The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Malaysia Edition.
Local watch collectors with a keen sense of national pride may want to make a beeline to their nearest Breitling store. The luxury watch brand has unveiled a limited-edition timepiece that pays homage to the country and its 68 years of independence. But be quick though, because Breitling has only 68 units of the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Malaysia Edition available for sale.
Personally, the Chronomat provides the perfect canvas for this tribute timepiece. First launched in 1983 as the official watch of the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian aerobatic squadron, the Chronomat quickly established itself as a symbol of precision, performance, and style.
Its distinctive design and technical innovation quickly transcended aviation, appealing as a versatile sports watch. And now with a Malaysian-inspired design, the Chronomat takes on a motif that becomes even more appealing especially to local collectors.
Malaysian Character
Available in limited numbers, the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Malaysia Edition captures the nation’s spirit through a design that combines symbolic colours, intricate craftsmanship, and timeless Swiss precision. The timepiece features a dark blue satiné soleil dial, a rich tone inspired by the blue of Malaysia’s national flag, which represents harmony and unity.
Encircling it is a dark blue réhaut, creating visual depth while framing the watch’s most distinctive feature: its Eastern Arabic numerals. Used for both the hour markers and the date disc, these numerals pay homage to Malaysia’s multicultural identity and its deep cultural roots within the broader Islamic world.
The 18 k red gold indices, hands, and logo add a warm glow to the dial. The yellow GMT text and red-tipped GMT hand lends a vibrant contrast, echoing the red and yellow found in the Jalur Gemilang. Crafted from stainless steel and paired with Breitling’s signature Rouleaux bracelet, the timepiece exudes contemporary elegance and versatility, reflecting Malaysia’s confident, modern identity.
A Personal Timepiece
Discussing the new exclusive edition, Alvin Soon, President of Breitling Asia explains that it was crafted in part due to Malaysia holding a special place in Breitling’s story in Southeast Asia. “With this Malaysia Edition, we wanted to create something that not only celebrates 68 years of independence but also captures the nation’s distinctive character — its diversity, resilience, and forward-looking spirit.”
Beneath the Malaysian-inspired motif beats the Breitling Caliber 32, a COSC-certified, self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its precision and reliability. Designed for both travellers and professional, the GMT function allows tracking of a second time zone with ease.
The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 25 jewels, and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Its 40mm stainless steel case is water-resistant up to 200 meters, equipped with a unidirectional ratcheted bezel, non–screw-locked crown with two gaskets. A cambered glare-proof sapphire crystal on both sides, ensures durability and clarity. The tone-on-tone 24-hour scale allows the red GMT hand to stand out. Additionally the fluted “onion” crown, a hallmark of the Chronomat, ensures easy adjustment across time zones.
Limited to 68 numbered pieces, the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Malaysia Edition is exclusively in Malaysia through Breitling boutiques and authorised retailers.
The Specs: CHRONOMAT AUTO GMT 40 MALAYSIA EDITION (Ref.A32398E71C1A1)
Movement: Breitling Caliber 32. COSC-certified. 42-hour power reserve.
Glass: Cambered sapphire, glare-proofed on both sides.
Functions: Hour, minute, second, date, second time zone.
Case: 40 mm wide. Stainless-steel.
Bezel: Unidirectional, ratcheted.
Caseback: Screwed in, sapphire crystal “ONE OF 68” engraving.
Strap: Stainless steel. Rouleaux bracelet with folding clasp.
Water resistance: 20 bars (200 meters).
Limited Edition: 68 Pieces.
(Images Breitling)
