Triple/Double Zulu Time

[dricig]

Does anyone notice a pattern here?


Aerospace


Chronomat



Chronospace


It's pretty obvious that I like the Breitling UTC modules but I find that there's not a lot of info about them to be found.
Does anyone know of such a source?
Any comments on the modules- likes/dislikes?

Personally, I always liked the look but thought they would be uncomfortable, but have since found it to be quite the opposite.

Thanks
dave

[Marc-B1]

A watch with UTC = 100 % Breitling ! ! !

[davey vermaak]

Uncomfy.......

As you say, you'd think so, but they are really wearable.....and I am so envious of your collection!!!!!

Beautiful.

Davey

[dricig]

A watch with UTC = 100 % Breitling ! ! !

You are absolutely correct Marc!
If you want to fly under the radar so to speak, Don't wear a UTC module!
They SCREAM Breitling

dave

[Brice]

Very nice and impressing collection, Dricig !
I love all of them !!
Thanks for sharing...

Cheers,
Brice

[rt19]

I really like the UTC module, and I think it's a shame that Breitling has discontinued it in favor of the Co-Pilot module. Yes, the Co-Pilot is extremely useful - far more useful than the UTC module, given all of its functions - but the UTC just presents a different, interesting aesthetic. I guess Breitling didn't find it profitable to keep it around.

One question I had about the UTC: can you swap out any strap/bracelet, or is it integrated into the bracelet? The new Co-Pilot module is integrated with the bracelet, so you don't have any options in that regard.

[Verner]

Aerospace


Chronomat



Chronospace



Dave,

no wonder none of us can find any UTCs!!! You have them all!!!!



Fantastic collection...

Best wishes,

Verner

[dricig]

One question I had about the UTC: can you swap out any strap/bracelet, or is it integrated into the bracelet? The new Co-Pilot module is integrated with the bracelet, so you don't have any options in that regard.

rt19
The UTC is not an integral part of the bracelet, however, the module is tapered 2mm smaller at the south end then on the north. As an example, my aerospace module fits onto the case at 20mm but the south end springbar is 18mm. As such, any bracelet or strap needs to be 20mm at 1 end and 18 at the other. So, bracelets and straps can be swapped but they must be UTC specific with different size end pieces. Also the bracelet and strap must be much shorter on the UTC side.

dave

[O2AFAC67]

Does anyone notice a pattern here?
Any comments on the modules- likes/dislikes?
Personally, I always liked the look but thought they would be uncomfortable, but have since found it to be quite the opposite.
Thanks
dave

Hi, Dave. Yes, I think I do see a pattern emerging...


Crosswind/B70174 UTC




B-1/A70174 UTC






Chronomat Evolution/A70177 UTC






And here's an Ebay nicked shot of one I missed (with deep regret) a couple of years ago...


Should have sold this one and bought that one...


Yes, I certainly agree that the UTC module seems to complete the watch in terms of brand recognition and unique character. I notice no difference at all in the "feel" of the UTC bracelet compared to the regular bracelet. If anythng, the UTC module is even more comfortable because the bracelet doesn't slide as much around the wrist it seems. IMHO, Breitling made a mistake discontinuing the UTC module in late 2006. The new Co-Pilot with integrated bracelet and no strap option is esthetically limited IMO and I suspect it will be much less popular to the customer base. Not saying the UTC module was a great seller, I just doubt the CoPilot will match the popularity and sales the UTC did have over comparable production time frames.

Interesting that even though the UTC modules were introduced in the mid 90's, the 24hr dial version doesn't appear until 2000 (late 99 actually) and was only for a few models (B-1, B-2, CW racing) that year all of which are 22mm interhorn width. The 20mm interhorn Chronomat's UTC module changed from 12 hr to 24 hr dial in 2002 and the 20mm Aerospace UTC module went to 24hr in 2003. The Aerospace was the only titanium piece to offer UTC modules until 2002 and 2003 when the CA and E got theirs. The last year of UTC production, 2006, was also the only year the E had a UTC specific titanium Pro "II" bracelet offered. It is shown in the Chronolog but not in the Sales Handbook so that model number is unknown to me. I have a contact at BUSA who may be able to provide that number to me if anyone is interested. Probably one of the rarest bracelets if not THE rarest ever built built by Breitling. Further to UTC specific straps and bracelets, the 2004-2005 Breitling Sales Handbook specifies materials, interhorn widths and model numbers for all the UTC specific options. The 2006-2007 version only lists the models specific to the 22mm interhorn watches (Emergency, B-1, Evo, CA and a couple more). When the 20mm interhorn Chronomat was still in production, bracelet and strap taper was to 18mm and that was the case for the 22mm watches until 2003 when the taper changed to 20mm bottom number. IOW, the specification was 22-18mm prior to 2003 and 22-20mm afterwards. That means the Chronomat Evolution UTC module (A70177 produced 2 years, 2005-2006) was the only one to have a south interhorn width of 20mm vice the 19mm of every other UTC module built. Another almost useless bit of trivia for those of us interested in the mundane... Well, you asked for comments! LOL.

Thanks for posting those shots Dave. Love to see the little fellow hanging on for dear life. Interestingly, I have yet to see another UTC module in the wild on someone else's wrist. When I do, it will be an automatic conversation starter for certain. I will admit to having received more comments from others about the watches I wear when the module is attached. Well, maybe four comments total per year instead of the normal two...

Cheers,
Ron

[dricig]

Hi Ron,

I knew it would be only a matter of time before you chimed in.
I'm really glad that you did since you are a wealth of information on everything Breitling.
I learned a load of information about the UTC module in just your 1 post.

Thanks again Ron

dave