B01 line.
Needless to mention that the collection runs on an in-house COSC movement; most (if not all) Breitling watches do. The inside mechanism comes with 47 jewels and provides about 70 hours of power reserve. Watches from this collection have slight differences from each other. To bring you a clear example, take, for instance, the 42mm and the 44mm Chronographs from the B01 collection.
The 44 mm version came up earlier than the slenderer 42mm version. Still, the latter version is 2 times “weaker” in its water resistance profile. That is to say that the earlier 44mm version is water resistant up to 600m, making it a phenomenal timepiece for crazies-loving deep-water diving. I would even say that the 44 mm B01 watch is “too” water-resistant for most of us that never dive deeper than about 50 meters.
One fact is certain: the 44mm version is more than perfect for watch enthusiasts looking for extreme water adventures. In contrast, customers who are somewhat ignorant of activities like scuba diving or board diving will be happy enough with the 42mm version, which provides 200 meters of water resistance. If you are curious to know what else sets these two versions apart, here is what you have to know…
Comparing the 44mm and the 42mm B01 Chronomat Watches
Aside from the water resistance profile, these two models have some aesthetic differences. One of them refers to the date window position.
For the 42mm model, you will find the date window at 6 o’clock, integrated within the 12-hour chronograph. On the other hand, the 44mm version has it between the 4 and 5-hour markers. It is separate from the chronograph and the aperture also shows the day of the month.
The brand designers also had a different approach for the crown of the two models. While the 44 version has a narrower crown sweeping upwards at the pushers, the 42mm option comes with a wider crown extending to the chronograph pushers. In addition, the 42 model crown design is more tapered, while the 44mm version is more curvaceous.
The bezels and the dials also come with minor differences. Though, a trained eye will always spot them easily. For instance, the hands of the 42mm option are far more slender than in the 44mm version. In addition, the bezel’s luminous dot at the start position is larger in the 44mm model than in the 42mm model. The bracelet also differs from each other. While the 44 model comes with a vertical staggered link design with a folding buckle, the other version comes with a Rouleaux bracelet type. This means that bracelet links alternate between vertical and round horizontal links. The 42 mm version bracelet looks far from unconventional and compelling. Still, the design of 44mm the dial and bezel seems more attractive to me.
Ultimate difference
Ironic or not, the most favorite difference between these two models is the case back. I’ve been reading several comments on forums and concluded that watch enthusiasts do embrace the overall design of both watches. Still, the caseback is what impresses them the most. Unlike the 44mm model, the 42mm one comes with a transparent sapphire caseback. So, the 44mm keeps the beauty of the inner mechanism “away from the prying eyes” because of its solid caseback. And that’s a pity because such a beautiful mechanism would be exposed for contemplation and delight.
In contrast, the 42mm option offers the chance to observe the watch in action and the hypnotic activity of the mechanical inside movements.
On the whole, it’s hard to say which one of the two models is better. It all depends on personal taste and necessitates. If a reliable water resistance profile is the number one priority, then the 44mm option is arguably the right way to go. Contrariwise, the 42mm option is a great solution for those who don’t necessarily need a professional diver on the wrist.
Either way, both of them are extremely versatile timepieces that look spectacularly fashionable whether you wear a tuxedo, a casual black jacket, or a wetsuit on the beach. The estimated price for these genuine beauties is around 6,500 USD. Their replica versions are way more affordable, obviously. Let’s see now what these represent.
Breitling Chronomat B01 replica watches
Switching from genuine to replica models, I’m happy to announce that the collection of B01 imitations is as wide as the authentic one. At least, in our AAAReplica store. This line is available in stainless steel bracelets, leather straps, and rubber bands as well. In addition, we got them in these movement versions: quartz and Swiss mechanism.
If you are curious about the prices, know that the quartz option is significantly more affordable than the Swiss movement versions. And that’s available not only for our store but all the replica stores as well.
On the whole…
All B01 replica watches look pretty good at first sight. They feel pretty heavy, almost identical to genuine models, and that speaks about the good quality of the stainless steel. As for the proportions, I think there is a slight difference between the genuine and the replica versions. For example, when comparing the CB0110 reference model of the B01 imitation, I noticed that the diameter is not 44mm as the authentic model, but it’s 43,5mm. While the difference is not critical, I can’t hide it from you.
Speaking about the CB0110 reference citation, I like the compactness of the bracelet links. They feel securely tightened between each other. What I don’t like in this imitation is the gold coating. Looking carefully at the gold-coated surfaces, I can spot a certain lack of homogeneity. These mostly are noticeable between the bracelet links and aren’t visible to the naked eye. I’m afraid that this un-homogenous application of the gold layer will soon lead to its fading. So, even if the overall aesthetic design is pretty close to the genuine model, I would probably abstain from getting this model particularly. The gold coating “issue” is a problem for me.
Breitling Chronomat B01 AB0136161C1A1 replica watch
Sadly, I didn’t remain utterly satisfied with the CB0110 imitation, so I took the AB0136161C1A1 for review. The first thing to notice is the impeccable Rouleaux bracelet. The vertical and horizontal rolling links are made with extreme accuracy. The diameter of the watch face is 44mm, just like the genuine version. I must say that the blue font of the dial is very close to the genuine model. The only difference is that it has a more pronounced ”matte” effect in comparison to the original B01 44mm.
The finish of the case generates a pleasant feeling. I keep touching all the edges and the corners of the watch to detect any unusual scratch-like feeling, but I can’t get any. Considering the price of the imitation, it’s probably made of 316l stainless steel. The 904l version would be much pricier.
The good part of the story is that this particular model is that it doesn’t have any gold coating on it. I usually embrace gold imitations, but this time, I’m not sure that the replica manufacturers have applied it reliably. So, you better avoid Breitling Chronomat imitations with gold coatings. This AB0136161C1A1 comes in pure stainless steel and there is a high chance that its good-looking aspect will last much longer.
Bottom line
I find Chronomat B01 as an impressive collection of sports watches. Generally speaking, Breitling has always offered me a feeling of power, dynamism, and superiority through its watches. When someone is wearing a Breitling, he stands out from the crowd by default.
Speaking about B01 imitations’ downsides, I can conclude that it’s not worth getting an imitation that features any gold surfaces. I’m afraid the layers aren’t thick enough to provide a long durability. In addition, some of the models don’t have the exact diameter as the genuine does. If it’s to choose between a quartz and an automatic mechanism, I would recommend the quartz version.
If focusing on the advantages, I must say that the pure stainless steel options are truly worth considering. These look accurate and work reliably. I have spotted no critical design errors in them.