Breitling looks to NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the assist with new Chronomat Limited Editions
Zach Blass- Breitling launches two Chronomat watches in collaboration with two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- The models all have Giannis’ initials on the counterbalance of the second hand and a green dial inspired by his team colours.
- The steel Chronomat Automatic GMT is limited to 1,750 pieces and the red gold Chronograph model is limited to 250 pieces.
Many brands have celebrity ambassadors, but Breitling appears to be looking to get as much mileage out of its Breitling Squad as it can. Not long ago, we saw Breitling enlist Victoria Beckham to help design a range of chic Chronomat watches that would pair well with her latest fashion line. Now the brand has turned to two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo for a new limited-edition duo of Breitling Chronomat watches.
Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo
The more accessible model of the pair, both in production quantity and pricing, takes the form of a stainless steel Chronomat Automatic GMT. Its ETA base movement may not be the most glamorous, with its 42-hour COSC-certified Breitling calibre 32 hidden beneath a specially engraved solid and screwed-down caseback. But it does result in a well-proportioned watch, measuring in at 4omm in diameter, 11.7mm thick, and 47.4mm lug-to-lug. The screw-down crown-secured Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo does not carry overt branding on its dial. Like the Victoria Beckham limited editions, the only tell from the front side of the watch that a collaborator is involved is the counterweight of the central seconds hand which bears the initials “GA”.
| Brand | Breitling |
| Model | Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokonumpo |
| Reference | A32398A11L1A1 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.77mm (T) X 47.4mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Green |
| Strap | Stainless steel Rouleaux bracelet with butterfly clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 32, ETA 2893-2 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Limited to 1,750 pieces |
| Price | US$6,150 |
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokonumpo
The Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokonumpo also utilises a green dial in homage to Antetokonumpo’s Milwaukee Bucks and has his initials on the central chronograph seconds hand. But it drives the basketball theme further with a motif of a basketball embedded within the running seconds counter at the 9 o’clock position. Tucked within the 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock, a white-on-black date complication seamlessly and symmetrically blends into the dial. This is something I would have liked to see on the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40, but that would have been far more challenging to execute in white-on-dial-matching-green. As a more premium offering, there are two 18k red gold references to choose between for this limited edition of 250 pieces. You can elect to go full-on gold with a case-matching Rouleaux bracelet, or you can keep things more casual with a green Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap and save US$19,500 in the process.
| Brand | Breitling |
| Model | Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokonumpo |
| Reference | RB01344A1L1R1 RB01344A1L1S1 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 15.1mm (T) X 50.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 18k red gold |
| Water Resistance | 200m (screw-down crown) |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback |
| Dial | Green w/ black counters |
| Strap | 18k red gold Rouleaux bracelet w/ butterfly clasp or green Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap w/ folding clasp |
| Movement | Calibre B01, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Limited to 250 pcs. |
| Price | US$23,000 (on rubber) US$42,500 (on bracelet) |