In 2014, Switzerland and the aviation world are celebrating a double milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Swiss Air Force and the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille Suisse. I invite you to discover the Chronomat 44 GMT and to view a spectacular video…
1964 saw the official creation of an aerobatics team composed of professional air force pilots. Initially comprising four and later five British Hawker Hunter Mk 58 jet fighters, the Patrouille Suisse switched to six planes in 1978 and began giving its first demonstrations beyond national borders. Since 1995, it has established itself as one of the rare aerobatics teams on supersonic jets by flying six American F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft recognizable by their red and white livery. An outstanding ambassador of Swiss precision and excellence, the Patrouille Suisse regularly performs at shows around Europe, providing stunning displays that delight spectators and have already earned it numerous distinctions.
As a partner of aviation, Breitling enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Patrouille Suisse that has already led to the creation of several personalized models. The brand now joins the team’s 50th anniversary celebrations by launching a limited edition of its Chronomat model in its dual-time version. An authentic wrist instrument for pilots, this mechanical chronograph featuring a sturdy 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 zonetime in 24-hour mode in a very simple manner via an extremely practical crown-adjustment system. The 24-hour scale on the bezel in theory also enables a third zonetime reading. The engraved case back bears the official 50th anniversary logo, topped by the limited-edition number. The Chronomat 44 GMT “Patrouille Suisse 50th Anniversary” is water-resistant to 200 meters (= 660 feet), it the houses the Caliber B04, a selfwinding chronograph movement entirely developed and produced by Breitling and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute)
Movement: Manufacture Breitling Caliber B04, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC; self-winding; 28.800 A/h; 47 jewels; over 70-hour power reserve; 24-hour 2nd zonetime display on the dial, 3rd zonetime on the bezel; 1/8th of a second chronograph; 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers; calendar. Case: steel; water-resistant to 200 m/660 feet; screw-locked crown and push pieces. Bidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Cambered sapphire crystal, glare proofed on both sides. Diameter: 44 mm. Dial: Onyx Black. Straps/Bracelet: rubber Diver Pro III/Pilot.
Wonderful! I have the limited edition Navitimer. This will complement it beautifully.