Since its development in 1952, the Breitling Navitimer has been one of the world’s most admired chronographs, and, with some recent additions to the family, Breitling has been introducing this watchmaking leg end to a whole new generation of enthusiasts around the world. The Navitimer is arguably the most iconic of all Breitling wristwatches. This twentieth century classic remains popular in the twentyfirst century, more than 65 years after it was first launched to meet the needs of a growing commercial and recreational aviation market. Thanks to the circular slide rule that was capable of performing a range of calculations relevant to aviation, the Navitimer was adopted by pilots and especially favored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association —AOPA. Instantly recognizable, this time less chronograph’s design is as appealing today as it was when it was introduced.
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News: Breitling Announces Sponsorship of Professional Golfer Gary Woodland
Breitling has appointed professional golfer Gary Woodland as a new "Friend of the Brand" in the United States. Woodland has competed on the PGA Tour since 2009, has four wins, most recently winning the U.S. Open in 2019, his first major championship and sixth professional victory. In honor of his recent U.S. Open victory, the 119 th U.S. Open in history, Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert presented Mr. Woodland with a special Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 46 USA Limited Edition, the #119 of only 200 made. The Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 46 USA Limited Edition features a steel case, black bezel and green dial on a steel Ocean Classic bracelet.
Insider: Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 Steel and Red Gold. Simplicity and Elegance with an Iconic Design.
Available now with a 41 mm case that combines the sturdiness of stainless steel and the warm elegant tones of 18K red gold, the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 in steel and red gold is perfectly sized for most wrists including those of women. The new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 is available with an anthracite or silver dial and equipped with a brown or black crocodile strap with pin or folding buckle —also available with a stainless steel Navitimer bracelet. Combining the historic appeal of a true icon with the refinement of a sophisticated, contemporary timepiece, this watch maintains the same design cues as its predecessors including the circular slide rule, the distinctive beaded bezel and its clean three-hand design with a date window at 6 o’clock.
Insider: Breitling Navitimer 1 Capsule Airline Editions. Honoring Swissair, Pan Am and TWA.
The Breitling Navitimer 1 Airline Editions celebrate the brand’s very important role in the golden era of aviation and some of the most emblematic airlines of that time. Honoring Swissair, Pan Am and TWA, the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph brings the golden era of aviation to the wrist with three colorful and very good looking executions. All three watches are available in either vintage-inspired nubuck leather straps —brown or black—, stainless steel mesh bracelet or on stainless steel the Breitling Air Racer bracelet with big perforations throughout —not our cup of tea. All three watches feature display sapphire crystal case backs as well as convex sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective coating on both sides.
News: Breitling Pulls Out of Baseworld. Tudor to Have its Own Stand-Alone Booth as Rolex Grows within the Fair.
After two years of uncertainty whether Breitling would continue at Baselworld or not, the Swiss luxury watch brand has finally opted to leave Baselworld as of next year. Breitling now in the reigns of Georges Kern —former CEO for Richemont’s IWC—, has decided that is better to showcase in its own format for 2020. In the words of Michel Loris-Melikoff —Managing Director of Baselworld—: “We very much regret that Breitling will not be exhibiting at Baselworld 2020. However, there have been very constructive and cooperative discussions with the watch manufacturer in recent weeks.” In 2020, Breitling will be relying on its previously launched Summit platform to which dealers, the media and collectors will be invited.
Baselworld 2019: Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition. Live Pictures & Price.
The Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition is the fist time that the brand has brought back a reference from the past and do a reissue to the smallest detail possible. In 1952, Breitling developed the Navitimer for air pilots to be able to do flight calculations with an innovative slide rule positioned around the dial. The new Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, celebrates one of the most iconic Navitimers released exactly 60 years ago. A flawless execution that that replicates the early Navitimer ref. 806 to the smallest detail including its acrylic —plexiglas— crystal.
Baselworld 2019: Breitling Superocean 46, 44, 42 and 36. Live Pictures & Price.
The Breitling Superocean collection is one of the most successful and representative watch lines from this brand. Now under the reigns of former IWC President Georges Kern the brand has gone through an interesting transformation, with some good releases and others we don’t like so much. However, the new Superocean Collection unveiled during Baselworld 2019 was a solid home run in our opinion. The new collection not only reflects the brand’s diving DNA very well, but also takes into consideration the so many different wrist sizes around the world and delivers a solid offering with five different sizes to please almost everyone.
Baselworld 2019: Breitling Unveils New Superocean Collection. Five Different Sizes for Every Wrist.
With its new Superocean Collection, Breitling has updated and upgraded one of its best-loved and most successful watch families. Breitling Superocean watches have been highly regarded for their diving prowess for more than 60 years. While the members of the new collection reflect the brand’s deep-water DNA, they are certain to appeal to men and women with active lifestyles. With their clean, sporty design and impeccable performance, these new Superoceans will feel at home on any wrist and in any environment. Breitling CEO Georges Kern points out that the watches reflect more than just the brand’s diver’s watch legacy: “Our Surfers Squad and our partnerships with Outerknown and Ocean Conservancy speak volumes about our affection for the seas.
Baselworld 2019: Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition. A First for the Brand and a Tribute to a Legend.
For Baselworld 2019, Breitling has just announced the re-edition of the legendary Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 from 1959. In 1952, Breitling developed the Navitimer, a revolutionary wristwatch chronograph that instantly became a mainstay of every cockpit. It was worn by pilots for some of aviation’s most impressive developments, thanks to an innovative slide rule that enabled them to make all critical flight calculations. The new Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, celebrates one of the most iconic early designs of the Navitimer, released exactly 60 years ago. A first for the brand, the re-edition of the ref. 806 marks the subsequent launches also planned for the future.
News: Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition. Celebrating 17 years of Partnership and 100 Years of Luxury Motoring.
Breitling and Britain’s Bentley Motors enjoy the longest-ever partnership between a watch brand and an automobile manufacturer. In fact, it dates back to 2002, when Bentley, the world’s most admired luxury car brand, launched the very first Continental GT. For this particular car, Bentley commissioned Breitling to create an onboard clock that would reflect the unparalleled luxury, peerless quality, and extraordinary performance of the new grand tourer, which was debuted in 2003. To celebrate their partnership and 100 years of luxury motoring, Breitling just announced the new Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition ref. RB01181A1Q1X1 produced in 18K red gold or stainless steel.
News: Introducing the New Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition. A Limited Edition of 500 pieces.
With its ultra-light case made of Breitlight enhanced by a bluish 'Dark Sapphire' tint and its movement with a 30 seconds chronograph, the new Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Limited Edition watch, pays a vibrant tribute to the all-new Bentley Continental GT automobile recently unveiled by the British car manufacturer.
Breaking News: Breitling is Acquired by CVC Capital Partners for $870 Million USD
After a long time hearing rumors and rumblings that Breitling was up for sale, CVC Capital Partners has confirmed acquiring Breitling SA today with a deal to formally close in June of 2017. CVC Capital is one of the world’s leading private equity and investment advisory firms. Founded in 1981, CVC today employs over 420 people throughout Europe, Asia and the US. Investors in more than 45 different business across a variety of industries including Retail, Telecommunications, Online Sports Betting, CPG, Lottery, Energy, Musical Production and Insurance amongst others.
Breitling Superocean Héritage II Ceramic Bezel. Hands-on with the Watch that Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Superocean.
If you like diving watches you surely are a fan of the Breitling Superocean line. While the new Breitling Superocean Héritage II with ceramic bezel is no Rolex Submariner or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, this watch has everything to become your favorite companion on land and sea. Originally launched in 1957 during the boom of diving watches, the Breitling Superocean was rapidly adopted by the first enthusiasts of leisure diving and today, it has received a facelift. While this facelift wasn't really that necessary, the watch is now bigger and better.
Baselworld 2017: Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Split Seconds Chronograph. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
One of the most important releases at Baselworld 2017 is the new Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Split Seconds chronograph. This new watch powered by a true in-house split seconds movement fully developed and manufactured at Breitling is available in 18K red gold or stainless steel at a very affordable price. Developed in the spirit of instruments for professionals, this Manufacture Breitling Caliber B03 protected by two patents is distinguished by its innovative construction ensuring a maximum of precision, sturdiness and reliability.
Baselworld 2017: Breitling Avenger Hurricane Military Breitlight. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
After the success of last year's Breitling Avenger Hurricane, this year at Baselworld 2017, Breitling released a new iteration of this watch with 'khaki' colored lume on its numerals and fitted with an olive green military looking fabric strap. The new Breitling Avenger Hurricane Military Breitlight is a huge watch with a 50 mm diameter case and very unique looking due to the unique sheen on its polymer composite case construction that is ultra-sturdy and ultra-light made in a futuristic material named Breitlight.
Insider: Breitling for Bentley GMT B04 S Carbon Body. Hands-on with the First Bentley Piece We Really Like.
We have never been big fans of the Breitling for Bentley timepieces, however, when it comes to the new Bentley GMT B04 S Carbon Body just released at Baselworld 2016 less than a month ago, we have to say that we really like this watch. While the dial still seems quite busy as all other Breitling for Bentley models, there's something special about this piece that draw our attention to it.
Baselworld 2016: Presenting the new Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronoworks 100-Piece Limited Edition. Hands-on Review, Live Pictures & Pricing.
For Baselworld 2016, Breitling presented a highly exclusive 100-piece limited edition Superocean Héritage Chronoworks. This new Breitling is interpreted in an all-black version with a brand-new 46 mm black matte ceramic case ensuring an original, powerful and contemporary look. The black volcano dial is adorned with pointed hour-markers recalling the 1957 Superocean, created for diving enthusiasts.
Baselworld 2016: Presenting the new Breitling Avenger Hurricane. Hands-on Review, Live Pictures & Pricing.
This year at Baselworld 2016, Breitling upped their game with the introduction of three new all black timepieces. One of them, the new Breitling Avenger Hurricane that not only stands out from the crowd because of its 50 mm diameter case, but also because of the unique sheen on its polymer composite case construction that is ultra-sturdy and ultra-light made in a futuristic material named Breitlight.
Insider: Breitling Transocean Chronograph. A Vintage Looking Chronograph.
The Breitling Transocean is a chronograph that takes you back in time. From its Ocean Classic mesh bracelet to its chrono pushers, this watch looks and feels just like a vintage new old stock piece. Wearing it almost makes you feel like having breakfast at Tiffany's next to Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.
The Breitling Transocean Chronograph ref. AB015212.BA99.154A comes with a fully polished stainless steel case measuring 43 mm wide and 14.35 mm thick. The dial on this watch is matte black; however, a blue limited edition version is also available as well as a silver dial with dark gray chrono registers. The convex sapphire crystal is heavily coated with anti-reflective material very typical of Breitling timepieces and the watch is fitted with calibre Breitling 01 providing a power-reserve of approximately 70 hours.
The dial is simple, yet very elegant. The registers are recessed providing nice depth to the dial configuration and a tachymetre scale is printed on it. The register for the running seconds is located at 9, the chrono-minute register at 3 and a 12-hour chrono register at 6. Date aperture is conveniently located between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers and the calendar wheel is black with a nice white font.
If you want a watch with the look and feel of the 60s but without the potential headaches of a real vintage piece, this watch is a great option. Sticker price $8,050.
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Macros: Breitling SuperOcean 44 Yellow Abyss. Very Nice Under the Macro Lens.
The Breitling Superocean 44 is fitted with a sturdy thick case measuring 44 mm in width and 16.7 mm in thickness. Available on three different straps —leather Superocean, rubber Ocean Racer and rubber Diver Pro— or on the Professional stainless steel bracelet, this watch has all the right attributes to become a daily wearer and to be submitted to the daily abuse of any watchlifestyler. Robust, yet good looking, the Superocean is also built to last and withstand the abuse from all types of marine activities.
Conceived as a diver's watch, the Superocean 44 comes with a depth rating of 2,000m/6600ft. The dial is matte finished, well balanced with numerals at 9 and 6 o'clock and available in five different 'Abyss' variations —yellow, orange, red, blue, and white— with just a hint of color on the word 'Superocean', the seconds hand and the border around the date aperture.
With a double-coated anti-reflective thick sapphire crystal and a safety valve that balances out differences in pressure inside and outside the case, the Superocean 44 looks up to par next to any other diving watch in its class.
The bezel is solid, thick and very easy to grip and turn with or without diving gloves. The bezel insert is made of a rubber composite —fitted with stainless steel numbers marking the quarters and dots for the first 15 minutes between 60 and 15— that under natural light appears to be more graphite gray than black; something we actually love about it. For those wishing to combine elegance with performance, Breitling also offers a variation with an 18K rose gold bezel insert.
This beautiful watch comes fitted with Breitling's Calibre 17 —based on the ETA 2824-2— offering a power-reserve of at least 40 hours. The Superocean 44 Abyss Yellow dial ref. A1739102.BA78.134A has a sticker price of $3,890 and it's the perfect entry level watch for anyone just about to become a watchlifestyler. This watch is sturdy, masculine and has a strong wrist presence.
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