Breitling Bluewater launches with RAF Aerobatic Team.

Independent Swiss watchmaker and ‘official supplier to the world of aviation’ Breitling celebrated the opening of a new 1500 square foot store at Bluewater with an aviation inspired evening that included appearances by the British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows alongside Breitling Air Race champion Nigel Lamb.

The official unveiling of the store commenced with the issuing the new Breitling Emergency II, the world’s first wristwatch with a duel frequency locator beacon, to the pilots of the Red Arrows. The premier aerobatic team in the world the Red Arrows have worn Breitling wristwatches as instruments for precision and timing for their renowned aerobatic displays for over 20 years.

Following the official unveiling of the store, guests were welcomed through a glazed façade by Breitling’s famous aerobatic Wingwalkers and the avionic sounds of Dan Lywood and Ben Bridgwater on decks. A master watch technician enthralled visitors with a live display of the fine art of watchmaking before they had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Breitling Air Race Champion Nigel Lamb who thrilled the audience with tales of speed. Each guest was then invited to board the Breitling Simulator for their own chance to experience the thrill of jet flight.

The Bluewater store is to be managed by Aurum Holdings the UK’s largest luxury retailer of brands including Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb and stocks Breitling’s full range of timepieces, including its iconic Navitimer, Chronomat and Professional models, as well as the exclusive Breitling for Bentley collection. Open seven days a week, with servicing facilities for new and existing owners also available.

The stores daring décor echoes Breitling’s aeronautical ties and boasts exceptional levels of innovation, quality and function with high-spec design features including an oversized multimedia screen, the largest screen of its kind in Europe to be used within a retail concept. Breitling’s iconic aviation theme abounds, brought to life with bold pop art installations by acclaimed artist Kevin Kelly, reflecting the brands spirit of wit and humour. Additional particular design features include showcases adorned with a mosaic of carved aircrafts representing a 5th generation fighter jet; a living room furnished with Le Corbusier sofas and Breitling’s iconic pin-up girl who takes centre stage.

A Red Arrows spokesperson said: “Breitling is known for its links with aeronautical activity and, as such, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, has had a long association with the watchmaker. The two organisations strive for precision, innovation and engineering excellence and the Red Arrows were honoured to be invited to the opening of Breitling’s latest UK store.”

Gavin Murphy, managing director Breitling UK, said: “The Bluewater store is a significant addition to Breitling’s footprint within the UK, in what is the most important retail shopping environment in the South East. We are proud to have conquered new heights in the design of our offering to our customers, who are at the heart of our efforts, a functional retail space that is both warm and vibrant, whilst maintaining our dedication to excellence and innovation – qualities that are ever present within the design of our timepieces. We are honoured that our Friends the Red Arrows, Nigel Lamb and the Breitling Wing Walkers can join us to officially unveil the new store; which marks an important milestone in the 30 year partnership Breitling has held with Aurum Holdings.”

Ruth Benford, executive marketing director at Aurum Holdings, added: “After months of preparation we are very excited to be launching our boutique. As Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination, the luxury experience Bluewater offers compliments our brand and our target consumer.”

Commenting on the new Breitling Store, Russell Loveland, portfolio director at Land Securities, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “We are very pleased to have Breitling join our ever growing portfolio of luxury brands. Their choice of Bluewater for this significant launch in the South East highlights once again our position as the first choice destination for some of the world’s most prestigious brands.”

Until 8th November visitors to Bluewater will also have the opportunity to take flight as pilots in the Breitling Jet Simulator which will be located in Bluewater’s Moon Court.