The Breitling Watch Source Forums

hi there! who can explain why on the chronomat limited editions realized in 1995 and dedicated to the P.A.N. "frecce tricolori" is written (in French) "1955-1995 - 40th anniversary" (on the back) if that acrobatic team was founded only in 1960? this model's ref is 13050.
thanks all in advance

That is one of the great unanswered questions on the LE Chronomats.

Popular belief is that it's the 40th anniversary of a display team as the White Tigers (which later evolved / became / were replaced by the Frecce Trocolori) were formed in 1955, but there is no evidence that I know of to support that.

(Roff, You beat me to it!)

BL, First of all to the forum. Enjoy your time here.

Great question! I've been an aviation nut for over 40 years and the Frecce Tricolori are my favourite aerobatic team! I'd never spotted the "error" with the Chronomat until you raised it.

The Italian Frecce Tricolori were founded on 1 March 1961 at Rivolto flying Canadair CL-13 Sabres (F-86E).

Prior to this, there were several Italian aerobatic teams:-
• 1950 -1952 Cavallino Rampant (de Havilland DH 100 Vampire)
• 1953 -1955 Getti Tonanti (F-84G)
• 1955 -1956 Tigri Bianche (F-84G)
• 1956 -1957 Cavallino Rampante (F-86E)
• 1957 -1959 Diavoli Rossi (F-84F)
• 1959 -1960 Getti Tonanti (F-84F)

The Tigri Bianche (White Tigers) formed by 51 Sq were considered the first "official" Italian Air Force aerobatic team so I assume that is why 1955 - 1995 was on the Chronomat.

Obviously, you'd have to get Breitling to confirm this was the reason but I guess they would have been guided by the team.

thank you guys!