The new Breitling Chronospace Military chronograph Replica wrist watch delivers the usual combination of a high-grade SuperQuartz mechanism, a highly legible dial with the signature analog-digital display and packs it all in a blacked-out steel body. What this timekeeper clearly lacks is innovation. All things considered, this new iteration of the legendary chronograph with its extremely legible analog-digital display brings to the table a timekeeper that looks like an ultimate tactical watch for ahem an office manager.
On the other hand, for innovation Breitling has its super-high-tech Breitling Emergency II model, while the rest of the pack is being carefully guarded from anything new.
The Swiss made fake Breitling Chronospace Military watch also features the usual for the series bi-directional bezel with compass scale and scalloped notches that make manipulating the part quite comfortable even in heavy gloves. The usual pair of NVG-compatible LCD displays (well, it is actually a single display, which is visible through a couple of horizontal apertures) is also here, as are the trademark Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock.
As you can see, the gadget comes in an XXL-sized body. Crafted from carbonized black steel, the case houses their well-known Caliber 78 SuperQuartz movement that is based on the well-known ETA Thermoline E20.341 thermocompensated movement, which is known for its extremely high accuracy: it is allowed to lose or gain just 1/10th of a time usually allocated to a normal quartz caliber, which is usually more susceptible to variations in temperature.
The brutal fabric strap, which is available not only in anthracite, but also in khaki color, gives the timekeeper an even more rugged appearance: something that we expect from a tactical timepiece.
As always, the dial is highly legible and the list of functions is limited to just a few features that include an alarm, a countdown timer, a dual time zone display (UC) and, of course, a chronograph with split times.
Rated for the same 50 meters of water resistance as previous variations, the Chronospace Military is only good for swimming and not much else: something that you don’t really expect from a “military” watch. Frankly, I don’t grasp the reasoning behind the decision to use such a “light” design: even a lot less expensive Tissot T-Race is rated for a lot more appealing 100 meters of water-tightness. Same goes for the last year’s Breitling Aerospace Evo model.However, what really disappoints here is that in fact the timekeeper is not as rugged as it looks.
Well, perhaps, the reason is that originally the Chronospace was marketed as a pilot’s watch (hence the much-touted compatibility of its LCD display with night vision goggles), and pilots don’t dive a lot these days while in the line of duty.
Still, if you are not a member of government-funded organization, prefer business dress to military uniform, and have a Breitling SuperOcean 1500M (or Omega Seamaster 600M) for you underwater adventures, this new version of Chronospace might be a very nice accessory.
See also: Breitling Chronospace Jet Team limited edition chronograph
Photos: Breitling
WWR preliminary verdict
Originality 4/5
Build quality: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Breitling Chronospace Military SuperQuartz watch specification
Price: €5300 (ref. M7836622.BD39.100W.M20BASA.1, MSRP)
Movement: Quartz, Breitling Caliber 78 (base ETA Thermoline E20.341), Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph, alarm, UTC dual time
Case material: Black steel
Bezel material: Matches case
Crown material: Matches case
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 46.00 mm
Case height: No data
Lug width: No data
Dial: Black Volcano
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Black, luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Anthracite or khaki-colored fabric strap / Black Ocean Classic steel mesh bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides, cambered
Case back: Solid
However, this particular variety looks more like a cool Breitling replica watch for a Navy SEAL and these guys spend quite a lot of their time under water.