Well here it is. The Breitling Caliber B01. The people at Breitling describe the B01 as "the ultimate chronograph" and, if you listen to the buzz, they may indeed be right.



One of the most significant facts about this latest Breitling model is that it is its first in-house manufacture movement timepiece. In other words, there is nothing "off the shelf" about the workings of this watch: it is all Breitling.

The new movement has a vertical-trigger mechanism, a column wheel, and an impressive power reserve of more than seventy hours that ensures that the watch movement keeps a regular rate. The wristwatch also has a special mechanism for auto-centering of the reset hammers as well as an index regulating system, which allows the timepieces' timing to be customized to the particular watch wearer.

The B01 has chronograph movement that is completely integrated with a vertical clutch, similar to other outstanding self-winding chronograph movements like the Rolex 4130 and the Frederic Piguet 1185. Hard core lovers of chronograph wristwatches will be thrilled that the B01'employs a column-wheel as some of its rival top shelf chronographs do.

Breitling's B01 is already gaining a reputation for accuracy, reliability, sturdiness and efficiency. It was built to maximize both functionality and safety while in use. But Breitling also gave the watch more than a few innovative features that increase its easiness to manufacture and use. The B01's clever architecture also gives it major advantages with regard to maintenance of the watch.

The original construction of the B101 is far from the only thing that makes it unique. In designing its fists ever "proprietary chronograph movement", Breitling did so quite unusually. Their rather avant-garde concept has to some degree been borrowed from similar high-tech industries; it is essentially a new sort of production line that maintains artistic integrity. Every movement is perfectly tracked by high tech computer software that instantly transmits it to the proper station following a path wherein automated stations alternate with stations that require manual intervention. Every adjustment phase is integrated into the complex process so that every watch that comes off the production line is fully prepared to be scrutinized and tested by the extraordinarily stringent COSC. This process is ultimately responsible delivering Breitling's famous reliability to a mass audience.

With all these advances in design and manufacturing, folks at Breitling are claiming that the Caliber B01 marks the high point of its 125-year history, with specific regard to its pursuit for high performance as well as appealing aesthetics. Moreover, the chronograph also gives Breitling a toe hold into the extremely exclusive club of watchmakers that have created their own in-house mechanical chronograph movement.