Breitling Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo Watch Review
Coinciding with its 140th year, Breitling, the Grenchen-based firm, unveils two new Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo signature models, one in steel and the other in 18K red gold chronograph. Both models feature COSC-certified movements and are available on Rouleaux bracelets or, in the case of the gold model, a new Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap. US-based Meehna Goldsmith talks about the NBA basketball star and shares her observations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
If you’re an NBA basketball fan, then the name Giannis Antetokounmpo will be familiar. One of the most decorated players of all time, this Milwaukee Bucks power forward’s stats rival those of legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James. When you look at Antetokounmpo’s life, it’s a bit of a Cinderella story. He was born and raised in Athens, Greece to poor immigrant Nigerian parents. In the streets of the city, Antetokounmpo picked up the game of basketball and immediately became a standout among the youth teams. On October 13, 2013, he made his NBA debut as one of the youngest players ever at just 18 years of age. For his speed, agility, strength and country of origin he earned the nickname ‘Greek Freak’.
Breitling x Giannis Antetokounmpo
To honour Antetokounmpo, both off and on the court, Breitling has entered into a partnership with the NBA star, creating the Breitling Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Giannis has an incredible personal style and sense of self that we knew we had to capture in a timepiece,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “And so, our longstanding ambassador became a collaborator who not only brought his aesthetic to the project, but also his indominable spirit.”
Breitling Chronomat Frecce Tricolori (1983)
The Chronomat has an interesting history. Back in the early 1980s when Ernest Schneider was at the helm of Breitling, he learned that the Italian Frecce Tricolori Jet Team was looking for a new chronograph for its pilots. Instead of adapting an existing model, Schneider went back to the drawing board to create something entirely new and special.
Schneider met with the Italian Jet Team and discovered that some watch crystals broke when pilots knocked them against the hard metal frame of the aircraft’s canopy when exiting. He came up with an ingenious solution of slightly recessing the crystal in the bezel and protecting it with four ‘rider tabs’. In addition to protecting the glass, the tabs were also functional, marking every quarter of an hour (0, 15, 30 and 45). These tabs would become a signature element of the Chronomat.
After presenting the watch to the Italian Jet Team in 1983, the chronograph ‘Frecce Tricolori’ became a hit for its robust performance and legibility. As 1984 would mark the 100th anniversary of Breitling’s founding, Schneider decided to put the mechanical chronograph back on centre stage. Using the ‘Frecce Tricolori’ as the foundation, the Chronomat was born: the name a combination of chronograph and automatic. Since its introduction, the Chronomat has been a popular offering in the Breitling lineup.
Breitling Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo – two models
The Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo signature watches come in two variations: a 40 mm steel Chronomat GMT and a 42 mm gold Chronomat B01 chronograph, with 42 hours and 70 hours of power reserve, respectively. The chronograph comes in a classic tri-compax configuration with pushers located at 2 and 4 o’clock to start, stop and reset the timing mechanism. It also incorporates a column wheel and vertical clutch arrangement. Both models are COSC certified, keeping the trains running precisely.
Each model sports details specific to the NBA star player. You’ll notice the ‘GA’ initials on the centre seconds hand and the basketball emblem worked into the chronograph counter at 9 o’clock. Even the shade of the dial resembles the Good Land green of his team. In addition, Antetokounmpo’s signature appears on the GMT’s caseback, while the chrono affords a view of the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement and its golden rotor. Both renditions are limited, with 1750 for the GMT and 250 for the chronograph. As a special treat, these limited edition models come packaged with a note from the ‘Greek Freak’ himself.
Breitling Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo – One of One
For the ‘Greek Freak’ personally, Breitling has created a ‘One of One’ piece of the Chronomat B01. This model features Arabic numerals in gold and a white inner bezel with white contrasting chronograph counters set against a green dial.
New Breitling Rouleaux-inspired strap
Along with these Antetokounmpo models, Breitling has also introduced a new Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap for the Chronomat B01 range as an alternative to the classic metal bracelet. The Antetokounmpo Chrono is offered with a choice of green rubber Rouleaux strap or 18k red gold bracelet. Another nice detail is the updated butterfly folding clasp.
Breitling Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo – closing remarks
With the Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo, Breitling adds two new and very handsome models to its product portfolio. These limited-edition timepieces capture the energy and personality of this star player while highlighting the Manufacture’s aesthetic prowess and technical capabilities.
Further reading
Technical Specifications
- Model: Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Reference: A32398A11L1A1
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 40 mm, height 11.7 mm, water resistant to 20 bar (20 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date, second time zone
- Movement: Caliber Breitling 32, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve approximately 42 hours.
- Strap: stainless steel Rouleaux bracelet with butterfly clasp
- Price: £4,950 on bracelet (as of 4.6.2024)
- Limited Edition: 1750 pieces
- Model: Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Reference: RB01344A1L1R1 or RB01344A1L1S1
- Case: 18K red gold, diameter 42 mm, height 15.10 mm, water resistant to 20 bar (200 metres); sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph.
- Movement: Caliber Breitling 01 (Manufacture), self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 45 jewels, power reserve approximately 70 hours.
- Strap: Green Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap (22/20 mm) with 18K red gold folding clasp or 18 k red gold Rouleaux
- bracelet with butterfly clasp
- Price: £18,900 on rubber strap (as of 4.6.2024) / £34,900 on 18K bracelet (as of 4.6.2024)
- Limited Edition: 250 pieces
