Breitling celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille Suisse, the aerobatic display team of the Swiss Air Force, by dedicating an exclusive version of the Chronomat 44. The Swiss watchmaker enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Patrouille Suisse that has already led to the creation of several personalized models for the team. The Chronomat 44 GMT “Patrouille Suisse 50th Anniversary” is an authentic aviation chronograph issued in a limited edition of 1,000, complete with customized dial and engraved caseback (image below).
This mechanical chronograph, featuring a satin-brushed steel case, is distinguished by a black dial bearing the flight team logo at 9 o’clock, framed by a rotating bezel with inlaid rubber numerals. The second hour hand, tipped by the outline of a red F-5E Tiger II, serves to display the second timezone in 24-hour mode in a very simple manner via an extremely practical crown-adjustment system. The 24-hour scale on the bezel also enables a third timezone reading. The engraved caseback bears the official 50th anniversary logo, topped by the limited-edition number. Water-resistant to 200 meters (660 ft), the Chronomat 44 GMT “Patrouille Suisse 50th Anniversary” houses Manufacture Breitling Caliber B04, a selfwinding chronograph movement entirely developed and produced by Breitling and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), the highest benchmark in terms of precision and reliability and the only one based on an international norm. Sturdiness and high performance expressed in a technical and masculine style: a fine tribute to 50 years of airborne feats.
