The Premier collection, born in 1943 from a happy intuition of Willy Breitling, grandson of the founder, was for years the flagship of the brand's production, bringing together the best in technology such as the Duograph split-seconds chronographs, or the Datora calendar chronographs.
A line that combined elegant design, precious materials such as gold or stainless steel, at that time still much sought after by the war industry. After years of success, it ran out of steam and the brand turned towards a more sporty identity, specialising in diver and pilot's watches.
After the relaunch in 2021, the brand is back on the theme by introducing a new case diameter, increasing from 40 to 42 mm, and new dial colours, without sacrificing its traditional style. The Premier chronograph thus becomes more versatile for the brand's target audience, fully respecting the philosophy of the first models launched 80 years ago.
Animating them is the IWC-manufactured 01 calibre, the pillar on which almost all Breitling chronographs are based, enriched with a date function.
Five new references in steel and one in rose gold, for a total of twelve combinations if one considers the possibility of choosing a bracelet in the same material as the case and an alligator strap. Dark green, blue, black, salmon and cream are the colours of the steel versions while for the gold versions only the cream dial is available, at least for the time being. These are classic tones that immediately recall the elegance of the past with the exception of green, which has only been popular for a few years, but is perfectly suited to the character of the Premier.
The 42 mm-diameter case has the same lines as the previous models, themselves derived from the historical examples, with the three horizontal grooves on the case middle giving a modern touch. The rectangular buttons, on the other hand, are faithful to the style of the origins, as are most of the design and graphics.
The Arabic numeral indices and the logo with the cursive B are applied, the hands have the unmistakable 'syringe' shape, and the chrono seconds hand has a ring counterweight, like the Duographs of the 1940s.
Pricesfrom 8,600 to 38,500 euro.
