Talking Hands: The new Breitling Transocean Chronograph
By The Prodigal Fool, published on 14 February 2011
It’s Valentine’s Day, folks. And you find us on this fine morning just a little bit smitten.
The object of our affection? Why the Big B of course. Breitling really is on a roll at the moment. Just a couple of months since you caught us drooling all over the new Navitimer Calibre 01, we’ve now had a chance to sample one of the very first limited-edition Transocean Chronographs to hit the retail network.
The Transocean is a return to the traditional, sportswatch design that made Breitling so succesful in the 50s and 60s. As we’ve now come to expect from the brand, it’s powered by the inhouse Caliber B01 movement – first seen in the Chronomat, then the Navitmer – and has an exhibition back.
Thanks to our friends at Slaets, The Prodigal Fool and Straight-Six were able to spend some time with one of these beauties over the weekend and – uncharacteristically – they had the presence of mind to hit the record button on the iPhone so that you could join them too.
As you’ll hear, we were really impressed with this thing in the metal. It’s simply a gorgeous looking watch. The bad news is that Breitling is making just 2,000 of the steel model and 200 of the rose gold. The good news is that it plans to put the watch into full-scale production thereafter – albeit without the exhibition back.
So, what are you waiting for? Hit that play button and enjoy the latest episode of Talking Hands.
Slaets, De Keyserlei 42 & 46-48 / Schuttershofstraat 30 bis, Antwerp, Belgium
Talking Hands: The new Breitling Transocean Chronograph
Thanks to our friends at Slaets, The Prodigal Fool and Straight-Six were able to spend some time with one of the brand new, limited edition Breitling Transocean Chronographs over the weekend and – uncharacteristically – they had the presence of mind to hit the record button on the iPhone so that you could join them too.
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12 Responses to “Talking Hands: The new Breitling Transocean Chronograph”
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Granted, there are similarities with the Speedmaster. But since the Speedy is such a classic design, that’s no bad thing.
And, lest we forget, if it’s classic chronograph design heritage you’re after, Breitling has form with the original Navitimer – arguably just as entitled to the title of ‘iconic 50s chrono’ as the Speedmaster.
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Ivan Y
14 February 2011
Mr. Fool, I’m absolutely appalled at the fact you & Mr. Six didn’t manage to sneak in a flask of something 80-100 proof to liven up the discussion. How are you going to earn a sponsorship for TalkingHands now
Anyway, the watch is fine – on leather (have a strong dislike of rice bracelets). I’m very, very happy that Breitling is moving towards saner designs instead of hulking blingy pieces. Don’t know how I feel about the price though…
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Actually, Ivan, we did manage to smuggle in a huge amount of alcohol: in our blood streams! Trust me on this, there was a lot of booze in that room; it’s just that it was already inside us from the night before.
I’m normally with you on on the rice bead bracelets but this one seems to really suit the watch. Admittedly, if I was buying, I’d go for leather.
The only thing to say about the price is that I would assume the full-scale production model to be a couple of thousand less. We’ll see in due course…
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El Guapo
19 February 2011
Your hands do look a bit hungover….
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Don’t they!? That red, bloated, sausage fingers look: the unmistakeable, tell-tale sign of alcohol abuse.
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Frank T
16 February 2011
I continue to be more interested in the watches on your wrists.
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In that case, I think you’ll enjoy an upcoming episode of Talking Hands that we have already filmed. Stay tuned…
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Gorgeous Breitling Transocean limited edition
16 February 2011
[...] 01, starting with the Breitling Navitimer Calibre 01. After seeing the Talking Hands video on The Prodigal Guide and seeing some live photos at Hodinkee I just need to say I really like this [...]
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I’ve been dreaming about this type of technology for a long time. It’s finally here and it’s awesome!
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Jack
7 March 2011
The breitling is a nice peice, but the real star here is straight-six’s sub on the black NATO.
Man what a watch!
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Straight-Six
7 March 2011
Am I, a straight man with children, allowed to tell you that I love you from the bottom of my heart?!
Thanks, Jack, and you can come back anytime.
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Belligero
14 February 2011
Why is Omega doing another limited edition Speedmaster… oh wait, that’s a Breitling? That actually looks wearable – it’s the most reserved-looking watch I’ve seen from them in quite some time.
I notice that many commercial pilots these days are wearing some variation of an ana-digi quartz like a Citizen Skyhawk, but I also know a few pilots and pilot wannabes who bust out the bling (Breitling) at the bar after-hours.