Tracing back to 1983, a chronograph that was created for the renowned Italian Frecce Tricolori Jet team with an ultra-functional and robust appeal. Lead by the Breitling’s mastermind Ernest Schneider as well as avid pilot himself, he notice that pilots often breaks the crystals on their timepiece when opening the aircraft’s canopy after landing. Thus, the brilliant solution of the “rider tabs” are born. The “Frecce Tricolori” chronograph features a slightly recessed crystal in the bezel and to protect it, four “rider tabs” marking 0, 15, 30 and 45 ensures robustness. Not only is the overall functionality practical, the aesthetic of elegance also suits the Italian gentlemen very well.

Comes 1984, a year marking the 100th anniversary of the brand, Mr. Schneider launched a new watch for civilians taking foundation from the “Frecce Tricolori” that would revolutionize the industry of chronographs. A name that combines chronograph and automatic, the Breitling Chronomat ref. 81950 was born. A timepiece that impressed from pilots to jetsetters, the Chronomat even has a yachting version and a version specifically designed for the Renault F1 Team. Featuring a cool steel appearance with an attractively aged luminous plots surrounding the iconic winged AOPA logo, the caseback proudly displays the Aermacchi MB-339A aircraft that pays homage to its origin. A perfect watch for aviation enthusiast, the present ref. 81950 is the first dial configuration with a brushed finished case from the Chronomat debut that made history.