Today we have the pleasure of offering a rather different representative of Breitling's Professional series. It is no coincidence that the collection bears this name – ultra-robust, ultra-reliable and ultra-high-performance instruments designed for the most demanding professionals – and above all, for pilots. These are multifunction chronographs intended for carrying out various types of missions under the most challenging conditions.
The model was first introduced at Baselworld in 2010 and immediately became a highly sought-after and much-loved watch among enthusiasts of the brand. It offers numerous functions thanks to Breitling's exceptionally accurate movement – the thermocompensated SuperQuartz “Breitling 78”. This allows its owner to use functions such as a perpetual calendar, a chronograph accurate to 1/100th of a second, an alarm, countdown timer, second time zone and UTC indication.
At first glance, this watch resembles the older Breitling models, and this was most likely the effect the manufacturer intended to achieve. But if you take a closer look, you will notice two digital displays, oversized “9” and “3” numerals, and the generous use of luminous material on the hour markers and hands – all of which give the watch a contemporary and modern character. The analogue hands and digital displays create an interesting combination of classic pilot's watchmaking and modern electronic technology.
This particular model was launched in 2010 in a strictly limited edition of just 1,000 individually numbered pieces, commemorating the brand's partnership with the Breitling Jet Team – the famous civilian jet aerobatics team. The dial features the team's logo and its iconic aircraft, the Aero L-39 Albatros. The team operates seven such aircraft, performing exceptionally complex aerobatic manoeuvres and formations at speeds approaching 700 km/h. It is precisely this connection with aviation that makes the model particularly interesting to Breitling enthusiasts and collectors.
A substantial 48 mm stainless steel case, Breitling's elegant yet robust mesh bracelet, the so-called “Aero Classic”, and the bidirectional steel bezel with its deeply notched outer edge all convey the unmistakable impression of a serious and solid instrument. With its distinctive bezel and technical presence, the Chronospace stands out through its exceptional design, combined with all the qualities of an authentic pilot's instrument.
Thanks to its star-shaped structure, which makes it easy to operate even when wearing gloves, the bidirectional rotating bezel provides simple and precise control of Breitling's characteristic slide rule. This allows various calculations related to airborne navigation, including speed, time and distance – functions that have been an integral part of the brand's professional pilot's watches for decades.
The large hour markers and substantial hands are coated with luminous material, ensuring maximum legibility and visibility even in poor lighting conditions. The two digital LCD displays feature backlighting, further facilitating the use of the watch's numerous functions. The large central seconds hand terminates with the letter “B” from the Breitling logo at the opposite end from the indicating tip.
The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal “protects” all this technical sophistication from external influences, while its double anti-reflective coating allows the view to remain unobstructed. The case is water-resistant to 50 metres, while the special caseback construction with a resonance chamber amplifies the alarm's audible signals to 90 decibels – another interesting technical detail demonstrating Breitling's attention to functionality.
And, of course, the movement deserves special attention – the Breitling Calibre 78, a thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement certified as a chronometer by COSC. Thanks to this technology, it offers accuracy approximately ten times greater than that of an ordinary quartz movement. In addition to a chronograph measuring to 1/100th of a second with split-time functionality, the movement features a perpetual calendar, alarm, countdown timer, dual time zones, UTC and an end-of-life battery indicator – functions that make the Chronospace an exceptionally practical instrument.
The bracelet is Breitling's high-quality “Aero Classic” stainless steel mesh, which perfectly complements the overall appearance of the watch. Its tightly woven construction and substantial folding clasp create a feeling of security and quality, while the satin-brushed finish adds an extra touch of elegance to an otherwise distinctly professional design.
Overall, the Breitling Professional Chronospace Jet Team Limited Edition is an exceptionally interesting watch that combines the brand's aviation instrument heritage, modern technology and the rarity of a limited edition of just 1,000 pieces. This is not simply another Breitling – it is a watch created in honour of some of the world's most impressive pilots, and it is precisely this story that makes it even more desirable to true enthusiasts of the brand.
