Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40
About This Watch
The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 combines the sporty aesthetic of the Chronomat collection with the practical dual-time-zone functionality that frequent travelers demand. The 24-hour bezel with rider tabs allows the wearer to track a second time zone by aligning the bezel with the GMT hand, while the distinctive Chronomat design language keeps the watch looking sharp and modern. At 40mm, this is the most wearable size in the Chronomat range, sitting comfortably between the compact 36mm and the larger 42mm chronograph. The Breitling 32 caliber provides accurate GMT functionality with COSC certification and 42 hours of power reserve. With 200 meters of water resistance, it is one of the most water-resistant GMT watches available, making it a genuine all-rounder for active lifestyles. The Rouleaux bracelet with micro-adjustment ensures a perfect fit throughout the day as wrist sizes change with temperature and activity. The GMT complication is displayed via a separate hand with a distinctive orange tip, providing easy reading of the second time zone at a glance. For travelers seeking a robust, stylish GMT watch at a competitive price point, the Chronomat GMT 40 offers outstanding value in the luxury sports watch segment.
In-Depth Review
# Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40
A Swiss instrument designed for professionals who refuse to compromise, the Chronomat collection has long represented Breitling's commitment to robust, functional timepieces. The new 40mm Automatic GMT (reference A32398101B1A1) reaffirms this philosophy while addressing contemporary demands for wearability and practicality. Introduced in 2022, this model pairs the Breitling Caliber 32 automatic movement—rated for 42 hours of power reserve—with a unidirectional rotating bezel featuring rider tabs and a 24-hour scale, enabling reliable dual time-zone tracking. The 200-meter water resistance, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and stainless steel Rouleaux bracelet signal serious construction throughout, while the 40mm diameter and modest 11.7mm thickness ensure the watch sits comfortably on diverse wrists without overstatement.
This timepiece targets experienced collectors and professionals who travel frequently or work across multiple time zones. Pilots, maritime professionals, and executives seeking a credible alternative to contemporary sports watches will find the Chronomat's no-nonsense design and proven heritage appealing. The GMT complication delivers practical utility rather than redundancy, solving genuine scheduling problems rather than serving as visual ornamentation.
At its MSRP of $5,250, the Chronomat occupies intermediate luxury territory—above mainstream sports watches but below haute horlogerie pricing. Direct competitors include the Rolex GMT-Master II (approximately $10,000 on the secondary market) and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT ($6,400 retail), both excellent choices. However, the Breitling currently trades around $3,800 on the secondary market, offering substantially better value while delivering
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Breitling 32 |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 25 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 11.7mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating, rider tabs, 24-hour scale |
| Dial Color | Black |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 46.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 200m / 656ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel Rouleaux bracelet |
| Clasp | Folding clasp with micro-adjust |
| Weight | 155g |
| Complications |