Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows Watch Review
The Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows is a special edition timepiece, marking the 60th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. It is joined by a second model, the Breitling Avenger Auto 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition, a three-hander with a date display. Angus Davies, a self-confessed ‘chrono lover’, discusses the 34-year marriage between the Swiss marque and the Red Arrows, asking, ‘What does this partnership mean for horophiles?’
Breitling watch
In the UK, it is said that 42% of marriages end in divorce. It’s a terrible figure; however, it does serve to emphasise the importance of choosing a partner with great care. At this juncture, on hearing the statistics, vicars and priests are probably wringing their hands with concern. However, when it comes to business alliances, the failure rate is far worse.
For example, look at the various Formula One cars assembled on the starting grid of a grand prix. Peruse the wind-cheating bodywork of these mechanical thoroughbreds and note the abundance of watch company brand names and logos adorning the mirrors, wings and engine covers. It would seem that prestigious marques swear undying love one season only to flit to a rival watch firm the following year. Quite simply, when it comes to sponsorship, horological marques and race teams tend to be promiscuous, showing little signs of brand monogamy.
Breitling x Red Arrows
With this in mind, it is refreshing to hear that some strategic relationships endure. Take Breitling and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, aka the Red Arrows, they are celebrating more than 34 years of wedded bliss. As a former marketing professional, I find this lengthy union to be very impressive. However, what does a long marriage mean for horophiles? Allow me to elaborate.
Just for a moment, imagine a highly skilled pilot strapped into the seat of a Hawk jet, reaching maximum speeds of 645 mph and experiencing colossal forces, sometimes exceeding 7G. It’s hardly the friendliest environment for a balance wheel and hairspring combo. And yet, Breitling’s pilots’ watches, despite such adverse conditions, deliver incredible chronometric performance. In both watchmaking and aerobatics, precision is absolute.
Furthermore, imagine all of the social engagements where the Red Arrows crew meet the general public. The watches affixed to the crews’ wrists have not been pampered, yet they must still pass muster, especially when inspected by prospective Breitling clients. Would-be wearers, tempted to emulate this band of elite aviators, can see firsthand that a Breitling Avenger doesn’t need mollycoddling; it’s a genuine professional instrument.
Suddenly, the marriage between the Swiss Maison and the elite aerobatic team makes much sense, not merely for the glamorous, adrenaline-infused association with the Red Arrows, but also because it serves to demonstrate that Avenger ownership does not necessitate wearing kid gloves.
Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – 60th anniversary
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is now celebrating its 60th anniversary and Breitling has chosen to mark the milestone by releasing two new commemorative Avenger models. Both references are endowed with Red-Arrows-themed details.
Breitling Avenger Auto 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition
The Breitling Avenger Auto 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition is a three-hander with a date display and comes housed in a 44 mm steel case. Plump baton hour and minute hands are teamed with matching indexes, lucidly expressing meaning, free of ambiguity. The blue dial also includes the aerobatic team’s crest, positioned at 9 o’clock, while the judicious use of blue, red and white hues respectfully pays tribute to the iconic RAF colours.
The watch is equipped with the Breitling Caliber 17 automatic movement, a highly precise chronometer-certified calibre (COSC). The solid caseback is engraved with ’60’ and features a depiction of two planes in flight, leaving stylised contrails in their wake. The watch is available with either a three-rows steel bracelet or a ‘blue military leather strap’.
Breitling has vowed to donate a percentage of the sale proceeds to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, a charity ‘supporting past and present members of the Royal Air Force alongside their families and dependents’.
Bearing in mind the legions of Red Arrow devotees around the world, and the fact that the model is limited to just 360 pieces, demand is likely to outstrip supply.
The choice of a chrono lover
At this point, I must confess, I am a chronograph-obsessive, hence on hearing of the Breitling’s aerobatic duo, my attention veered towards the Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows. It is this particular model that I focus upon hereafter.
Breitling devotees will no doubt be fully aware of the company’s proud history of making chronographs. Indeed, the now ubiquitous chronograph pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock were the brainchild of Willy Breitling. This year, the Swiss marque is celebrating ‘140 Years of Firsts’; its bona fides in the chronograph space is beyond reproach.
Image – Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph redesigned in 2023
Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows dial
The hour and minute hands, along with the indexes, are executed in a stealthy shade of black. However, rest assured, the generous application of luminescent treatment applied to both the hands and indexes, confers superb readability, day or night.
Breitling has executed the dial in a vivid shade of blue and added soupçons of red and white. A 30-minute chronograph counter is located at 3 o’clock, while a 12-hour register resides at 6 o’clock. The Swiss firm has eschewed the conventional small seconds track found on the ‘regular’ Avenger Chrono, choosing to unite a small seconds hand with the squadron’s ‘Diamond 9’ logo. The Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrow delivers an abundance of style coupled with a welcome dose of functionality.
Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows case
The case is formed of ceramic, a material known for its scratch-resistant properties. In a marketplace that’s overwhelmed with sub-40 mm case options, it is refreshing to see that Breitling has chosen to deliver this model in a 44 mm housing. The widespread use of clandestine black hues does mitigate the sense of scale. Indeed, the case could easily fly beneath the radar if it were not for the silver-coloured titanium pushers and crown gracing its right flank. Peeping from the darkness, the titanium parts deliver contrast, once again augmenting eye-appeal.
To the rear of the case, a pane of sapphire crystal affords sight of the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement. To reinforce the aerobatic theme, the caseback is marked with the inscriptions ‘Royal Air Force’ and ‘Red Arrows’.
Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement
The tried and tested Manufacture Caliber 01 movement sits at the heart of this special edition chronograph. When it was unveiled in 2009, the Caliber 01 attracted much attention as it was the Swiss marque’s first in-house movement. The product of much research and development, the fully-integrated chronograph movement soon received a favourable reaction from the watch press at the time of its unveiling and has since become much loved by legions of watch aficionados. But what makes it special?
Firstly, the self-winding movement is endowed with a column-wheel and vertical coupling arrangement. When actuating the chronograph, the index finger is rewarded with a supremely smooth pushpiece action. Moreover, unlike lesser movements, when the Calibre 01 is actuated, the central chronograph seconds hand immediately commences its journey free of hesitation.
Secondly, the movement is COSC-certified. This independent testing laboratory evaluates movements in different positions and temperatures over a 10-day period of evaluation. To be certified as a chronometer, the average daily rate must be -4 to + 6 seconds per day, once again providing peace of mind to prospective customers.
Finally, the watch has a useful 70-hour power reserve and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrow – closing remarks
The Breitling Avenger first appeared on the watch scene in 2001. Over the years, it has been updated, but has always remained a byword for ‘robustness’. The model is also known for its highly legible dial indications and notable precision. This new Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows perpetuates the model’s reputation, while paying tribute to a remarkable squadron of exceptionally talented individuals.
Clearly, with more than 34 years under its belt, the marriage between Breitling and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team has proved a happy union. Both parties obviously share a fondness for one another that shows no signs of waning. It’s a relationship that has sired many impressive watches over the years, sating the needs and wants of legions of horophiles. Will we witness the couple celebrate their golden or diamond wedding anniversary in the future? Who knows, but if they do, I hope I’m around to see it!
Further reading
Technical Specifications
- Model: Breitling Avenger B01 Chrono 44 Red Arrows
- Reference: SB01475A1C1X1
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 44 mm, height 15.2 mm, water resistant to 30 bar (300 metres); sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph.
- Movement: Caliber Breitling 01 (Manufacture), self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 45 jewels, power reserve approximately 70 hours.
- Strap: blue military calfskin leather strap.
- Price: £7,950 (as of 29.5.2024)
- Model: Breitling Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition
- Reference: A173281A1C1X1 (leather strap)
- Reference: A173281A1C1A1 (bracelet)
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 42 mm, height 12.1 mm, water resistant to 30 bar (300 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date
- Movement: Caliber Breitling 17, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 25 jewels, power reserve approximately 38 hours.
- Strap: blue military calfskin leather strap or polished/brushed stainless steel 3-rows bracelet
- Price: £3,900 on bracelet (as of 29.5.2024) / £3,650 on strap (as of 29.5.2024)
- Limited Edition: 360 pieces in total (275 on bracelet and 85 on strap)
