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ChronoSpace - A Technical Review
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Published on 02-18-2011 03:27 PM
Number of Views: 3588
Hi All,
This technical review came about as the result of a request from another forum. I thought you may like to see it. I hope it is of some use. The ChronoSpace is an overlooked gem in Breitling's catalogue IMHO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The slogan that Breitling have chosen to represent themselves globally Instruments for Professionals is no misplaced PR hype. Breitling watches are synonymous with functionality. This is no more evident than with the new ChronoSpace model, introduced last year and already a hit with pilots and other professionals who require a watch to not only to inform them of the time but also to provide a tool to help them perform their jobs.
http://img406.imageshack.us/i/anglefront.jpg/
Boasting an impressive 11 functions, on top of the COSC rated 12/24hr digital/analogue time display, this is the pinnacle of Breitlings technical know-how. These 11 additional functions include:
90 decibel alarm
Perpetual Calendar with day of week, date, month and year display
99 day, 23 hour, 59 minute, 59.99 second countdown timer
99 day, 23 hour, 59 minute, 59.99 second chronograph with split times
Second time zone
Alarm for the second time zone
UTC time display (Universal Time Co-ordinated)
Choice of audible confirmation signals for button presses and choice of display languages
Battery End-of-Life indicator
Rack and Pinion mounted Slide rule calculator
Backlight (with NVG Night Vision Goggles - compatibility)
Each of these functions is explained below but first of all the quality of build this timepiece deserves a mention:
Breitling could have easily rested once they had designed the incredible wealth of utility into the ChronoSpace. However, true to themselves, they forged ahead to design a watch that was very legible (both day and night), large but comfortable, has the best bezel I have ever used and, subjectivity aside, highly desirable.
The reliable heart beating at the centre of the ChronoSpace is the COSC Thermally Compensated SuperQuartz© electronic Calibre 115. For an electronic watch movement to be rated by the COSC it must withstand 11 days and nights of testing at three different temperatures (8°C, 23°C and 38°C). Seven different criteria must be met including the maximum daily variation of just +/-0.07 seconds per day. In other words, +/-25 seconds per year. Incredible time keeping. However, the SuperQuartz© movement in the ChronoSpace far exceeds these requirements, achieving an average yearly variation rate of +/-15 seconds!
The case dimensions are 48mm diameter and 15.2mm height. This can be considered large even in todays acceptance of oversized watches. These dimensions are required to facilitate the impressive legibility and, at just 105 grams in weight, the ergonomics have been well thought out and the ChronoSpace is surprisingly comfortable to wear. This is further helped by the very flexible rubber strap or mesh bracelets that are options on this watch. The mesh bracelet also incorporates micro-adjustment within the clasp to suit all wrists.
http://img651.imageshack.us/i/seikoanantaspringdrive0.jpg/
The Rack and Pinion bezel movement is, by far, the smoothest I have ever used. It oozes quality. The oversized circumference grooves make gripping the bezel and adjusting it accurately incredibly easy, even when wearing thick gloves.
http://img6.imageshack.us/i/bezell.jpg/
Not only does the ChronoSpace sport a very bright backlight but the Lume is also very impressive, both in brightness and length of luminosity.
http://img511.imageshack.us/i/lume.jpg/
The case has been beautifully finished with great care and attention to detail. There are nice contrasts throughout between polished and brushed satin surfaces. The hands are highly polished and, along with the oversized hour markers, have large amounts of luminosity material applied.
http://img404.imageshack.us/i/polishedsatin.jpg/
Even the caseback is superbly detailed.
http://img828.imageshack.us/i/caseback.jpg/
Each function is selected by turning the crown sharply forward or backward. This has been set up perfectly to react to the input required to change the function and adjust individual parameters for each function. So, what about those multi-functions? Below is a technical description on how to select, set and adjust each of them:
Incidentally, for instructions on how to use the Slide Rule bezel included with this timepiece please see my instructions at:
How to use your Circular Sliderule | Andrew Michaels Jewellers
The different functions of the ChronoSpace are selected by turning the crown in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
http://img222.imageshack.us/i/twistcrownout.jpg/
During the instructions below the crown and buttons will be needed to activated in different ways. See below:
The upper button being pressed.........
http://img190.imageshack.us/i/topbuttonpush.jpg/
.......and the lower button being pressed:
http://img198.imageshack.us/i/bottombuttonpush.jpg/
When a desired function is selected the crown can then be pulled out. This will allow it to set parameters within that function:
http://img207.imageshack.us/i/crownout.jpg/
At any point the crown can be pushed to illuminate the back light for six seconds. The seconds hand will stop during this duration to save energy:
http://img543.imageshack.us/i/crownpush.jpg/
Synchronising Analogue and Digital Time Displays:
Under normal circumstances the analogue (hands) and digital time displays will be synchronised. However, these may become desynchronised after a battery change or severe shock.
In Time mode (TIME) pull out the crown. The digital hour will flash. The hours, minutes and seconds of the digital display can be selected in turn by pushing the lower button briefly. Turning the crown will adjust each of these incrementally. Note: The seconds hand can only be adjusted in a clockwise direction.
Once complete simply press the crown back in.
Setting the Time:
http://img193.imageshack.us/i/timeei.jpg/
In Time mode (TIME) pull the crown out. The time can be switched between 24 hour or 12 hour displays by briefly pressing the upper button.
Press the lower button briefly to toggle between selecting hours, minutes and seconds on the lower display. Each can be adjusted as desired by turning the crown in either direction. Note: the seconds can only be set in a clockwise direction.
Press the crown back in upon completion.
Alarm:
http://img812.imageshack.us/i/alarm.jpg/
Select the Alarm mode (AL) by twisting the crown in either direction.
Pressing the upper button for more the two seconds toggles between Alarm On and Off. Pressing the lower button for more than two seconds sounds the Alarm in test mode.
Pull the crown out. Pressing the lower button briefly will toggle between the hours and minutes in the lower display. Select the desired hour and minute by rotating the crown in either direction. Push the crown back in. The Alarm is now activated.
The Alarm sound can be stopped by pressing either of the buttons. To deactivate the Alarm press the upper button for more than two seconds.
Calendar:
http://img502.imageshack.us/i/daten.jpg/
Select Date mode (DATE) by twisting the crown in either direction. Pull out the crown. Pressing the upper button briefly will change the date display from M-D (month day) to D-M (day month). To select between day, month and year in turn on the lower display press the lower button briefly. Adjust each in turn by rotating the crown.
Push the crown back in upon completion.
The calendar is accurate until the year 2100. The language of the Day display can be adjusted. See section Audible Confirmation Signals/Language Preference below.
Chronograph:
http://img15.imageshack.us/i/chronor.jpg/
Select the Chronograph mode (CHR) by rotating the crown in either direction. The seconds hand will move to the 12 Oclock position. The seconds hand is now used for the Chronograph function. Note: If the mode is changed whilst the chronograph is activated it will continue to run.
Press the upper button briefly to start the chronograph. Press the upper button briefly again to stop the chronograph. The upper display shows the measurement to the nearest 100th of a second and, alternatively, the amount of days elapsed (ADD). Pressing the upper button briefly at this point starts the chronograph from where it was stopped. Pressing the lower button briefly at this point resets the chronograph to zero.
To perform a split seconds measurement first of all start the chronograph by pressing the upper button briefly. Now press the lower button briefly to display the split time. Pressing the lower button briefly again allows the chronograph to catch up with the total elapsed time.
Note: The seconds hand may become misaligned with the zero position. In Chronograph mode (CHR) pull out the crown. The seconds hand can be moved to the zero position by rotating the crown forward.
Countdown Timer:
http://img248.imageshack.us/i/countdowna.jpg/
Select the Countdown mode (TM) by rotating the crown in either direction.
Pressing the lower button briefly will call up the last countdown time. The countdown can be started by briefly pressing the upper button and stopped by briefly pressing the upper button again.
To adjust the countdown time pull out the crown whilst the timer is stopped. The days (in the upper display) will flash and can be adjusted by rotating the crown backwards or forwards. Press the lower button briefly to select between the hours, minutes and seconds. These will flash when selected. These can be set in turn by rotating the crown.
Second Time Zone:
http://img203.imageshack.us/i/2ndtz.jpg/
Select the Second Time Zone (T2) by rotating the crown in either direction. Pull out the crown. The time can be displayed in 24hr or 12hr modes by pressing the upper button briefly.
Pressing the lower button briefly will switch between the hours and minutes flashing on the lower display. These can be set as desired by rotating the crown in either direction. Note: The minutes can only be set in 15 minute intervals to the primary time set. This is to correspond with the different time zones around the world.
Push the crown back in upon completion.
Second Time Zone Alarm:
http://img413.imageshack.us/i/alarm2.jpg/
Select the Alarm mode for the second time zone (AL2) by rotating the crown in either direction. Pressing the upper button for more the two seconds toggles between Alarm On and Off. Pressing the lower button for more than two seconds sounds the Alarm in test mode.
Pull the crown out. Pressing the lower button briefly will toggle between the hours and minutes in the lower display. Select the desired hour and minute by rotating the crown in either direction. Push the crown back in. The Alarm is now activated.
The Alarm sound can be stopped by pressing either of the buttons. To deactivate the Alarm press the upper button for more than two seconds.
Universal Time:
http://img42.imageshack.us/i/utcv.jpg/
UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) corresponds to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Select the UTC mode (UTC) by rotating the crown in either direction. To set the time pull out the crown. Press the lower button briefly to select hours and minutes in turn. These can be adjusted by rotating the crown in either direction. Note: The minutes can only be set in 15 minute intervals to the primary time set. This is to correspond with the different time zones around the world.
Push the crown back in upon completion.
Audible Confirmation Signals/Language Adjustment:
http://img146.imageshack.us/i/tonl.jpg/
Select the Audible Signals/Language adjustment mode (TON/L) by rotating the crown in either direction.
Four modes for the Audible Confirmation Signals can be selected. Pull out the crown. Push the lower button briefly to select the modes in turn. When the lower display is blank there are no audible signals. When the lower display shows P audible signals are sounded when the push buttons are pressed. When the lower display shows P-H audible signals are sounded when the push buttons are pressed and upon each new hour. When the lower display shows P-C audible signals are sounded when the push buttons are pressed and each time there is a new hour in the chronograph mode.
To select a different language for the Day display turn the crown in either direction whilst it is still pulled out. Each language selected will give a different display in the lower display:
L/ENG will display in English
L/FRA will display in French
L/DEU will display in German
L/ESP will display in Spanish
Battery End-of-Life Indicator:
When the battery is coming to the end of its life the display will start to flash.
Back Light:
http://img137.imageshack.us/i/backlight.jpg/
The backlight can be turned on by pressing the crown. Both the digital displays will illuminate for six seconds.
The ChronoSpace comes with black, blue, grey or silver dials and on either Rubber/leather straps or the stunning mesh bracelet.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/breitlingchronospace2th.jpg/
Also available is the wonderful limited edition Breitling Jet Team edition highlighted in this review and exclusive to Andrew Michaels Jewellers.
If you need, or simply want, a timepiece that re-invents functionality, providing a wealth of useful functions, whilst remaining easy to use and comfortable to wear then the new ChronoSpace has been designed for you.
http://img130.imageshack.us/i/frontonside.jpg/
This article was originally published in forum thread:
ChronoSpace - A Technical Review
started by
tricky dicky
View original post
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chronospace,
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Published on 02-18-2011 03:27 PM
Number of Views: 3588
Hi All,
This technical review came about as the result of a request from another forum. I thought you may like to see it. I hope it is of some use. The ChronoSpace is an overlooked gem in Breitling's catalogue IMHO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The slogan that Breitling have chosen to represent themselves globally Instruments for Professionals is no misplaced PR hype. Breitling watches are synonymous with functionality. This is no more evident than with the new ChronoSpace model, introduced last year and already a hit with pilots and other professionals who require a watch to not only to inform them of the time but also to provide a tool to help them perform their jobs.
http://img406.imageshack.us/i/anglefront.jpg/
Boasting an impressive 11 functions, on top of the COSC rated 12/24hr digital/analogue time display, this is the pinnacle of Breitlings technical know-how. These 11 additional functions include:
90 decibel alarm
Perpetual Calendar with day of week, date, month and year display
99 day, 23 hour, 59 minute, 59.99 second countdown timer
99 day, 23 hour, 59 minute, 59.99 second chronograph with split times
Second time zone
Alarm for the second time zone
UTC time display (Universal Time Co-ordinated)
Choice of audible confirmation signals for button presses and choice of display languages
Battery End-of-Life indicator
Rack and Pinion mounted Slide rule calculator
Backlight (with NVG Night Vision Goggles - compatibility)
Each of these functions is explained below but first of all the quality of build this timepiece deserves a mention:
Breitling could have easily rested once they had designed the incredible wealth of utility into the ChronoSpace. However, true to themselves, they forged ahead to design a watch that was very legible (both day and night), large but comfortable, has the best bezel I have ever used and, subjectivity aside, highly desirable.
The reliable heart beating at the centre of the ChronoSpace is the COSC Thermally Compensated SuperQuartz© electronic Calibre 115. For an electronic watch movement to be rated by the COSC it must withstand 11 days and nights of testing at three different temperatures (8°C, 23°C and 38°C). Seven different criteria must be met including the maximum daily variation of just +/-0.07 seconds per day. In other words, +/-25 seconds per year. Incredible time keeping. However, the SuperQuartz© movement in the ChronoSpace far exceeds these requirements, achieving an average yearly variation rate of +/-15 seconds!
The case dimensions are 48mm diameter and 15.2mm height. This can be considered large even in todays acceptance of oversized watches. These dimensions are required to facilitate the impressive legibility and, at just 105 grams in weight, the ergonomics have been well thought out and the ChronoSpace is surprisingly comfortable to wear. This is further helped by the very flexible rubber strap or mesh bracelets that are options on this watch. The mesh bracelet also incorporates micro-adjustment within the clasp to suit all wrists.
http://img651.imageshack.us/i/seikoanantaspringdrive0.jpg/
The Rack and Pinion bezel movement is, by far, the smoothest I have ever used. It oozes quality. The oversized circumference grooves make gripping the bezel and adjusting it accurately incredibly easy, even when wearing thick gloves.
http://img6.imageshack.us/i/bezell.jpg/
Not only does the ChronoSpace sport a very bright backlight but the Lume is also very impressive, both in brightness and length of luminosity.
http://img511.imageshack.us/i/lume.jpg/
The case has been beautifully finished with great care and attention to detail. There are nice contrasts throughout between polished and brushed satin surfaces. The hands are highly polished and, along with the oversized hour markers, have large amounts of luminosity material applied.
http://img404.imageshack.us/i/polishedsatin.jpg/
Even the caseback is superbly detailed.
http://img828.imageshack.us/i/caseback.jpg/
Each function is selected by turning the crown sharply forward or backward. This has been set up perfectly to react to the input required to change the function and adjust individual parameters for each function. So, what about those multi-functions? Below is a technical description on how to select, set and adjust each of them:
Incidentally, for instructions on how to use the Slide Rule bezel included with this timepiece please see my instructions at:
How to use your Circular Sliderule | Andrew Michaels Jewellers
The different functions of the ChronoSpace are selected by turning the crown in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
http://img222.imageshack.us/i/twistcrownout.jpg/
During the instructions below the crown and buttons will be needed to activated in different ways. See below:
The upper button being pressed.........
http://img190.imageshack.us/i/topbuttonpush.jpg/
.......and the lower button being pressed:
http://img198.imageshack.us/i/bottombuttonpush.jpg/
When a desired function is selected the crown can then be pulled out. This will allow it to set parameters within that function:
http://img207.imageshack.us/i/crownout.jpg/
At any point the crown can be pushed to illuminate the back light for six seconds. The seconds hand will stop during this duration to save energy:
http://img543.imageshack.us/i/crownpush.jpg/
Synchronising Analogue and Digital Time Displays:
Under normal circumstances the analogue (hands) and digital time displays will be synchronised. However, these may become desynchronised after a battery change or severe shock.
In Time mode (TIME) pull out the crown. The digital hour will flash. The hours, minutes and seconds of the digital display can be selected in turn by pushing the lower button briefly. Turning the crown will adjust each of these incrementally. Note: The seconds hand can only be adjusted in a clockwise direction.
Once complete simply press the crown back in.
Setting the Time:
http://img193.imageshack.us/i/timeei.jpg/
In Time mode (TIME) pull the crown out. The time can be switched between 24 hour or 12 hour displays by briefly pressing the upper button.
Press the lower button briefly to toggle between selecting hours, minutes and seconds on the lower display. Each can be adjusted as desired by turning the crown in either direction. Note: the seconds can only be set in a clockwise direction.
Press the crown back in upon completion.
Alarm:
http://img812.imageshack.us/i/alarm.jpg/
Select the Alarm mode (AL) by twisting the crown in either direction.
Pressing the upper button for more the two seconds toggles between Alarm On and Off. Pressing the lower button for more than two seconds sounds the Alarm in test mode.
Pull the crown out. Pressing the lower button briefly will toggle between the hours and minutes in the lower display. Select the desired hour and minute by rotating the crown in either direction. Push the crown back in. The Alarm is now activated.
The Alarm sound can be stopped by pressing either of the buttons. To deactivate the Alarm press the upper button for more than two seconds.
Calendar:
http://img502.imageshack.us/i/daten.jpg/
Select Date mode (DATE) by twisting the crown in either direction. Pull out the crown. Pressing the upper button briefly will change the date display from M-D (month day) to D-M (day month). To select between day, month and year in turn on the lower display press the lower button briefly. Adjust each in turn by rotating the crown.
Push the crown back in upon completion.
The calendar is accurate until the year 2100. The language of the Day display can be adjusted. See section Audible Confirmation Signals/Language Preference below.
Chronograph:
http://img15.imageshack.us/i/chronor.jpg/
Select the Chronograph mode (CHR) by rotating the crown in either direction. The seconds hand will move to the 12 Oclock position. The seconds hand is now used for the Chronograph function. Note: If the mode is changed whilst the chronograph is activated it will continue to run.
Press the upper button briefly to start the chronograph. Press the upper button briefly again to stop the chronograph. The upper display shows the measurement to the nearest 100th of a second and, alternatively, the amount of days elapsed (ADD). Pressing the upper button briefly at this point starts the chronograph from where it was stopped. Pressing the lower button briefly at this point resets the chronograph to zero.
To perform a split seconds measurement first of all start the chronograph by pressing the upper button briefly. Now press the lower button briefly to display the split time. Pressing the lower button briefly again allows the chronograph to catch up with the total elapsed time.
Note: The seconds hand may become misaligned with the zero position. In Chronograph mode (CHR) pull out the crown. The seconds hand can be moved to the zero position by rotating the crown forward.
Countdown Timer:
http://img248.imageshack.us/i/countdowna.jpg/
Select the Countdown mode (TM) by rotating the crown in either direction.
Pressing the lower button briefly will call up the last countdown time. The countdown can be started by briefly pressing the upper button and stopped by briefly pressing the upper button again.
To adjust the countdown time pull out the crown whilst the timer is stopped. The days (in the upper display) will flash and can be adjusted by rotating the crown backwards or forwards. Press the lower button briefly to select between the hours, minutes and seconds. These will flash when selected. These can be set in turn by rotating the crown.
Second Time Zone:
http://img203.imageshack.us/i/2ndtz.jpg/
Select the Second Time Zone (T2) by rotating the crown in either direction. Pull out the crown. The time can be displayed in 24hr or 12hr modes by pressing the upper button briefly.
Pressing the lower button briefly will switch between the hours and minutes flashing on the lower display. These can be set as desired by rotating the crown in either direction. Note: The minutes can only be set in 15 minute intervals to the primary time set. This is to correspond with the different time zones around the world.
Push the crown back in upon completion.
Second Time Zone Alarm:
http://img413.imageshack.us/i/alarm2.jpg/
Select the Alarm mode for the second time zone (AL2) by rotating the crown in either direction. Pressing the upper button for more the two seconds toggles between Alarm On and Off. Pressing the lower button for more than two seconds sounds the Alarm in test mode.
Pull the crown out. Pressing the lower button briefly will toggle between the hours and minutes in the lower display. Select the desired hour and minute by rotating the crown in either direction. Push the crown back in. The Alarm is now activated.
The Alarm sound can be stopped by pressing either of the buttons. To deactivate the Alarm press the upper button for more than two seconds.
Universal Time:
http://img42.imageshack.us/i/utcv.jpg/
UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) corresponds to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Select the UTC mode (UTC) by rotating the crown in either direction. To set the time pull out the crown. Press the lower button briefly to select hours and minutes in turn. These can be adjusted by rotating the crown in either direction. Note: The minutes can only be set in 15 minute intervals to the primary time set. This is to correspond with the different time zones around the world.
Push the crown back in upon completion.
Audible Confirmation Signals/Language Adjustment:
http://img146.imageshack.us/i/tonl.jpg/
Select the Audible Signals/Language adjustment mode (TON/L) by rotating the crown in either direction.
Four modes for the Audible Confirmation Signals can be selected. Pull out the crown. Push the lower button briefly to select the modes in turn. When the lower display is blank there are no audible signals. When the lower display shows P audible signals are sounded when the push buttons are pressed. When the lower display shows P-H audible signals are sounded when the push buttons are pressed and upon each new hour. When the lower display shows P-C audible signals are sounded when the push buttons are pressed and each time there is a new hour in the chronograph mode.
To select a different language for the Day display turn the crown in either direction whilst it is still pulled out. Each language selected will give a different display in the lower display:
L/ENG will display in English
L/FRA will display in French
L/DEU will display in German
L/ESP will display in Spanish
Battery End-of-Life Indicator:
When the battery is coming to the end of its life the display will start to flash.
Back Light:
http://img137.imageshack.us/i/backlight.jpg/
The backlight can be turned on by pressing the crown. Both the digital displays will illuminate for six seconds.
The ChronoSpace comes with black, blue, grey or silver dials and on either Rubber/leather straps or the stunning mesh bracelet.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/breitlingchronospace2th.jpg/
Also available is the wonderful limited edition Breitling Jet Team edition highlighted in this review and exclusive to Andrew Michaels Jewellers.
If you need, or simply want, a timepiece that re-invents functionality, providing a wealth of useful functions, whilst remaining easy to use and comfortable to wear then the new ChronoSpace has been designed for you.
http://img130.imageshack.us/i/frontonside.jpg/
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This article was originally published in forum thread:
ChronoSpace - A Technical Review
started by
tricky dicky
View original post
Tags: <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: tagbit_wrapper -->
breitling,
chronospace,
review
