Breitling celebrates its 140th anniversary with a series of releases honoring its aviation and space icons
Breitling has been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation for 140 years since its founding in 1884. The brand has charted numerous firsts in the world of horology, including creating the first pilot’s watch with a circular slide rule, incorporating the first international emergency beacon in a watch, developing the first dive chronograph and sending the first Swiss wristwatch into space. Breitling also invented the modern chronograph and was the first to make its movements 100-percent COSC-certified.
In 2024, to mark its 140th anniversary, the brand is celebrating this legacy the year with the tagline “140 Years of Firsts.” The festivities kick off with the launch of various new releases, including the Aerospace B70 Orbiter, the Navitimer GMT and Automatic 41, and a limited-edition self-winding Cosmonaute.
Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter
The Aerospace B70 Orbiter is a watch that is as extraordinary as the adventure it commemorates. This release marks the 25th anniversary of the Breitling Orbiter 3’s historic nonstop balloon flight around the world. This watch is not just a watch; it’s a tangible piece of history.
On March 21, 1999, balloonists Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones completed a record-breaking voyage, landing the Breitling Orbiter 3 in the Egyptian desert after travelling 45,633 km in 19 days, 21 hours, and 47 minutes. The Aerospace B70 Orbiter 25th anniversary edition features a bright-orange dial, mirroring the Orbiter 3 capsule. This watch is also truly special because it actually contains a fragment of the original balloon that’s visible through the transparent caseback. This unique feature, combined with the Breitling Orbiter 3 mission logo around its perimeter and the inscription “First non-stop flight around the world 25th anniversary,” creates a striking and emotionally resonant timepiece.
Breitling Navitimer GMT and Automatic 41
When Breitling introduced the Navitimer in 1952, it quickly became a favorite among airline pilots thanks to its unique circular slide rule for critical calculations like rate of climb and fuel consumption. As the original wrist-worn onboard computer, the Navitimer cemented Breitling’s status as the “official supplier to world aviation.”
In 2022, the brand began redesigning the Navitimer line, starting with the original chronograph. The evolution continues with the introduction of two new models: a GMT and a three-hand automatic, each in a versatile 41mm case. These models maintain the Navitimer’s iconic look, featuring a balanced dial composition and a prominent slide rule while streamlining its overall aesthetics. Modern updates include a notched bezel and a mix of polished and brushed finishes for added aesthetic allure. Available with black, blue, silver, ice blue and green dials, these watches come in stainless-steel, 18K red gold along with a two-tone variant for the automatic model.
Breitling Cosmonaute B12
By blending historical significance with contemporary horological excellence, Breitling created a watch that is both a collector’s dream and a wearable piece of space exploration history. We’re talking, of course, about the limited-edition Navitimer Cosmonaute. This watch pays homage to Breitling’s storied space heritage and was initially designed for astronaut Scott Carpenter’s Mercury-Atlas 7 mission in 1962, making it the first Swiss wristwatch in space. This new iteration retains the iconic 24-hour dial but introduces a groundbreaking update: a self-winding chronograph movement.
Limited to 250 pieces, the watch boasts an 18K red gold case and a striking green dial with golden numerals. Its open caseback reveals the sophisticated Breitling Manufacture Caliber B12, offering 70-hours of power reserve. The caseback engraving states the “One of 250” limitation and commemorates the historic journey with an engraving that states “First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24, 1962,” making it the ultimate grail for many a collector.
TEXT Riga Ramadhan