Words: Josh Lee
Breitling, the watchmaker whose stable of partners includes footballer Erling Haaland, NBA hero Giannis Antetokounmpo and actor Charlize Theron, has recently celebrated a long-standing affiliation with yet another smash-hit name, the Red Arrows, the feted aerobatic-displays team that’s relied on the precise timekeeping engineering of the Swiss label for more than three decades. To pay tribute to their 60th season in the skies, Breitling has launched a pair of watches – the Breitling Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition, and the Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows – both of which continue the brand’s commitment to creating aviation-specific instruments.
Breitling Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition
Up first is the Breitling Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition, limited to only 360 pieces worldwide and housed within a 42mm case. Angled for airborne adventures, its durability comes in the form of its stainless-steel makeup, as well as the fact that it’s water-resistant to 300m; meanwhile a blue-and-black dial (and the red tip of the seconds hands) takes its colour cues from the Red Arrows’s insignia, and the team’s crest is situated at the 9 location. For those who wish to customise things, you can choose from a stainless-steel bracelet or a blue military leather strap that’s counterbalanced by streaks of red stitching.
Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows
Padding out the offering is the Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows, a timepiece defined by its ready-for-action aesthetic: a 44mm black ceramic case with accents of titanium; and a blue-and-black dial with three sleek sub-dials, including one that shows off the squadron logo depicting the Diamond 9 formation (which, rather aptly, just like the crest on the Avenger 42, is at 9 o’clock). Powering it is the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, which allows for roughly 70 hours of power.
“Timing and precision has been at the heart of the Red Arrows ever since the team’s first display season in the 1960s,” says squadron leader Jon Bond. “During this anniversary year, we’ll be using those qualities to perform a new, fast-paced and dynamic nine-aircraft display that is aimed at thrilling and inspiring millions of people. The two timepieces celebrate the Red Arrows’ wonderful heritage and continuing role to represent at home and overseas.”
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