For sale is a Pre-Owned example of the Breitling Chronomat Special Airborne 30th Anniversary Edition (Ref: AB0115). Released to honour the 30th milestone of Breitling's flagship pilot's watch—originally developed for the Italian Air Force's Frecce Tricolori aerobatics team—this model perfectly combines rugged military aviation history with haute horology
(Date code between the lugs: 0614B4)
Breitling is renowned for creating robust timepieces capable of everyday wear. Numerous aviators have entrusted timekeeping to the brand, safe in the knowledge that their chosen watch will shrug off minor scrapes with minimal fuss. Indeed, it is for this reason Breitling has earned its status as a maker of professional instruments.
Case:
This Chronomat Airborne special series upholds this reputation with a sturdy 44mm Stainless Steel Case and features many of the usual Chronomat design codes. The screw-locked push pieces of the original Chronomat are retained as is the domed, fluted screw-down crown.
The unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel is satin-brushed and features the brand’s iconic raised rider tabs positioned at noon, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The bezel is designed to be rotated with gloved hands. The handsome appearance of the bezel is a magnificent example of form following function with ease of use granted with thoughtful design.
Adorning the case back is an engraved description in relief, states, “Edition Spéciale 30? Anniversaire”, together with an outline of an Aermacchi, one of the ten planes flown by the Frecce Tricolori. Also engraved are the model number and watch serial number.
Dial:
Three silver-toned subdials contrast with the Onyx black dial canvas, arresting the wearer’s attention. A 30-minute chronometer register is positioned at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour chronometer resides just above 6 o’clock and a small seconds display is presented at 9 o’clock. The hour and minute hands shine resplendently. They are lined with beige luminous fill, enhancing visibility in restricted light.
The applied hour markers are rectangular in profile and feature the same aforementioned beige luminous fill to their centres. A date aperture on the Breitling Chronomat Airborne Special Series is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. The white text is highly legible against the black date disc and is depicted in a traditional font avec serifs.
Framing the aperture is a white border, providing demarcation and guiding the eyes to the prevailing date. A red central-chronograph seconds hand moves in ¼ second integers, denoting this watch has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz). This hand is highly visible, courtesy of its vibrant colour, and interfaces with the tachymeter scale depicted on the inner flange.
Movement:
The Breitling Caliber B01 is self-winding, denoted with red text on the dial, stating “Automatic” in italicised text. It is a movement crafted at the company’s La Chaux-de-Fonds atelier and is fully integrated.
Strap/Bracelet:
Whilst not the original black canvas strap that this watch was issued with, it has a new original Breitling black diver pro strap which compliments the watch brilliantly.
This watch has been checked and certified as clear by ‘The Watch Register’ the Global Database of Lost, Stolen and Counterfeit Watches. This database covers a broad range of incidents including robberies, burglaries, snatches, frauds, postal losses, accidental losses and fakes.
This watch was produced in 2014 (Date code between the lugs: 0614B4)
Watch working on test.
The condition of this watch is Excellent for its age with scratches and marks commensurate with careful ownership and use and the age of the watch. (Please see photos)
The watch comes in the original inner leatherette case and outer box, International Warranty Electronic Card and User Manual together with an authentication card from Sterling Vault Auctioneers.
Please note that the movement has not been professionally tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.
When purchasing a watch for delivery outside of the UK, all local Customs Authority charges i.e. VAT and import charges etc. are the responsibility of the ‘Buyer’ and are not included in the sale price of the watch.
The photos form part of the description.