World first as Breitling hosts Chronomat Airborne launch on an Emirates Airbus A380

UAE– The Middle East hosted another world first this week as luxury Swiss watch maker, Breitling, introduced its aptly-named Chronomat Airborne watch at an exclusive launch event held 35,000 feet above the earth.

The world’s first ever live launch on-board an Emirates Airbus A380 took place on a flight between the UAE and the home of Breitling, Switzerland, on 1st September, marking the 30th anniversary of the brand’s flagship Chronomat model, also dubbed ‘the pilot’s chronograph’.

 The VIP launch, which was held in the business lounge on the upper deck of an Emirates Airline A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, adds yet another aviation first to the brands 130year history.

Aed Adwan, Breitling Middle East, said: “Breitling and aviation adventure goes hand in hand and what we enjoy most is having the opportunity to share our passion with the world, both through our watches and our conquests in the sky.”

“This unique launch event ensures that we are continuing this tradition, and it is appropriate that we are doing this in the Middle East, a region that simultaneously boasts some of the world’s finest airlines as well as a reputation for demanding products of the highest standard and quality.”

From its conception, the Breitling Chronomat was designed specifically to meet the demands of aviation professionals. Features such as the sturdiness of the case, the profile of the lugs, the readability of the dial and the ergonomic shape of the pushpieces and crown, all meet the needs of the world’s finest pilots.

The Chronomat’s ultra-functional, avant-garde and elegant design made its aviation debut on the wrists of the world famous Italian airforce aerobatics team, Frecce Tricolori, after the Italian flying aces voted in its favor as their chronograph of choice.

Having created an instrument encompassing the brand’s entire philosophy and mission, Breitling made the Chronomat the new flagship of the Breitling spirit and in 1984, celebrated its 100th anniversary by launching its mainstream Chronomat collection.

The new Chronomat Airborne features a 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 look. The sturdy steel case – water-resistant to 500m – with its polished finish is available in two 41 and 44 mm sizes, while the dial comes in either black with silver-toned counters, or 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. In keeping with its aeronautical vocation, the Chronomat Airborne is fitted with an ultra-sturdy strap in black military-type fabric, secured by a folding clasp. On-board is a Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01 self-winding high-performance movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute).

The new Chronomat Airborne is now available from 98 Breitling retailers across 13 countries, in addition to nine Breitling Boutiques in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan.