Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
About This Watch
The Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 represents Breitling's most refined collection, a line that traces its lineage to the original Breitling Premier of the 1940s — a time when Willy Breitling created elegant chronographs designed for the wrist rather than the cockpit. The modern Premier continues this tradition of sophisticated chronograph making, with a polished fixed bezel, refined case proportions, and a dial design that prioritizes elegance over sportiness. The pistachio green dial is particularly striking, offering a warm, natural tone that pairs beautifully with the brown alligator leather strap. Inside beats the B01 manufacture chronograph movement, providing the same 70-hour power reserve and column-wheel precision found in the sportier Navitimer and Chronomat. But here, the focus is on dress-chronograph refinement — thinner pushers, a more delicate case profile, and polished surfaces that catch the light. At 42mm, the Premier B01 wears comfortably with both business attire and smart casual outfits. The pistachio green variant has proven especially popular among collectors seeking something distinctive yet wearable. The Premier collection often flies under the radar compared to the Navitimer, but for those who appreciate understated luxury, it is arguably Breitling's most compelling offering.
In-Depth Review
# Editorial: The Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling's resurgence as an independent manufacture has crystallized around its in-house B01 movement, and the Premier collection stands as the most elegant expression of this achievement. The 42mm stainless steel case houses a potent chronograph caliber that delivers a generous 70-hour power reserve—a specification that remains genuinely impressive in the contemporary market. The pistachio green dial is the watch's defining aesthetic choice, a color that occupies the precise intersection between vintage homage and contemporary taste, avoiding both retro pastiche and overwrought modernism. Paired with a brown alligator leather strap, the Premier B01 projects measured sophistication rather than sporty aggression, a positioning that reflects Breitling's own evolution beyond pure tool-watch territory.
The Premier B01 appeals to collectors who have graduated beyond their first mechanical watch but resist the obvious prestige plays of heritage Swiss houses. Its 100-meter water resistance and robust stainless steel construction provide genuine functionality without pretense, while the in-house movement represents a meaningful investment in manufacturing independence. This watch suits the professional who values mechanical horology without the theatrical complications of annual calendars or perpetual moonphase displays.
At current market prices hovering around $5,800—substantially below the $8,850 MSRP—the Premier B01 offers compelling positioning against competitors like Omega's Speedmaster Professional and Tudor's Black Bay Chrono. Where the Omega trades on NASA heritage and the Tudor emphasizes vintage lineage, Breitling's offering emphasizes present-day manufacturing prowess and restrained design maturity.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Breitling B01 |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 47 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 42.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 14.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Bezel | Fixed, polished |
| Dial Color | Pistachio green |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 49.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Brown alligator leather strap |
| Clasp | Folding clasp |
| Weight | 95g |
| Complications |