Breitling Chronomat 32: Instructions for Use

Your Breitling Chronometer

A Breitling chronometer is a high-precision instrument that has successfully passed the entire battery of tests imposed by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). This neutral and independent body tests each movement individually according to current regulations.

The certification test for quartz oscillator chronographs involves observing each movement for 13 days and 13 nights, in various positions and at three different temperatures (8°C, 23°C, 38°C). To earn the chronometer title, a movement must meet six strict criteria, including a daily rate variation of no more than ±0.07 seconds, corresponding to an annual precision of ±25 seconds. The SuperQuartz™ calibre in your Breitling watch exceeds these requirements, achieving ±15 seconds per year.

The term "chronometer" should not be confused with "chronograph," which is a watch with an additional mechanism for measuring elapsed time. A chronograph is not necessarily chronometer-certified, but all Breitling chronographs carry the coveted chronometer title.

Preparation for Use: Date and Time Setting

To set the date and time:

1. Pull the crown out to position 2. Turn it clockwise to set the calendar to the day before the desired date.
2. Pull the crown out to position 3. Advance the hands until the date changes at midnight. Then, set the correct hour and minute.
3. Push the crown back to position 1.

Special Characteristics: Sun Compass

Your Breitling chronometer can be used as a sun compass to determine North and South. In regions observing daylight saving time, subtract one hour when aligning the watch.

Northern Hemisphere Use

Point the hour hand precisely towards the sun. On the watch dial, the point midway between the current time and 12 o'clock indicates South; North is in the opposite direction.

[Diagram illustrating the use of the hour hand to find South by pointing it at the sun.]

Southern Hemisphere Use

Point the 12 o'clock marker on the bezel precisely towards the sun. On the watch dial, the point midway between the current time and 12 o'clock indicates North; South is in the opposite direction.

[Diagram illustrating the use of the 12 o'clock marker to find North by pointing it at the sun.]

Battery End-of-Life Indicator (EOL)

The watch movement is equipped with an EOL detector. This is indicated by the small seconds hand jumping every 4 seconds, signaling that the battery is low. The battery should be replaced by an authorized Breitling agent within a few days. It is also recommended to have a water-resistance test performed on the watch at this time.

Recommendations

Used batteries and watch components should not be disposed of as regular garbage but should be recycled correctly. Return them to your point of sale to contribute to environmental and public health protection.

Maintenance

Your Breitling chronometer is a sophisticated instrument that operates continuously under various stresses. Its mechanical action inevitably leads to wear, which can be managed through regular maintenance, including lubrication and replacement of worn components. Like any precision instrument, your watch requires regular servicing to function optimally. The frequency of this servicing varies with usage. Breitling or your authorized retailer will be happy to assist.

Water Resistance

The movement is protected by a complex case with gaskets to ensure water resistance. External agents like perspiration, chlorinated or salt water, cosmetics, perfumes, or dust can degrade these gaskets over time. Therefore, water resistance cannot be permanently guaranteed. For intensive use in water, an annual water-resistance check is recommended. At a minimum, this check should be performed every two years. This quick operation can be done by any authorized Breitling service center or retailer (www.breitling.com).

Breitling models have varying degrees of water resistance, indicated in meters. This is a standard value, not an absolute immersion depth. The crown and pushpieces must never be operated underwater or when the watch is wet. The table below indicates appropriate usage conditions based on water resistance:

If your watch has a screw-lock crown, ensure it is locked before any water use. This also applies to screw-lock pushpieces.

Useful Tips

Breitling leather straps are made from the finest materials for high quality. Like natural leather goods (shoes, gloves), their lifespan varies with wear conditions. Water, cosmetics, and perspiration accelerate aging. For frequent water contact or humid environments, a metal or synthetic Breitling bracelet is recommended.

Breitling metal cases and bracelets are made from the finest alloys, ensuring durability and comfort. Regular cleaning with rinsing and brushing in clean water maintains shine. This is highly recommended after immersion in salt or chlorinated water. For leather straps, follow the same procedure but avoid wetting the strap.

What to Avoid

Like all valuable items, Breitling chronometers require special care. Protect them from shocks and impacts with hard objects. Avoid exposure to chemicals, solvents, dangerous gases, or magnetic fields. Your Breitling chronometer is designed to function optimally at temperatures between 0°C and 50°C.

Warranty

Check if your warranty has been activated by scanning the QR code. Breitling watches purchased from authorized retailers are guaranteed against manufacturing defects, as detailed on www.breitling.com/international-warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, visit www.breitling.com/my-account and www.breitling.com/service-terms.

Safety Warning (Battery)

WARNING: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Swallowing can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, and death. Severe burns can occur within 2 hours of ingestion. Seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION HAZARD: This product contains a button cell or coin battery. DEATH or serious injury can occur if ingested. A swallowed button cell or coin can cause internal chemical burns in as little as 2 hours.

This watch contains batteries that are not intended for user removal or replacement and should only be replaced by trained professionals. Follow safety instructions: ensure correct polarity (+ and -); do not mix old/new, different brands/types of batteries; recycle or dispose of unused batteries according to local regulations; secure the battery compartment. If it does not close securely, stop use, remove batteries, and keep away from children.