Breitling’s latest collaboration is a pair of limited-edition Chronomats conceived together with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek-Nigerian basketballer who plays for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

The entry-level model is the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo in stainless steel, an edition of 1,750 pieces. And then there’s the Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokounmpo in 18k red gold that’s limited to 250. Both share the same dial with baton indices, finished in a green reminiscent of the Milwaukee Bucks’ team colours.

And NBA superstar himself gets a unique creation: an all-red gold Chronomat B01 42 with the same green dial but with the registers and flange in contrasting white, along with Eastern-Arabic numerals (pictured above).

Initial thoughts

The Giannis Antetokounmpo editions are essentially identical to the respective standard Chronomat models, save for the dial colour that’s  a brighter shade of green, along with the basketballer’s discreet “GA” as the second hands counterweight. The chronograph has the addition of a basketball emblem on the seconds register.

The basketball elements in the design are minimal, so the two are a good cosmetic alternative to the standard models, even for someone who doesn’t follow basketball since the sport. That’s especially so since the Giannis Antetokounmpo editions are priced the same as the standard models: the GMT costs US$6,150, while the B01 chronograph is US$42,500 on the red gold Rouleaux bracelet and US$23,000 on the rubber strap.

The Chronomat, in general, is a decent value proposition in stainless steel, but not in gold – and the same applies to these two editions. The GMT has a useful complication in a wearable 40 mm case and the signature Rouleaux bracelet just over US$6,000. The movement is an ETA, but that’s acceptable at this price point.

Granted, the red gold B01 chronograph is a good-looking watch, but it is expensive compared to the competition. It would have been better value in steel.

Classic Chronomat

Unlike the standard-production model with the green dial, the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo sports a 24-hour hand in bright yellow and the “GA” emblem on the seconds hand. It is otherwise identical.

The steel case is 40 mm in diameter and 11.77 mm thick and features a unidirectional rotating bezel with models’ signature elements: “rider” tabs, “onion” crown, and a Rouleaux bracelet. It is water resistant to 200 m and the solid back is engraved with the NBA’s star signature.

Under the solid back is the COSC-certified Calibre 32, which is an ETA 2893 beating at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz), with as a power reserve of 42 hours. It indicates two time zones legibly, but is not a “true” GMT as only the  24-hour hand is independently adjustable, instead of the local time hand.

The Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokounmpo is in 18k red gold with either a patterned rubber strap or a matching red gold Rouleaux bracelet. It is 42 mm in diameter and 15.1 mm thick. Besides the dial colour and seconds hand counterweight to set it apart from the regular production model, this also sports a basketball motif in the seconds counter at nine.

Unlike the GMT 40, this is equipped with a display case back showcasing the brand’s proprietary B01 chronograph movement that’s COSC-certified. The chronograph features a column wheel and vertical clutch. It beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz) and has a power reserve of 70 hours.

Key facts and price

Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ref. A32398A11L1A1

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 11.77 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: Cal. 32
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per second (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Stainless steel Rouleaux bracelet

Limited edition: 1,750 pieces
Availability: Now at Breitling boutiques and retailers
Price: US$6,150

Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ref. RB01344A1L1R1
Ref. RB01344A1L1S1

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 15.1 mm
Material: 18k red gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: Cal. B01
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per second (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: 18k gold Rouleaux bracelet

Limited edition: 250 pieces
Availability: Now at Breitling boutiques and retailers
Price: US$42,500 on the red gold Rouleaux bracelet and US$23,000 on the rubber strap

For more, visit breitling.com