While Breitling carries with it more than a century’s worth of history, few of its collections stand out more than the Chronomat (and, perhaps, the Navitimer). So it is only fitting that the watchmaker’s ode to Malaysia’s 68th year of independence is crystallised on this model.

Enter the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Malaysia Edition which, right off the bat, commemorates the number ‘68’ by offering this exact number of watches available for purchase. Even considering the fact that this model is only available in Malaysia, 68 pieces is still a tiny amount to have in circulation, so it will be prudent to snap one up before they inevitably sell out.

The Chronomat, especially of this GMT variety, needs no further introduction, but the magic of this limited edition piece lies not just in the colours of the Malaysian flag on the dial, but also in the numerals, and we’re not just talking about the red gold indices here.

Yes, the hour markers are denoted in Eastern Arabic, but so too are the dates and the rehaut for the GMT complication. That last bit regarding the rehaut is a tiny detail that might fly under the radar at first glance, but it’s still a nice touch to ensure continuity across the entire design.

My only gripe with this watch’s design is that it maintains its 15-minute markers instead of 24 hours on the bezel. Yes, the current style pays tribute to the history of the Chronomat, but this watch would make a much better travel companion if it were able to measure a third timezone through the use of the bezel.

Plus, I am of the opinion that GMT complications do not belong alongside a dive watch’s design. In fact, the only diver’s feature welcome here is the 200-metre water resistance. But then again, one could argue that this combination of complications would suit the average urbanite better, because he’d be able to keep track of another timezone while timing his boiled eggs to perfection, all with the same watch. Diver plus GMT is a very Chronomat thing, after all.

Speaking of passed-down design, this watch also carries its trademark Rouleaux bracelet, which brings with it its retro vibes. This bracelet is also known to provide a huge benefit for a select demographic of men, since it doesn’t snag arm hair as much. And because each link is so thin, it articulates better across the wrist.

All this comfort comes in handy if you elect to use this piece as a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ watch. Its case diameter of 40mm and 11.77mm thickness makes it easy to fit under a shirt cuff, and it wouldn’t look out of place when paired with a T-shirt, either.

While we’ve been focusing on the watch’s visual appearance, it’s important to also note that this limited edition Chronomat carries a lot of watchmaking prowess under its proverbial hood. So it’s not surprising to find a Breitling Calibre 32 powering the watch, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Tack on the COSC-certified performance, and you have yourself a very solid timepiece, despite the slightly shorter 48-hour power reserve.

But then again, who needs a high power reserve for a watch you would want to wear daily? Especially when it is one of 68.