Breitling has a long history of supporting aerobatic display teams, including once running its own Breitling Jet Team until 2019 incoming CEO Georges Kern grounded the fleet in an early act of sanity.
But Breitling is continuing its association with air shows through Britain’s Red Arrows, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, with the unveiling of a limited-edition Breitling Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition and Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Red Arrows.
Barring recent controversies about bullying and misogyny within the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, working with the Red Arrows is an almost perfect partnership for a brand like Breitling, focusing on high-performance timekeeping, accuracy and precision under extreme conditions.
“As the Red Arrows marks its 60th anniversary display season, we continue to be inspired by the team’s resilience, professionalism and commitment to excellence, “ says Gavin Murphy, Breitling UK managing director.
“Having built a relationship with the team for more than 30 years, we’re pleased to join them in celebrating this momentous occasion in their history, and honoured that their pilots place their trust in Breitling as they undertake the most challenging of displays. We’re delighted to continue the legacy with these new limited editions, and to pay tribute to the incredible members of the Royal Air Force by raising funds for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund”.
Only 360 of the Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition, are being made, with a percentage of sales going to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
Breitling Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition
The anniversary watch comes in a 42mm steel case housing a COSC-certified Breitling 17 automatic movement with 38 hour power reserve.
It has a blue dial and black DLC case with accents of red in its subdials, second hand tip and stitching on its leather strap, which can be exchanged for a metal bracelet.
Its case, which stands 51.2mm high, is water resistant to 300 metres.
The watch is on sale now for £7,950.
Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Red Arrows Avenger Red Arrows
Also in the blue and red livery of the Red Arrows, and less than half the price of the limited edition is the Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Red Arrows Avenger Red Arrows, which is yours for £3,650.
It has the Red Arrows logo at 9 o’clock on its blue dial.
The watch uses the COSC-certified Breitling 01 three-hand with date manufacture movement (70 hour power reserve) in a 44mm steel case that stands 15.2 tall on the wrist.