The release of the newly petite Chronomat 28 signals Breitling's dedication to fashion and function, in the form of versatile sporty-chic watches for all occasions.

Whether you opt for a stainless-steel or mixed-metal duotone Rouleaux bracelet, Breitling's slimmest Chronomat yet is available with a variety of dial options, but all bear the signature raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks on the bezel.

The History of the Breitling Chronomat

In the early 1980s, Breitling learned that the Italian Frecce Tricolori Jet team was on the hunt for a dedicated mechanical chronograph watch for its pilots: one that was sturdy enough for the cockpit, but sleek enough for off-duty wear. To combat one of the prime occupational hazards facing jet pilots - the watch crystals often became damaged whilst opening and closing the canopy of the aircraft - Breitling provided a clever solution: recessing the crystal in the bezel and protecting it with four raised "rider tabs" at the 15-minute marks. Impressing the Frecce Tricolori with its design, the watches were commissioned, and soon went on to become a hit with not only the team, but amongst collectors. In 1984, Breitling launched the design publicly as the Chronomat. It's rider tabs, together with easy-grip "onion" crown and durable metal "Rouleaux" bracelet remain Chronomat signatures to this day.

The Slimmest Version of the Breitling Classic Yet

Refined and slender, the new Breitling Chronomat 28 is an elegant take on the '80's classic, but now available to a variety of sleek dial options, each made with sustainable and traceable lab-grown diamonds.

With possible options including stainless steel case with blue or pink mother of pearl dial with lab-grown diamond indexes, a stainless steel case with lab-grown diamond set bezel and black mother of pearl dial, and a two-tone stainless steel and 18ct rose gold version, all models feature a comfortable butterfly clasp. Sealing the deal across the range is its SuperQuartz™ Calibre 72 movement, certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

"The Chronomat is a Breitling classic, a watch that signals a spirit of adventure and a certain confidence for all occasions," says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. "Its versatile and all-purpose yet elegant, a true timepiece that looks great, wears well, and says style all at once."

The Origins Label

The new Chronomat 28 also bears Breitling's Origins label after the Swiss luxury watchmaker spent the last few years transitioning from mined to lab-grown diamonds. Taken together with the slender new form, the Chronomat 28 is a watch that's not jut about style and influence, but also integrity.

Watches bearing the Origins label feature precious materials traceable to producers who have been selected from their responsibility to their employees, the local community, and the environment. By March 2026, Breitling intends for all its products to carry this level of certainty regarding the traceability of source materials.

Visit Us In-Store to Discover the Breitling Chronomat

At Brufords, we are proud to be an Official Breitling Retailer. Our showroom situated in The Beacon, Eastbourne is the perfect environment to discover our range of Breitling Chronomat watches with one of our dedicated in-store watch specialists. For more information, or to book an appointment, contact us by telephone on 01323 725452 or by email to watches@brufords.com