Breitling Chronomat Evolution Ref. A13356
Pilot's Chronograph · Breitling (Luxury tier). Historically independent during this production era, known for 'Instruments for Professionals'.
Period: Modern Luxury (Mid-2000s). This era was characterized by increased case sizes and high-polish finishes, which updated the 1980s 'Windrider' design for a more masculine, bold presence.
Type
Pilot's Chronograph
Brand
Breitling (Luxury tier). Historically independent during this production era, known for 'Instruments for Professionals'.
Movement
Breitling Calibre 13 (COSC Certified), automatic self-winding, based on Valjoux 7750, 28,800 vph, approx. 42-hour power reserve, 25 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 43.7mm; Thickness: 17mm; Lug-to-lug: 52mm; Lug width: 22mm. Highly substantial wrist presence.
Description
The Chronomat Evolution represents the peak of Breitling's high-shine, muscular design language of the 2000s. It evolved the original 1984 design into a larger, more luxurious tool watch that is equally at home in a cockpit or at a formal event.
Key Features
Signature rider tabs on the bezel, 43.7mm oversized case, onion crown, and the vertical sub-dial layout (6, 9, 12) characteristic of the Valjoux 7750 movement.
Dial Description
Black dial with guilloché 'concentric' texture in the center and silver/sub-dial rings. Features applied baton indices, date window at 3 o'clock, and signature tachymeter scale on the inner rehaut.
Case Material
Stainless steel (316L) with high-polish finish throughout the case and lugs.
Crystal Type
Domed sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective (AR) coating. The coating often gives a signature blue tint under certain lighting.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating bezel in stainless steel with 60-minute scale. Features four signature 'rider tabs' at the 15, 30, and 45 marks, with a luminous pip at 60/0.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-locked, large onion-style crown; two screw-down chronograph pushers for start/stop and reset functions.
Bracelet or Strap
Black or navy blue leather strap with contrast stitching and a stainless steel folding deployant clasp or tang buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback with Breitling wings logo engraving and reference number A13356. Not an exhibition back.
Movement Type
Breitling Calibre 13 (COSC Certified), automatic self-winding, based on Valjoux 7750, 28,800 vph, approx. 42-hour power reserve, 25 jewels.
Water Resistance
300 meters (1,000 feet). While highly capable for swimming/diving, the leather strap should be replaced with rubber or a bracelet for water use.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Grenchen, Switzerland. Movement is a heavily modified and chronometer-certified ETA/Valjoux base.
Age Estimate
Circa 2004–2007, based on the 'Evolution' dial layout and the script used for the 'Chronometre' text.
Cultural Significance
The Chronomat is credited with leading the mechanical watch revival in the 1980s following the quartz crisis, proving there was still a market for complex, mechanical chronographs.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scratches on the polished bezel and lugs. The leather strap shows significant wear and creasing. Lume on the hands and indices appears intact but may have dimmed.
Value Estimate
$2,200 - $3,200 USD depending on service history and inclusion of original box/papers. Leather strap versions typically value slightly lower than those with the Pilot bracelet.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years due to the complex chronograph movement. Ensure crown and pushers are fully screwed down before any water contact. Avoid magnetic fields which can affect the hairspring accuracy.
Similar Watches
Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow, Rolex Daytona (though significantly thinner), and the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16.
Interesting Facts
The Chronomat was originally launched in 1984 to celebrate Breitling's centenary and was designed in collaboration with the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force aerobatic team.