In 2001, Breitling introduced a special limited edition pair of watches to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first flights of two iconic WWII RAF aircraft: The Avro Lancaster and the Mosquito.
22/05/2026
Both aircraft acquitted themselves admirably during the conflict, but it was the Avro Lancaster bomber that achieved iconic status with its vital role in the famous 'Dambuster' raids of 1943. Breitling, in association with Diverse Images and Goldsmiths jewellers, created two versions of the reference A13353 'Chronomat' with different dials, a reverse panda black and silver for the Mosquito and black with white accents for the Lancaster. Only 60 of each were produced worldwide and each was presented with a scale model of the aircraft crafted in pewter, and a certificate signed by one of the fighter pilots, all wrapped up in custom-made presentation boxes. In the present lot, the certificate is signed by Capt. James Brain Tait, DSO, DFC, AFC.
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The Breitling Lancaster chronograph, number 14 of only 60 made
The Avro Lancaster was a British four-engine heavy bomber developed during World War II by Avro (A.V. Roe and Company), taking its maiden flight in January 1941. It evolved from the earlier Avro Manchester, which suffered from engine troubles and achieved only limited success. By contrast, the Lancaster was much more reliable, powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines - the same power plant used in the iconic Spitfire - to become one of the RAF's most effective bomber aircraft. The Lancaster was used primarily for strategic nighttime raids over Germany and Northern Europe and among notable successes was Operation Chastise in 1943, colloquially known as the 'Dambusters' raid. The infamous 'bouncing bomb' used during Chastise was developed by Barnes Wallis who also designed the more standard payload of the Lancaster, the 12,000lb 'Tall Boy' and 22,000lb 'Grand Slam' earthquake bombs. More than 7,300 Lancasters were made during WWII, making it the most significant RAF aircraft of its time. Today, only a small number of airworthy examples remain but its iconic status is more than assured.
'Moonlight Return' by Gerald Palmer, limited edition print.
Captain James “Willie” Tait was one of the Royal Air Force’s most distinguished bomber pilots of the Second World War and is best remembered for his role in the famous Dambusters raid of May 1943. Born in Manchester in 1918, Tait joined the RAF before the war and quickly earned a reputation for courage, skill and calm leadership. As a flight commander in No. 617 Squadron, he flew numerous hazardous operations, including attacks on heavily defended German targets. Later commanding No. 617 Squadron himself, Tait became one of the RAF’s most highly decorated officers, receiving the DSO and DFC with Bars for exceptional gallantry and service.
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