Breitling Chrono Sextant Ref. B55047
Chronograph / Tool Watch · Breitling (Independent at the time of manufacture). Breitling is an upper-tier luxury Swiss brand known for its deep history in aviation and professional instruments.
Period: Neo-Vintage / 1990s Design. Characterized by the 'Rider Tab' bezel, rounded organic case shapes, and the heavy use of the Rouleaux-style integrated bracelet influence common in the post-quartz crisis luxury era.
Type
Chronograph / Tool Watch
Brand
Breitling (Independent at the time of manufacture). Breitling is an upper-tier luxury Swiss brand known for its deep history in aviation and professional instruments.
Movement
Breitling Caliber 55 (Mecha-Quartz). This is a hybrid movement utilizing a quartz base for timekeeping and a mechanical module for the chronograph function, offering a mechanical 'click' feel and sweep.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 36mm; Thickness: 10mm; Lug-to-Lug: 40mm; Lug Width: 18mm (integrated style). This model wears significantly smaller than modern Breitling counterparts.
Description
The Chrono Sextant represents a unique 'transitional' period for Breitling. Unlike the massive chronographs the brand is known for today, the Sextant is a refined, mid-sized tool watch that fits comfortably under a shirt cuff. Its mecha-quartz movement was a high-end choice at the time, offering the accuracy of quartz with the tactile soul of a mechanical stopwatch.
Key Features
Mecha-quartz hybrid movement, 36mm 'mid-size' case, iconic Rider Tab bezel, and the vibrant 'Electric Blue' sunburst dial which is highly sought after by collectors of 90s Breitlings.
Dial Description
Sunburst Electric Blue dial with three silver/white sub-dials (panda layout). Features applied baton indices, a date window at 3 o'clock, and the winged Breitling logo. Hands are slender batons with luminous inserts.
Case Material
Two-tone construction featuring Stainless Steel with 18k Yellow Gold 'Rider Tabs' on the bezel. The case features a mix of brushed and high-polished finishes.
Crystal Type
Flat Sapphire Crystal with Breitling’s signature double-sided anti-reflective (AR) coating, which often gives the dial a purple or blue tint in direct light.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating stainless steel bezel. Features the classic Breitling 'Rider Tabs' at the cardinal points (15, 30, 45, and 60/0), typically in 18k gold on this reference.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown with double gaskets. Low-profile, integrated pump-style chronograph pushers that sit flush against the case's curved profile.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated Stainless Steel 'Rouleaux' (Bullet) bracelet or the transitional flat-link bracelet shown. Features a hidden butterfly-style folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback featuring the Breitling logo, reference number B55047, and water resistance markings.
Movement Type
Breitling Caliber 55 (Mecha-Quartz). This is a hybrid movement utilizing a quartz base for timekeeping and a mechanical module for the chronograph function, offering a mechanical 'click' feel and sweep.
Water Resistance
Rated at 100 meters (10 ATM). Suitable for surface swimming, but not recommended for diving due to the vintage age of the seals.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Grenchen, Switzerland. The movement is based on a Frederic Piguet 1270 mecha-quartz caliber.
Age Estimate
Circa 1992-1996. The bridge between the 1980s design language and the oversized 'Bling' era of the early 2000s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era when Breitling re-established itself as a leader in technical chronography following the quartz crisis, proving that electronic movements could still hold luxury status.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The case shows minor surface abrasions consistent with age. The AR coating appears intact. The bracelet shows some signs of 'stretch' or slack in the links. Dial and hands show no signs of oxidation.
Value Estimate
Market Value: $1,200 - $1,800 USD. Value is heavily dependent on the presence of the original Rouleaux bracelet and the condition of the gold rider tabs.
Care & Maintenance
Battery changes should be performed every 2-3 years. Due to the age of the gaskets, water resistance should be tested annually before any swimming. Avoid strong magnetic fields which can disrupt the quartz motor.
Similar Watches
Breitling Chronomat 39, Omega Speedmaster Reduced (3510.50), TAG Heuer 2000 Series Chronograph.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rider Tab' system was originally designed for the Frecce Tricolori (the Italian Air Force aerobatics team) so pilots could easily rotate their bezels while wearing thick flight gloves.