The Flying Fish From Breitling

Breitling has released their latest instrument for professionals – the Flying Fish. This watch is so named after Herbert Nitsch’s nickname. Herbert Nitsch is a brand ambassador for Breitling and currently holds the world free diving record of 700 ft. Nitsch and Breitling have teamed up to produce this true gem of modern horology.

The Chronomat 44 Flying Fish comes in only one version and is differentiated from the other Chronomats by its satin finished stainless steel case and modified bezel. As the name suggests, the Chronomat 44 Flying Fish carries a diameter of 44mm and sits tall on the wrist because of the enhanced water resistance. This model is water resistant to 500 meters (1650 feet), proudly displayed in red on the dial. Breitling achieves such immense water resistances due to the screw down main crown fitted with two gaskets and the screwed in case back.

The unidirectional bezel is ratcheted and features a luminous ‘pearl’ at 12. The bezel can be used to measure elapsed time when diving. This model is a chronograph which can time any event up to 12 hours. Arguably, Breitling is one of the world’s most prolific and well respected makers of chronographs on the market today. Each and every watch that this tremendous brand produces is certified a chronometer by the COSC. Chronometer certification basically assures accuracy regardless of what the wearer may be doing as these watches are tested under various stressful conditions.

Breitling uses a black dial with  applied index hour markers and baton hands, both of which are generously coated with Super-LumiNova. As with all Breitling watches, the Flying Fish uses a cambered, anti-reflective sapphire crystal for its dial window. This model features a tachometric scale on the flange and a date aperture at 4:30.

Powering this watch is the self-winding mechanical Breitling Caliber 01 which is a special in house movement that took the brand many years to develop. The Caliber 01 has an amazing power reserve of 70 hours and beats at a steady 28,800 Vph. The Flying Fish can come on either a rubber, an Ocean Racer, or a Pilot’s bracelet.