Breitling has expanded their Transocean Chronograph line, with the introduction of a GMT version into the range. The new Breitling Transocean Chronograph GMT makes for a practical and no-nonsense addition to this range of vintage inspired watches. The Transocean has been a successful line for Breitling, offering their well known name on watches that exhibit a more classic styling that is reminiscent of their Top Time models from the 1960’s. You can see aBlogtoWatch hands-on review of the Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT with the same movement here.
The Transocean Chronograph GMT will be available in either steel or red gold and will measure 43mm wide. Buyers will have their choice of a white or black guilloche dial, but the entire production will be limited to 2000 units in steel and just 200 units in red gold. So, while the case size remains the same as the standard Transocean Chronograph, the limited edition GMT gets an upgraded dial along with its GMT functionality.
The Transocean Chrono GMT is powered by the Breitling B04 in-house COSC movement, offering 70+ hours of power reserve for timekeeping, the chronograph, GMT, and a date display at 4:30. The movement can be viewed via a display case back and the chronograph offers a maximum reading of 12 hours with increment displays of 30 minutes and 1/4th seconds on the central chronograph seconds hand. Local time is adjusted via the crown and the B04 features a jumping hour and date function, a crucial feature for a true GMT watch which makes it simple to update your local time without affecting the position of the minute hand. Generally speaking, I don’t care for much of Breitling’s sport watches as they are often quite large and generally employ a bevy of flashy polished surfaces. That said, I do like the Transocean line and this Chronograph GMT is no exception. The added detail of the guilloche dial and the pop of color from the lovely GMT hand are welcome additions to what was already a rather classic and attractive design.
If you’re going for the steel version, be sure to get the optional steel mesh bracelet, not only is it very comfortable (I’ve experienced a similar bracelet on the Superocean Heritage 42), but it also completes the rather vintage vibe of the Transocean Chronograph GMT design. Some of my favorite Breitling design elements were born during the era of the Top Time chronograph, from the almost dressy case and lug design, to the piston pushers and sporty dial layout which they are still using today in many watches, including the Transocean Chronograph GMT. The steel version can be had on a leather strap or the steel mesh bracelet for $8950 USD, while the gold version will set you back $23,750 USD, fitted to a crocodile leather strap. With in-house movements, limited production, and a truly useful set of complications, we think that Breitling has done well to expand the Transocean line to include this new GMT model. breitling.com