The timepiece is the latest in the coveted line of limited releases between Breitling and the Royal Air Force dating back 30 years, including the exclusive RAF100 Anniversary collection in 2018 and the Avenger Red Arrows Limited Edition in 2020. As the only luxury watch brand granted exclusive permission to feature The Red Arrows distinctive emblems, Breitling Red Arrows timepieces are collector’s editions with a generational legacy.
Partners in Precision
Breitling’s storied association with aviation, combined with its world first innovations in the functionality of the wrist chronograph, have led to its reputation as the preferred supplier to aviation. The brand’s historical partnership with the Royal Air Force dates back to the 1930s, when Breitling’s precision on board chronographs were supplied to RAF aircraft to ensure precise calculations of distance and fuel during the most challenging flying conditions.
Breitling remains the pilot’s choice and the brand creates private commission timepieces exclusively for RAF and military squadrons. Today the Red Arrows display pilots wear Breitling chronographs built to ensure accuracy, precision and reliability under the most demanding conditions, as they prepare and perform their world-class displays, in the UK and overseas.
Promoting the best of British, their precision manoeuvres and close formations in the distinctive Hawk fast-jets, including their famous Diamond Nine shape, represents the very best in flying, agility, precision and operational excellence. Breitling ensures that the teams timing equipment lives up to the needs of their every pursuit.
Chronomat – Born in the Air
The Chronomat holds a significant place in Breitling’s history and is truly an all-purpose sports watch – suitable for every pursuit – on the ground, under the sea or in the air. Introduced during Breitling’s centenary year in 1984, when extra-thin quartz timepieces were the order of the day, Breitling presented the bold and impressive mechanical watch, which fast became an icon of its era due to its all-purpose prowess and distinctive style.
Born in the air, the design was inspired by a timepiece designed for the Italian Air Force aerobatic display team and marked the return of the mechanical chronograph.
A Patriotic Tribute
The Breitling Red Arrows Limited Edition features a RAF blue dial featuring black contrasting sub-dials and the Red Arrows Diamond Nine logo positioned in a rare execution at 12 o’clock where the Breitling logo is normally placed. It has a 42mm stainless-steel case with a ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel and four iconic interchangeable rider tabs, unique to the Chronomat. On the caseback’s transparent sapphire crystal the Royal Air Force insignia is presented in glorious colour for the first time.
This patriotic tribute is limited to 160 pieces for each Red Arrows display pilot to have served, and its case back is engraved with the words ‘one of 160’. It is presented on the Chronomat’s eye-catching Rouleaux bracelet with butterfly clasp, the perfect expression of Breitling’s cool modern-retro style. Inside is the in-house Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 certified by the COSC – the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute that guarantees the accuracy and precision of Swiss watches.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – The Red Arrows
Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of 11 pilots, nine of whom fly in the display, and more than 100 support personnel and technicians. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier, enabling the RAF to secure the skies and protect the nation and its interests, 365-days a year.
