In the early 1980s, Ernest Schneider – to whom Willy Breitling had just sold his firm – learned that the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian airforce aerobatics team, had issued a bid for tender on their first official watch.  It was then that he decided to create a brand-new aviation chronograph specifically designed for pilots’ needs.

This was developed in close cooperation with the squadron. All details of the construction and exterior were designed to meet the demands of aviation professionals. It was sturdy, readability of the dial was excellent as was the pushpieces and the crown.

It turned out to be ultra-functional, avant-garde and an elegant chronograph. Voted by the Italian flying aces, the official Frecce Tricolori watch was thus, launched in 1983. It also became the flagship of the Breitling spirit. In 1984, the firm celebrated its 100th anniversary in grand style by launching its mainstream Chronomat collection.

Over the past three decades, this exceptional watch has seen an evolution in its aesthetic expressed through a sequence of subtle adjustments yet maintaining its immediately recognizable character and style. Breitling has constantly improved its performances in terms of sturdiness, functionality, precision and reliability. In 2009, the Chronomat was the first model in the range to host the new Manufacture Breitling calibers. It is the leader of the Breitling collections establishing itself as an authentic horological classic.  

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its best-seller, Breitling has created a special series reviving the design and the spirit of the original Frecce Tricolori chronograph. This Chronomat Airborne is distinguished by its satin-brushed rotating bezel equipped with four raised rider tabs serving to count off flight times, while facilitating rotation even with gloved hands.

The result is an edgy, technical and sophisticated appearance. The sturdy steel case with its polished finish comes in two large dials of 41 and 44 mm sizes. It will have two versions: beautiful black with silver-toned counters, and silver-toned with black counters. The caseback is engraved with the inscription “Edition Spéciale 30e Anniversaire” (Special 30th Anniversary Edition) as well as the outline of an Aermacchi, one of the ten planes flown by the Italian flight squadron. It’s an absolute must have in the wardrobe of an aviator.