crosswind special breitling | breitling chronometre automatic diamond bezel

The Breitling Crosswind Special is a fascinating and highly sought-after variant within the esteemed Windrider collection. It represents a unique blend of Breitling's robust design, chronometer-certified accuracy, and a touch of sportiness that sets it apart from its brethren. This article delves deep into the world of the Crosswind Special, exploring its history, design features, variations, and its enduring appeal to watch collectors worldwide. We will specifically focus on the "LE Sport" model, a limited edition that exemplifies the Crosswind Special's distinctive character.

The Legacy of Breitling: From Aviation to the Wrist

To understand the significance of the Crosswind Special, it's crucial to appreciate the rich history of Breitling 1884. Founded by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer in chronograph development. Breitling's early innovations, including the first independent chronograph pusher and the first chronograph with a central seconds hand, laid the foundation for its enduring association with aviation.

Throughout the 20th century, Breitling became the watch of choice for pilots. Its chronographs were renowned for their precision, reliability, and legibility, making them essential tools in the cockpit. Iconic models like the Navitimer, with its circular slide rule for calculating airspeed and fuel consumption, solidified Breitling's reputation as the premier watchmaker for aviators.

The Windrider Collection: A Diversification of Style

The Windrider collection, introduced in the 1990s, represented a diversification of Breitling's design language. While still retaining the brand's commitment to technical excellence, the Windrider line offered a more refined and versatile aesthetic, appealing to a broader audience. The Chronomat, a cornerstone of the Breitling collection, also saw variations within the Windrider umbrella, further blurring the lines between sporty functionality and elegant design.

The Crosswind, a key model within the Windrider family, embodied this spirit. It combined the robustness and precision of a Breitling chronograph with a more sophisticated and wearable design. The Crosswind Special took this concept a step further, introducing unique design elements and limited editions that made it a standout piece for collectors.

The Breitling Crosswind Special: Defining Features

The Breitling Crosswind Special distinguished itself from the standard Crosswind with several key features:

* Case Size and Construction: Typically, the Crosswind Special retained the substantial case size of the standard Crosswind, often around 43mm. The cases were available in stainless steel, two-tone (stainless steel and gold), and sometimes even solid gold. This robust construction ensured durability and a commanding presence on the wrist.

* Dial Configuration: While the standard Crosswind usually featured a three-register chronograph layout, some Crosswind Special models, like the LE Sport, sported a distinctive two-register configuration. This simplified design provided a cleaner and more balanced aesthetic.

* Color Accents: The Crosswind Special often incorporated bold color accents, such as red chronograph hands and subdial markers, to enhance legibility and add a sporty touch.

* Limited Editions: The Crosswind Special was frequently released in limited edition runs, making specific models highly collectible. These limited editions often featured unique dial colors, case materials, and engravings, further enhancing their desirability.

The Crosswind Special LE Sport: A Deep Dive

The Crosswind Special LE Sport, specifically the limited edition run of 250 pieces in steel and 1000 pieces in two-tone, is a prime example of the Crosswind Special's unique appeal. Let's examine its defining characteristics in detail:

* Limited Production: The limited production run of the LE Sport immediately elevates its status among collectors. The scarcity of these models contributes significantly to their value and desirability. The limited edition numbers are often engraved on the case back, further authenticating the piece.

* Two-Subdial Chronograph: The LE Sport's two-subdial chronograph layout sets it apart from the more common three-subdial configurations. This design choice provides a cleaner and more symmetrical dial, enhancing readability and creating a more balanced aesthetic. Typically, the two subdials would consist of a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and a 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock.

* Red Accents: The red second hand and subdial totalizer hands are a signature element of the LE Sport. These vibrant accents add a sporty and dynamic touch to the dial, making it instantly recognizable. The red color not only enhances legibility but also adds a visual pop that distinguishes the LE Sport from other Crosswind models.

* Case Materials: The availability of the LE Sport in both stainless steel and two-tone (stainless steel and gold) provided collectors with a choice to suit their personal preferences. The stainless steel version offered a more understated and tool-like appearance, while the two-tone version exuded a more luxurious and sophisticated feel.