Case of the Breitling B-1

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The case

The Breitling B-1 has a large and heavy case made of solid 316L (high-grade) stainless steel. The total weight of the watch is 180 grams when attached to the steel Fighter bracelet; case dimensions are 43.2 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm in thickness.

The case is mostly polished, except for the brushed bezel. The dial is protected behind a flat sapphire glass (which does not rotate when turning the bezel), glareproofed both sides.

The B-1 sports a non–screw-locked crown, protected by 2 gaskets and 2 shoulders. Like most chronographs, the B-1 also features 2 push-buttons.

There is a visible access point to the slide rule mechanism on the left side of the case—somehow evoking a helium escape valve.

The caseback

The screw-down caseback is a large turbine-looking echo chamber. It contains holes which are used to amplify the sound of the alarm (or other sounds that can be triggered by the various functions). This caseback presses against an intermediary, leakproof metal cap and the gasket protecting the movement.

The B-1's turbine-shaped caseback

This is one of the most eye-catching casebacks made by Breitling. That may be the reason why it is unfortunately often copied and found in replicas (along with the serial number A68062).

On the back is engraved some information about the B-1's origin (MANUFACTURÉ EN SUISSE), water resistance (50 M), serial and reference number, movement functionality (CHRONOGRAPHE) and, when applicable, the movement's chronometric performance (CHRONOMÈTRE).

The caseback has slightly different characteristics depending on the actual reference number of the B-1:

• the socket of the A68062 has the shape of a regular tetradecagon, and can be opened with a dedicated 14-sided wrench.
• the sockets of the A68362 and A78362 both have the shape of a regular pentadecagon, and opens with a 15-sided wrench.

Attempting to open the watch without the proper tool will most likely fail, and risk damaging the case.
(Also please note that the cheap tools BRL 35 and BRL 36 are too small and too large, respectively, for the A78362.)

Water resistance

The B-1 claims to be water resistant to 50 meters. Thus, it is not a diving watch, but is still well enough suited for a gentle swim, provided that it has been serviced correctly and recently enough. Naturally, make sure not to activate any button while submerged.

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