The B55 Connected: the ultimate pilot’s instrument

I often wonder what our great grandfathers would make of today’s advances. Whether it’s in engineering, science or technology, the transformation to what we now take for granted in the 21st century would surely have them totally bamboozled. In fact, we don’t even have to go back that far to see the perpendicular gradient on the graph of innovation. Sixty years ago, people travelled to New York via boat for Pete’s sake – a journey that stole three days of their lives. Now, since the jet engine has turned the world into a Tube map, we can swap the Big Smoke for the Big Apple in a little over 7 hours.

I mention this because I recently set eyes on the Breitling B55 Connected – the first connected chronograph from the reputed name. This piece of technical wizardry places the smartphone in the service of the watch, so as to enhance its functionality and conviviality – little surprise it’s been dubbed the instrument of the future. With a wide range of innovative functions, such as an electronic tachometer and an eminently aviation-oriented chrono flight device, the SuperQuartz B55 is the ultimate pilot’s timepiece. In fact, to call it a timepiece is to miss the point, as it is so much more than just a way of determining the date and time.

The connection of the two instruments forms a perfectly complementary pair in which each is used for what it does best. Since the main assets of a smartphone are its screen and its ergonomic interface, owners of the B55 Connected can use their phone to perform certain adjustments (time-setting, timezones, alarms, display and operating parameters, night mode, etc.). Conversely, the user may also upload the results of various measurements (flight times, etc.) from the chronograph to the smartphone, so as to be able to read them more easily, store them or pass them on.

And whilst the B55 is rather alien in function, the striking appearance and magnetism synonymous with Breitlings of before is extremely familiar, featuring a titanium case with black carbon-based coating, a dial adorned with a blue wireless symbol, and a blue and black sturdy rubber strap.

Such an instrument would surely have our forefathers tongue-tied, and once again it gets me to thinking. If we’ve come this far in such a short period, from the basic wrist watch to a pilot’s instrument that can be plugged into a USB port, just imagine the pieces that names such as Breitling will be producing in 50 or 60 years time. With the revolution of technology ever bouldering towards the skies, soon it’ll be the present generation – you, your children, me – totally bamboozled. One day, the B55 will seem strangely rudimental, but for now it is yet another stamp of marvellous ingenuity from the Swiss powerhouse.

For more, visit Breitling.