Breitling 2024: Celebrating 140 Years with Iconic Releases
Founded in 1884, Breitling is celebrating its 140th anniversary. Throughout the year, the brand will mark the occasion with stories of its incredible firsts, from breakthroughs in timekeeping for air, land, and sea, to milestones in sustainability. It will also be a year chock full of events, exhibits, and special launches.
AEROSPACE B70 ORBITER
Breitling kicks off the festivities with a watch recognizing one of those momentous firsts: the Breitling Orbiter 3’s first nonstop balloon flight around the world. The Aerospace B70 Orbiter watch by Breitling is not only a masterclass in horological artistry but also a heartfelt homage to the spirit of adventure and breakthroughs in aviation. The inclusion of a piece of the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon encapsulates a tangible slice of history, making each timepiece extraordinarily special for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Breitling's careful curation of this anniversary model— the Aerospace B70 Orbiter —illustrates their ongoing commitment to celebrating and furthering human achievement. The watch's features, like its titanium build and the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B70 movement, showcase top-tier technical prowess, ensuring reliability and precision under extreme conditions. Moreover, the visible segment of the original balloon through the caseback not only enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal but also elevates its historical significance, creating a deep, personal connection with the wearer.
This launch coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the historic flight not only celebrates a significant milestone but also reinforces Breitling’s position as a leader in the realm of aviation-related timekeeping. It's a fitting tribute to the Orbiter 3 mission’s legacy, embodying the daring and innovative spirit that drove Piccard and Jones to defy the odds.
For collectors, enthusiasts, or anyone inspired by the limitless potential of human endeavor, the Aerospace B70 Orbiter offers more than just a tool to measure time; it provides a wearable piece of history, encouraging its bearer to dream big and push boundaries, just as the pioneers of the Orbiter 3 mission did.
NAVITIMER 41
Breitling's 140th anniversary is a celebration not only of the brand's storied past but also of its innovative spirit, as showcased by the latest releases in its Navitimer line . These updates to iconic models, each significant in the annals of timekeeping for their contributions to aviation highlight Breitling's commitment to its legacy and its future.
These new interpretations of the Navitimer preserve its classic features while adapting to modern aesthetics and needs. The GMT version caters to today's global traveler by incorporating a 24-hour scale, which complements the traditional slide rule bezel used for flight calculations—a feature that once established the Navitimer as an indispensable tool for pilots.
Meanwhile, the Automatic 41 offers a simpler, more understated take, focusing on clean lines and readability, which makes it versatile for both casual and formal wear.
The choice of materials—ranging from stainless steel to 18 k red gold, and the inclusion of responsibly sourced gold—reflects Breitling’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. These watches are designed to appeal to a broad audience, including aviation professionals, watch enthusiasts, and the fashion-conscious, demonstrating Breitling's ability to evolve while respecting its heritage.
CHRONOMAT
Breitling’s Chronomat is a versatile watch designed for every pursuit, holding a significant place in the brand's history.
Launched in 1984, the Chronomat made a bold statement during an era dominated by extra-thin quartz timepieces. Instead of following the trend, Breitling introduced an impressively proportioned mechanical watch that showcased the brand's commitment to robust engineering and timeless design.
The Chronomat 42 Titanium draws directly from Breitling’s storied history, celebrating its introduction in 1984 when the brand reasserted the mechanical chronograph’s dominance in an era ruled by quartz. This model pays homage to the Frecce Tricolori watch, which itself was a collaboration with Italy's elite aerial squadron and helped to cement the Chronomat’s reputation upon its release. It features a 42 mm titanium case with a distinctive bezel, enhanced by rider tabs for added functionality and protection, coupled with an anthracite dial and a titanium Rouleaux bracelet, all powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer.
In contrast, the Super Chronomat 44 Titanium is described as the boldest iteration within the Chronomat line, inspired by the needs of the most daring aerobatic squadrons of the 1980s. This model amplifies the functionality and ruggedness expected of a high-performance sports watch. This piece is incorporating ceramic inserts on the bezel, chronograph pushers, and crown for increased durability. Its design balances sports utility and elegance, making it as suitable for the gym as it is for a gala, while also featuring the same reliable Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement.
Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling has teamed up with pro basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo to introduce the Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo, a set of limited-edition timepieces that embody the athlete's relentless energy and inspiring journey from the street courts of Athens to NBA stardom.
The Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo reflects this spirit with designs as bold and impactful as the 6'11" Milwaukee Bucks power forward. The collection includes two variations: a 40mm steel Chronomat GMT and a 42mm gold Chronomat B01 chronograph.
Antetokounmpo's personality is evident in the details, from the “GA” initials on the central hand and the basketball emblem integrated into the chronograph counter, to the dial's shade, reminiscent of the good-land green of his team. Both watches are limited editions, with 1,750 pieces for the GMT and 250 for the chronograph.
Additional features include Antetokounmpo’s signature on the GMT caseback. Each watch comes in special-edition Giannis Antetokounmpo packaging, along with a note from the “Greek Freak” himself.
In their third collaboration, Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling and British motorcycle brand Triumph present the Chronomat B01 42 Triumph watch, a striking blend of titanium and 18k red gold with an anthracite dial. This elegant timepiece is paired with a perforated brown leather strap, capturing the spirit of freedom on the open road.
Triumph amplifies the excitement by introducing the Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle. Owners of one of the 270 co-branded bikes can acquire the exclusive Chronomat B01 Triumph Owners Edition, which features a carbon dial mirroring the motorcycle's high-octane aesthetic and a caseback engraved with the bike’s individual number.
Originally designed for the Italian aerobatics team Frecce Tricolori in 1983, the Chronomat defied the quartz trend by reviving mechanical chronographs. This spirit of bold innovation continues in the new Chronomat B01 42 Triumph, a watch born from a shared philosophy with Triumph’s pioneering role in the motorcycle world.
“The Chronomat and the Speed Triple 1200 RR exemplify our joint devotion to the highest standards of design and performance,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “With Triumph, we share a rugged spirit that combines artistry with adventure.”
Breitling has expanded the Chronomat collection with new designs centered around the Chronomat B01 42, available in various materials and colors. A standout feature is the new Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap, offering a fresh look, improved comfort, and water resistance.
The 42mm case has a thickness of 15.10mm, maintaining a strong wrist presence. Classic features like the iconic onion crown and unidirectional rotating bezel with riders remain, highlighting the watch's aeronautical heritage. The anti-reflective cambered sapphire crystal and sapphire case back provide durability and a view of the movement. With water resistance up to 20 bar (200 meters), the Chronomat is ideal for water sports.
Powered by the Breitling B01 movement, the watch offers precision with a vertical clutch, column wheel, automatic winding, a 70-hour power reserve, and COSC certification.
AVENGER RED ARROWS
Breitling has released two limited-edition watches to celebrate its partnership with the legendary aerobatic team, the Red Arrows.
The Red Arrows have been the gold standard in aerobatic displays for 60 years, relying on Breitling’s high-performance timepieces for accuracy. To commemorate this milestone, Breitling has launched the Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition, limited to 360 pieces globally. This release also supports the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
Together with the new Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Red Arrows, these watches highlight Breitling's expertise in aviation timekeeping. The Avenger series continues a tradition of limited editions that honor a 34-year partnership with the Red Arrows.
Breitling remains the only luxury watch brand authorized to use the Red Arrows' distinctive emblems, making these timepieces highly collectible.
The Red Arrows pilots need a watch with precision and resilience. To mark the team's 60th anniversary display season, Breitling has launched the limited-edition Avenger 42 Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Edition. This watch is designed for airborne adventure.
The watch features a balanced design with stylish details reflecting the partnership. The blue-and-black dial, inspired by the Red Arrows insignia, includes red highlights like the tip of the seconds hand. The team's emblematic crest, designed in 1980 and featuring the word "eclat" (meaning "brilliance"), is prominently displayed at 9 o'clock. The caseback is marked with the Red Arrows' 60th anniversary details and the edition number.
The 42mm stainless steel case is water-resistant up to 300 meters, ensuring toughness and reliability. The watch comes with either a three-row stainless-steel bracelet and it houses the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 17 automatic movement, which provides up to 38 hours of power reserve.
The Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Red Arrows offers top chronograph performance with a contemporary design focused on readability and ease of use. It features a durable 44mm black ceramic case paired with titanium hardware and is complemented by a stylish blue military leather strap with contrasting stitching. The blue-and-black dial stands out with red highlights on the subdials and the squadron's iconic "Diamond 9" formation logo at 9 o'clock.
This robust yet refined timepiece houses the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, offering approximately 70 hours of power reserve, a five-year warranty, and COSC certification for high precision. The transparent caseback reveals the Caliber 01 and is inscribed with "Royal Air Force" and "Red Arrows".
Since the 1930s, Breitling has been a leader in aviation timekeeping. Under the leadership of Willy Breitling, the Huit Aviation Department was founded to meet the demands of military and civil aviation for precise and reliable instruments and pilot chronographs. This included providing innovative, stress-tested timekeeping equipment for RAF aircraft, ensuring precise calculations of distance and fuel.
For sixty years, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows have been recognized as the world's premier aerobatic display team, known for their speed, agility, and precision in Hawk fast jets. As an official sponsor, Breitling has supported the Red Arrows in their daring displays for over three decades.
Breitling watches continue to be a favorite among pilots, and the company creates exclusive private commissions for RAF and military squadrons.
SUPEROCEAN AUTOMATIC 36
In the heyday of scuba diving, Breitling introduced the Superocean Slow Motion, a dive watch designed with only essential features for underwater safety. This streamlined design featured clean lines, chunky luminescent indexes, squared-off hands, and a high-contrast dial ring for maximum legibility. Its practical yet attractive design made it a favorite.
The new Superocean pays homage to the Slow Motion's iconic design while incorporating modern updates. It features a scratch-proof ceramic-inlayed bezel, brightly colored dials, and broad hands and indexes with luminescent Super-LumiNova® for easy readability. The watch is water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet) and resistant to shocks, sand, and saltwater. The bronze version includes a special alloy that resists corrosion and develops a unique patina over time.
A rubber strap with a folding clasp allows for micro-adjustments up to 15 mm, making it easy to wear over rash guards and wetsuits. The unidirectional bezel ensures safety. The Superocean is versatile, suitable not just for diving but also for surfing, swimming, beach outings, and even dinner. It perfectly blends nostalgic design with a modern twist.
ENDURANCE PRO 38
The Breitling Endurance Pro is a versatile watch that combines the brand's technical precision with lifestyle appeal. Part of the Professional range, it is designed for rigorous workouts and serves as a stylish athleisure accessory for both men and women.
Previously available only in a 44 mm size, the Endurance Pro now comes in a universal 38 mm size with five vibrant colour options. To celebrate this launch, Breitling has added reigning IRONMAN® Women’s World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay and Sam Laidlow, the youngest male IRONMAN winner, to its Triathlon Squad. They join triathlon champions Jan Frodeno and Daniela Ryf, emphasizing the watch's durability and performance.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern states, “This watch was built to swim, bike, run, and keep up with you no matter the intensity of your workout—plus, it looks great as a casual sports chronograph. This new size makes it accessible to an even wider range of wearers.”
With its ultralightweight Breitlight® case and comfortable rubber strap, the Endurance Pro appeals to both committed athletes and casual sports enthusiasts. Breitlight® is three times lighter than titanium, nearly six times lighter than stainless steel, nonmagnetic, thermally stable, hypoallergenic, and highly resistant to scratches, traction, and corrosion.
The new 38 mm models feature coloured straps and crowns matching the inner bezel rings in purple, pink, white, light blue, or red. Hands and oversized numerals are coated with Super LumiNova® for readability in low light. Powered by a thermocompensated SuperQuartz™ movement, the Endurance Pro is ten times more accurate than conventional quartz and is COSC-certified.
The Endurance Pro continues Breitling’s heritage of ultralight watches, evolving from the 1970s Breitling Sprint. The Sprint was known for its lightweight resin case, heart-rate-monitoring pulsometer scale, professional tool-watch status, and vibrant colours. The modern Endurance Pro retains these features, adding water resistance to 10 bar (100 meters), a rubberized crown for grip, timing intervals to 1/10th of a second, a pulse monitor, and a solar compass. It blends functionality and style, making it perfect for competition and everyday wear.
As Breitling celebrates its 140th anniversary, the brand not only revisits its rich heritage but also showcases its enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in watchmaking.
These collections not only honor significant milestones in aviation and exploration but also reflect Breitling’s dedication to sustainability and modern craftsmanship. Each timepiece, with its unique story and technical mastery, invites wearers to be a part of a legacy of adventurers who defy limits and embrace the spirit of discovery.
As we look to the future, Breitling continues to set the standard for precision, durability, and style in the world of luxury horology, promising to bring more than just timekeeping to its enthusiasts but a remarkable piece of history designed for the modern era.