Horologii

Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition Watch Review

Breitling continue their partnership with the Royal Air Force with the launch of the new Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition. Dressed in the Red Arrows emblems and limited to only 160 pieces in honour of each pilot to have flown and served in the team since 1965, the new Breitling release continues the Swiss watch manufacturer’s legacy for producing only the best, high functioning pilots watches in the industry.

If there’s one luxury watch brand to have secured its place within the aviation industry it’s Breitling, and their associations with the Royal Air Force are just as concrete with a history that dates as far back as the 1930’s. Breitling began their parentship with the RAF by supplying precision onboard chronographs for use in their aircrafts before commissioning private timepieces exclusively for RAF and military squadrons. Today, Breitling continue to ensure accuracy, precision, and reliability in the skies by supplying the Red Arrows display pilots with special Breitling chronograph watches.

Breitling have celebrated their relationship with the RAF and the Red Arrows several times before with the RAF100 Anniversary collection in 2017 and the Avenger Red Arrows Limited Edition in 2020. The Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition marks a new chapter however, as the evolved Chronomat design with its interchangeable rider tabs and Rouleaux bracelet becomes the latest chronograph to be granted exclusive permission to feature the Red Arrows emblems.

“The Red Arrows represent the best of British – their professionalism, positivity and commitment to excellence are values that inspire each and every one of us. Breitling’s partnership with the team dates back 30 years and during this time the pilots have chosen to wear Breitling whilst conducting their daring displays, demonstrating the trust that they have in our watches and the synergy of our shared brand values. We are proud to continue our relationship with the team who have become our good friends over the years and we are delighted to be presenting our flagship model, the Chronomat bearing the Diamond Nine formation, in celebration of each of the 160 pilots who have earned the right to wear the ‘red suit’.” Gavin Murphy, Breitling UK Managing Director

Case

As part of the Breitling Chronomat 42 collection, the Red Arrows Limited Edition watch is presented with a 42mm stainless steel case and a ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel with four interchangeable rider tabs at the 15 and 45 positions. This unique feature is designed so that the wearer can choose whether to count up or count down. The bezel also features a luminous marker at 12 o’clock while the case comes equipped with a screw locked crown with two gaskets and convex sapphire crystal glass treated with double anti-reflective coating. Turn the Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition watch around, and for the first time you will be greeted to a stunning exhibition sapphire crystal glass back adorned with the Royal Air Force insignia in full, glorious colour. The screwed steel case back also assists in delivering a water resistant rating of 200 metres.

Dial

Similar in style to the Breitling Avenger Red Arrows Limited Edition watch launched last year, the new Chronomat model is dressed in the iconic RAF colours of blue and red. The sunray blue backdrop contrasts perfectly against black snailed chronograph subsidiary counters, a black internal flange for tachymeter and the Red Arrows Diamond Nine logo which has humbly replaced the Breitling logo at the 12 o’clock position. Instead, the iconic B emblem adorns the bottom end of the red chronograph seconds hand. The Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition watch also features Superluminova on the applied indexes and rhodium plated hands for hours and minutes.

Movement

Housed within the stainless steel case and exposed through the sapphire crystal case back of the Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows watch is the in-house Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 movement. As always with Breitling watches, the automatic winding movement is certified by COSC, the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, and guarantees an accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds per day. The 346-component calibre also delivers a frequency of 4Hz, 47 jewels, a power reserve of 70 hours and a vertical clutch and column wheel chronograph with 1/4th second, 30 minutes and 12 hours counters.

Strap & Watch Roll

One of our favourite additions to the Breitling Chronomat 42 collection last year was the Rouleaux bracelet inspired by the vintage metal straps seen on the original 1940’s Chronomat. The Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition is similarly presented on a stainless steel Rouleaux bracelet which with its rifle-shell style links and butterfly clasp ensures optimal comfort on the wrist.

Unique to the Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows watch is a stunning double watch roll that comes delivered with every limited edition piece. This handsome accessory has been designed by British luxury leather goods manufacturer, Ettinger, to commemorate the release and is adorned with the Red Arrows branding on the navy blue leather exterior.

Price & Availability

As already mentioned, the Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows watch is a limited edition of 160 pieces to mark each of the Red Arrows pilots to have served in the team. The limited edition number is marked on the case back alongside the special RAF insignia. The Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition will retail at £6,900.

Available to order now, the Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows watch can be found on the Jura Watches website here. Get in touch with the team today on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk for assistance with your purchase or for advice on the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.

Specifications: Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition Watch (AB01347A1C1A1)

  • Case Size: 42mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Unidirectional with rider tabs
  • Glass: Convex sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
  • Case Back: Screwed, sapphire crystal
  • Crown: Screw-locked, two gaskets
  • Water Resistance: 200 metres
  • Movement: Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
  • COSC: Yes
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, small seconds, 30 minutes counter, 12 hours counter, date
  • Power Reserve: 70 hours
  • Jewels: 47
  • Frequency: 28,800vph
  • Dial: Blue with black chronograph counters and Superluminova indexes and hands
  • Strap: “Rouleaux” stainless steel bracelet
  • Buckle: Butterfly
  • RRP: £6,900
  • Limited Edition: 160 pieces
  • Release Date: Available now