The Story of the Breitling Chronomat: The Testimony of a Naval Aviator

June 13, 1983, a day forever etched in the memory of Master Philippe Velten, a seasoned fighter pilot of the French Naval Aviation, assigned to the 12th All-Weather Fighter Squadron. That morning, on the deck of an aircraft carrier in open seas, the conditions are rough. The swell creates waves of several meters, and the aircraft carrier pitches, making every maneuver delicate. Philippe is preparing for a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) mission with his "Crouze" (affectionate nickname for the naval fighter), ready to take off into a clear sky, ideal for air combat. His personal Breitling Chronomat on his wrist, a gift from his parents, a rugged and reliable watch that was very popular in the pilot community at the time, is an integral part of his equipment, accompanying each significant moment in his life.

As Philippe slowly moves his Crusader fighter forward on the deck, guided by the "yellow dogs" – these technicians in yellow jackets, responsible for ground coordination – he becomes aware of the intensity of the situation. The roar of the engines and the vibrations of the ship blend with the rumble of planes landing and taking off in a choreographed ballet. His canopy is locked, his reactor ready, and his instruments display all green parameters. Routine for a fighter pilot, but this time, fate is about to derail.

His aircraft, a special version of the Crusader, designated F-8E(FN) – FN for "French Navy" – was developed for the French Naval Aviation. Since the French aircraft carriers (the Foch, in this case) were smaller than those of the US Navy, specific modifications were necessary: the wing angle was increased, the surface of the depth control surfaces was enlarged, and the lift augmentation system was adapted. Because of these adjustments, the French aircraft could only carry two air-to-air missiles – Matra R550 Magic between 1973 and 1989, then Matra R550 Magic II from 1988, or AIM-9 Sidewinder – compared to four for their American counterparts. 42 Crusaders were delivered starting in 1964, equipping the 14F and 12F squadrons of the French Navy, where Philippe Velten was assigned.

Philippe positions himself on the forward catapult, adrenaline rising as the "catapult specialists" work under the plane, securing the sling and the "Hold Back," a crucial part that holds the plane at full power before releasing it. With a simple thumb gesture, the Catapult Officer gives him the green light, and in an instant, the acceleration force propels the Crusader forward. But suddenly, Philippe notices an abnormal shift: the catapult track seems to veer to the right, an alarming sign that something is wrong. In a fraction of a second, he understands he must react quickly.

His instinct and training take over. Philippe releases the controls, and in an urgent motion, attempts to pull the lower handle to eject. But nothing happens. A cold sweat chills his back as he realizes he's approaching the end of the deck, still at full speed. He attempts an ejection, but once again, nothing. His thoughts race, and he knows the impact with the sea is inevitable. The crash is brutal: the plane falls and is violently sucked under the Foch, which is at full speed to launch its aircraft. Glass and metal shatter, water floods the cockpit instantly, the Crusader, its pilot, and his watch are swallowed under the ship.

Philippe is submerged, trapped in the icy darkness. His plane scrapes the ship's hull, adding a grim noise to an already terrifying situation (the scraping on the hull is heard even in the engine room). Now, the danger is towards the back, where the pilot, his watch, and his plane are being dragged. The two propellers of the Foch beat the waves to maintain full speed to catapult the planes. No one knows if it was under the action of Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of French naval aviators, that the pilot, his Breitling and his aircraft avoid the deadly contact with the Foch's propellers (which has a draft of nine meters). They are projected into the frothing wake of an aircraft carrier of about 30,000 tons; and they find themselves swirling in the black foam of the wake behind the Foch. Disoriented, his helmet and oxygen mask torn off, he is alone, flailing to regain his orientation. Under several meters of water, the situation seems hopeless. His thoughts come and go, but an unexpected survival instinct, shaped by long hours of training, resurfaces. He releases his safety harness and tries to free himself. However, the strap of his survival jacket is still attached to the wreckage of the plane, pulling him towards the depths. In one last effort, he manages to unhook the strap, and he begins to swim toward the light above him, each kick of his feet bringing him closer to the surface and life.

Meanwhile, on the aircraft carrier deck, rescue protocols are initiated. The commander immediately orders the propellers to stop, shouting orders to prevent any debris from injuring the pilot. The PEDRO recovery helicopter springs into action, quickly descending toward the water to spot Philippe. As he emerges, breathless, Philippe finally sees PEDRO approaching. A diver is already at his side, ready to lift him out of the turbulent water. His vision is blurry from fatigue, his muscles are exhausted, but he feels life returning to him.

His Breitling Chronomat, securely fixed to his wrist, endured the impact and immersion, keeping time with precision. For Philippe, this watch is now much more than a simple accessory: it becomes a silent witness to this day, marking each second in this fierce battle for survival.
In 2024, Philippe will choose the Mostra store in Aix-en-Provence, specializing in the sale, maintenance, and restoration of exceptional watches, to have this precious Breitling Chronomat serviced, restoring its shine and precision. A symbol of strength and reliability, the watch embodies for Philippe an indelible memory of courage, survival instinct, and perseverance against the elements, and for Mostra, the pride of such a meeting and the honor of restoring a watch with such a story.

Today, this Breitling Chronomat is more than just a watch. It symbolizes the spirit of pilots and the importance of every second, every decision, and every heartbeat when life hangs by a thread.