Breitling Chronomat B31 40 vs. B01 42 vs. Super Chronomat 44
These are not merely three sizes of one watch. The B31 40 is a slim three-hand/date automatic, the current B01 42 is the core manufacture chronograph, and the Super Chronomat B01 44 enlarges that chronograph architecture with a bolder ceramic-accented presentation.
The comparison uses complete steel-bracelet references. The current B01 42 is AB0158101C1A1—not an earlier neighboring Chronomat reference.
B31 40, B01 42 and Super Chronomat 44 specification matrix
| Exact reference | Function | Case | Movement / reserve | Water | Selected attachment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB3114101C1A1 | Three hands and date | 40 × 10.99 mm steel | Breitling B31 (Manufacture) / approx. 78 h | 200 m | Steel Rouleaux bracelet |
| AB0158101C1A1 | Chronograph and date | 42 × 13.77 mm steel | Breitling 01 (Manufacture) / approx. 70 h | 200 m | Steel Rouleaux bracelet |
| AB0136251B1A1 | Chronograph and date | 44 × 14.45 mm steel | Breitling 01 (Manufacture) / approx. 70 h | 200 m | Steel Rouleaux bracelet |
B31 time/date or B01 automatic chronograph
Manufacture Calibre B31 gives AB3114101C1A1 a clean three-hand/date display and an approximately 78-hour reserve. It is the rational choice when elapsed-time recording is not required and a slimmer case is more valuable than chronograph architecture.
AB0158101C1A1 and AB0136251B1A1 both use the self-winding Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 with an approximately 70-hour reserve and chronograph displays. Moving from the current 42 to the Super 44 therefore changes scale and exterior execution more than core movement function.
The 40 is materially slimmer than both chronographs
At 10.99 mm, the B31 40 is 2.78 mm thinner than the current B01 42 and 3.46 mm thinner than the Super Chronomat 44. The Super 44 is 0.68 mm thicker than the current B01 42.
Those differences combine with 40, 42 and 44 mm diameters, chronograph pushers and bracelet mass. The Rouleaux bracelet can distribute weight effectively when sized correctly, but it does not erase case width or height. Compare first-link articulation, clasp position and upper-wrist overhang on the exact bracelet.
No complete-watch weights are compared here. A weight is configuration-specific and must not be moved between steel, two-tone, rubber, bracelet or differently sized references.
Understated automatic, flagship chronograph or Super Chronomat
B31 Automatic 40
The least dial-dense choice, with manufacture time/date architecture and the longest listed reserve of the three.
B01 Chronograph 42
The central current chronograph tier, balancing B01 function, 42 mm scale and 200 m construction.
Super Chronomat B01 44
The boldest selected execution, with 44 mm scale and ceramic inserts on the bezel, pushers and crown.
The Super Chronomat's ceramic accents, larger case and broader presence are deliberate design choices; they do not create a longer reserve or higher water rating than the selected current B01 42. Choose the 44 because that execution is desirable, not because the word “Super” is treated as an automatic specification victory.
All three selected references are rated to 200 meters
Breitling lists AB3114101C1A1, AB0158101C1A1 and AB0136251B1A1 at 20 bars, or 200 m. The B31 40 and Super 44 product pages explicitly list screw-locked crowns; exact operating instructions still govern crown and pusher use.
A factory rating is not proof that a pre-owned example remains sealed. Obtain an appropriate pressure test before swimming, and repeat testing after case-opening service.
Rouleaux completeness, rider tabs and chronograph operation
Inspect bracelet articulation, removable-link count, clasp adjustment and finish consistency. Missing or altered links change fit and replacement cost. Review rider tabs, bezel action and alignment, crown threads, crystal, pushers and case transitions for impact or excessive refinishing.
On both B01 references, test start, stop and reset repeatedly and confirm clean return to zero. On B31, test winding, date change and reserve. Match the dial, case, bracelet, movement and caseback to the complete reference, particularly when factory gem-set, precious-metal or limited configurations are claimed.
Current Chronomat examples for comparison
Compare the exact reference, size, movement, configuration, condition, and transaction terms before choosing a watch.
Breitling Chronomat B31 Automatic 40 Blue Dial Bracelet AB3114101C1A1 UNWORN 2026
$5,600.00
Available now
View exact watch
Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 42 Blue Dial Bracelet AB0158101C1A1 UNWORN 2026
$7,700.00
Available now
View exact watch
Breitling Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Blue Dial Bracelet A17356531C1A1 UNWORN 2026
$9,299.00
Available now
View exact watch
Chronomat 40 vs. 42 vs. 44 FAQs
Which selected Chronomat is thinnest?
The B31 Automatic 40 AB3114101C1A1 is 10.99 mm thick, versus 13.77 mm for the current B01 42 and 14.45 mm for the Super B01 44.
Does the B31 Automatic 40 have a chronograph?
No. It is a three-hand/date automatic. The selected 42 and 44 mm references use the B01 automatic chronograph calibre.
Which exact current B01 42 is used here?
AB0158101C1A1, the current blue-dial steel-bracelet Chronomat B01 Chronograph 42.
Does the Super Chronomat 44 have a different movement from the B01 42?
Both exact references compared here use Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 with an approximately 70-hour reserve.
Which selected Chronomat has the longest power reserve?
The B31 Automatic 40 is listed at approximately 78 hours, compared with approximately 70 hours for both B01 chronographs.
Is the Super Chronomat 44 more water resistant?
No. All three exact references in this comparison are officially rated to 200 m.
Can bracelet weight from one Chronomat be used for another?
No. Complete-watch mass depends on the exact case, metal, attachment and bracelet sizing. Compare only configuration-specific published weights.
Sources and verification
Breitling Chronomat collection · Breitling Chronomat history · Breitling Chronomat B31 Automatic 40 AB3114101C1A1 · Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 42 AB0158101C1A1 · Breitling Super Chronomat B01 44 AB0136251B1A1
Current-reference specifications were checked against Breitling's official US catalog on July 27, 2026. Live price, imagery, URL and availability come from the canonical Superlative Watch Co. Shopify product record on each render.
Editorial review: July 27, 2026. Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury-watch dealer and is not affiliated with or authorized by Breitling. Product availability, pricing and specifications can change. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.