Leveraging one of their legendary brand ambassadors is Breitling, who has released a duo of limited-edition Chronomat models honouring NBA’s ‘Greek Freak.’
Breitling is known for many things: Their history with aviation has been covered extensively, and they have a reputation for building some of the finest chronograph timepieces today. However, Breitling’s relationships with its brand ambassadors, comprised of top athletes, artists, and explorers, are rarely mentioned.
Greek-Nigerian Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of those people. The Athenian would rise through the Greek basketball circuit, eventually joining the NBA in 2013. From there, he would become unstoppable: Over 11 years, ‘The Greek Freak’ would become Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player (twice), Defensive Player of the Year, NBA Finals MVP, and the NBA All-Stars Finals MVP (the only Non-American player to do so), and garnered widespread acclaim for leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA Title in 50 years in 2021. His inspiring story and boundless energy align perfectly with Breitling’s pioneering spirit, prompting the brand to release two timepieces paying tribute to his already legendary career.
The first – and more accessible – of the two timepieces is a new rendition of a 40mm Chronomat GMT limited to 1,750 references. Featuring 200m water resistance, a COSC Chronometer-Certified Breitling Cal. 32 with a 42-hour power reserve, a caller-style GMT complication, and the signature Rouleaux bracelet, the Chronomat GMT is Breitling’s interpretation of the Go Anywhere, Do Anything (GADA) watch. However, Giannis has added a few subtle design changes: An olive green brushed dial, contrasted by a yellow GMT hand, reflects the easygoing nature of the NBA Power Forward. Breitling has also included his initials ‘GA’ on the counterbalance of the second hand.
The second watch is Giannis and Breitling’s new spin on the Chronomat B01. Standing at 42mm and limited to just 250 models, this 18k red gold timepiece still bears the 200m water resistance and Rouleaux bracelet typical of every Chronomat, but with a few added aesthetic twists. The olive green dial contrasts the black tachymetric scale and chronograph registers, with a small basketball outline on the small seconds register. As with the GMT model, the ‘GA’ initials remain on the chronograph’s second hand. Of course, one of the largest differences between the two is internal – the Chronomat B01 is powered by the titular manufacture movement, which is COSC certified and backed by a mighty 70h power reserve.
Final Thoughts
Collaborations, especially between brands and individuals, are difficult to pull off – yet, not impossible. Breitling knows this all too well, having furthered its knowledge of the art of collabs with the Victoria Beckham Chronomat collection, which may explain why Breitling’s collabs catch more eyes than most. It’s too often collaboration watches, particularly with prominent individuals, is sometimes frowned upon – especially if they’re too in-your-face about it.
Related Reading: Breitling Unveils Limited-Edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham Collection!
But the Giannis Antetokounmpo x Breitling releases are shining examples of a collab done right. Breitling and Giannis know better than to lean too heavily into the latter’s achievements, opting for a subtle and surprisingly elegant design that doesn’t discount the merit of either party. Thus, I enjoy the idea of these new limited-edition Chronomats remaining versatile, bold and dynamic, much like the player that inspired their conception.
On a final note, Breitling has also opted to give Giannis a unique Chronomat B01, complete with East Arabic numerals! However, there’s only one way to see it in person: Courtside, at a Buck’s game.
Reference: A32398A11L1A1 Giannis Antetokounmpo Chronomat GMT
Specifications:
- Case Size: 40mm case diameter
- Case Thickness: 11.7mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Olive green with yellow accents
- Movement: COSC Chronometer Certified Automatic Cal. 32 movement
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Movement: Power Reserve: Approx. 42 hours
- Water Resistance: 200m (20bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap/Bracelet: Rouleaux bracelet in stainless steel
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$8,690
Availability: Limited to 1750 models. Available through Breitling Boutiques and authorised retailers or online at Breitling.com.au
Reference: RB01344A1L1R1 / RB01344A1L1S1: Giannis Antetokounmpo Chronomat B01 42mm (Bracelet/Rubber Strap)
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42mm case diameter
- Case Thickness: 15.1mm
- Case Material: 18k Red gold
- Dial: Black and gold accents
- Movement: Automatic In-house automatic BR01 chronograph movement
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Movement: Power Reserve: Approx. 70 hours
- Water Resistance: 200m (20bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap/Bracelet: 18k red gold or rubber with folding clasp/18k red gold pin buckle
