Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT “Patrouille Suisse 50th Anniversary

chronomat_44_gmt_patrouille_suisse This year Switzerland celebrates two important anniversaries in its aviation history. These are the hundredth anniversary of the creation of its air force and the fiftieth anniversary of its aerobatics team, the Patrouille Suisse. Swiss watchmaker Breitling is marking the second anniversary and its long association with aviators in general by releasing a 1,000-piece limited edition version of its famous aviator’s watch, the Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT.

Long Partnership

This special watch marks Breitling’s long partnership with Patrouille Suisse, a team of elite air force pilots who are one of the few supersonic jet aerobatics teams in the world. The team flies six American F-5E Tiger II hunter aircraft liveried in the white and red colours of the Swiss flag.

Case

The Chronomat 44 GMT features a 44 mm satin brushed stainless-steel case with the Patrouille Suisse 50th anniversary logo engraved on its back together with the series number of the limited edition. The face of the watch is cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings on both sides to provide a clear view of the black onyx dial and three registers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.

Registers and Time Zones

Two of the registers – at 3 and 6 o’clock - are white, while the third, at 9 0’clock, is the red and yellow logo of the fight team with six black aircraft silhouettes in formation. There is a centre-mounted hour hand on the main dial that displays a second 24-hour scale time zone and carries a red-coloured outline of an F-5E Tiger II aircraft on its tip. There is a third 24-hour time zone with inlaid rubber numerals on the rotating bezel.

Movement

The chronometer’s movement is Breitling’s own self-winding Calibre B04 with 47 jewels, 28,800 viib/h and 70 hours of power reserve. It is certified by the official Swiss chronometer-testing institute, the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC). This is a body that certifies a mere three per cent of Swiss watches and is the highest benchmark of an international watch standards certification. It will make the Chronomat GNT 44 Patrouille Suisse limited edition the unsurpassed ambassador for Swiss precision and excellence.

Water Resistance

The watch is water-resistant to depths of 200 metres, or 660 feet, the equivalent of a good diver’s watch. The crown is screw locked and the push pieces can be manipulated by both gloved and bare hands. The watch fits with either a steel pilot bracelet or a rubber Diver Pro strap.

A Watch for Anyone Who Loves Precision, Quality And Luxury

Although this is a watch for elite aviators, its suits anyone who enjoys technical excellence together with an obvious luxury feel, whether they are heads of government, pop stars, actors, executives or just Breitling enthusiasts. It suits all activities and circumstances, from sports to business and sophisticated night life, and embodies the ultimate in class and elegance.

Prices

Prices for the Chronomat GNT 44 Patrouille Suisse limited edition are £7,229 including VAT, USD $10,000 or 8,800 euros for collectors up to December 2014.