The Red Arrows are to the average pilot what an F1 racer is to a retiree in a 15-year-old Fiat. They’re the aviation team that everyone else aspires to, and they’re a little crazy to boot. So it makes sense that Breitling’s latest limited edition in honor of the Red Arrows is a little off the mark. It’s the Avenger Royal Air Force Red Arrows Limited Edition.
Breitling’s partnership with the RAF dates back to the early 1930s with cockpit chronographs. The partnership with the Red Arrows in particular is a little more recent, but still lasts 25 years and is the official watch of the show team. That means pulling some serious Gs. It’s a partnership that’s worn on the new limited edition’s sleeves—perhaps a little too clearly.
The starting point is the massive 45mm Avenger, complete with a thick unidirectional bezel and the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 32 with a 42-hour power reserve. It’s a massive hunk of steel and a world away from the more classic Navitimers and Aviator models – a design that fits the Red Arrows perfectly. It’s also water-resistant to 30 bar, but I’m guessing if one of the show team ever hits water, their watch will be the least of their worries.
As for the Red Arrows allusion… well, you just have to look at this thing. The blue dial is dominated by a Red Arrow icon at 9 o’clock. It’s a bit in your face, but pairs well with the other hints of red around the date window, the tip of the seconds hand, and the GMT indicator.
Needless to say, the limited edition also includes a caseback engraved with the Red Arrows emblem front and centre, along with the watch’s LE number – in this case, x is 220.
The Avenger is Breitling’s most extreme watch (except for emergencies, of course), a fitting foundation for a Red Arrows partnership. Sure it’s less than subtle, but the pride and joy of the RAF is hard to miss. You won’t be wearing a Hawk T1 on your wrist, though…
Price and specs:
Model name: Breitling Avenger Royal Air Force Red Arrows Limited Edition
Reference number: A323951A1C1A1Case/dial: 45mm diameter, stainless steelWater resistance: 300m (30 ATM)Movement: Breitling Calibre 32, automaticMechanicalFrequency: 28,800vph (4Hz)Power reserve: 42 hoursStrap: Stainless steel braceletPrice: £3,950, limited to 220 pieces
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