If we were asked to choose a Chronomat among the many in Breitling’s collection, with no hesitation would pick the one named after the “Frecce Tricolori” aerobats team!Quite obviously, we’re from Italy! If we were asked to pick from a box which one we do like the most, well we would most probably choose the Chronomat named after the “Patrouille de France”.
They’re dedicated as well to two famous aerobatics teams, but the Patrouille de France is, in our opinion, more attractive than the Italian limited edition model. As of yesterday, a new Breitling Chronomat has made this choice even harder, since Breitling debuted a third limited edition, showcasing a partnership with the renowned “Patrouille Suisse”, which, this year, celebrates its 50th anniversary: the Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT 50th Anniversary Patrouille Suisse:
Given that they all strengthen Breitling’s leadership in making pilot’s watches, we do believe the Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT 50th Anniversary Patrouille Suisse is the ultimate Special Edition Chronomat: the original counter dial at 9 has been replaced by a picture, which represents the team, made of 6 F-5E Tiger supersonic jets. Since this is a GMT timepiece, the second hour hand is tipped by the outline of a red F-5E Tiger jet, the fighter the aerobats team has been using since 1995.
The result is a design so vivid to fully stand out if compared to the Italian and French special editions, as this cool combination let the dial abandon the original boring sobriety. And it revamps a collection, the Chronomat, which represents Breitling’s flagship. The choice of adopting for the GMT hand end the shape of a true supersonic jet, not any jet, as every other brand does, gives further authority. An authentic special edition, as it is limited to just 1000 pieces.
The Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT 50th Anniversary Patrouille Suisse is powered by calibre B04, an upgraded GMT version of in-house caliber B01, a movement Breitling is rapidly extending to all its timepieces. A reliable and robust drivetrain which, as it is with all Breitling’s movements, is COSC certified and whose balance wheel vibrates at 4Hz. Last but not least, we need to ask Breitling a question: the Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT 50th Anniversary Patrouille Suisse is available with a stainless steel or a Diver Pro III sports bracelet, why do not provide it with a limited edition nylon bracelet?
(Photo credit: courtesy of Breitling)
Gaetano C. @Horbiter®
@Gaetano Cimmino
