The exclusive collaboration flaunts chic colourways inspired by Beckham’s Spring/Summer 2023 runway collection
Breitling is many things to many people: a proponent of aviation tool watches, a flag-bearer of extreme adventure timepieces, a resurgent retro-inspired marque, among others. Now, it can add a purveyor of posh indulgences to its credentials with this new collaboration with Victoria Beckham.
Chic and colourful, the watches are manifested in the Chronomat Automatic 36 range. Introduced in 1945, revived in the 1980s, and recently revamped in 2020, the Chronomat (the name combines the words ‘chronograph’ and ‘automatic’) is recognised by its protruding rider tabs on the bezel and distinctive ‘Rouleaux’ bracelet made of smooth, tubular links.
With the Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham collection, however, the watches’ testosterone-infused design is replaced by a fierce feminine allure. The line’s famous rider tabs feature is still there, though downsized and recessed to fit the 36mm case, while the chronograph feature makes way for a simple time-and-date-only display.
That is not to say that this is a pared down version of the Chronomat. The Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham variants are enlivened by striking dial colours—take your pick from peppermint green to royal blue, inspired by Beckham’s Spring/ Summer 2024 runway looks—paired with elegant steel or regal yellow gold cases and bracelets. On the other hand, we appreciate how the Victoria Beckham brand is decidedly more subtle. A tiny ‘VB’ logo appearing at the end of the second hand and the bracelet’s clasp get the job done, allowing the colours and Breitling’s horological spirit to shine.
“It has been wonderful watching Breitling’s craftsmanship and innovation come together with my ideas to create something so elegant and fresh,” says Beckham.
Like its forebears that were fitted with Breitling’s in-house movements, the Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham, which is limited to 1,500 pieces, also boasts solid mechanical credentials. The watches are powered by Breitling’s automatic Calibre 01 movement with 42-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 100m, ensuring unfaltering performance from within.
