WE’RE CELEBRATING
Established in 1884, Breitling is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. During this period, the brand will commemorate each milestone with narratives highlighting its notable advancements, from its contributions to timing on land, sea, and air to its achievements in sustainability. Additionally, a year of events, exhibitions, and exclusive launches is expected. To kick off these festivities, Breitling presents a watch in honour of one of its most significant innovations: the historic non-stop around-the-world flight carried out by the Breitling Orbiter 3 in a hot air balloon.
As a tribute to the 25th anniversary of this feat, Breitling, which supported this pioneering journey, introduces the Aerospace B70 Orbiter. This watch commemorates an adventure that expanded the boundaries of human achievements, even incorporating an authentic fragment of the original balloon.
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, states: "Since the dawn of aviation, Breitling has been there for all those who have looked up to the sky and dared to dream. By honouring the pioneering spirit of Mission Orbiter 3, we reaffirm our commitment to leading the future of aviation. The sky has no limits, and neither do we."
THE BREITLING ORBITER 3
On March 21, 1999, aeronauts Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones completed a bold journey by landing the Breitling Orbiter 3 in the Egyptian desert. They broke records and defied expectations, becoming the first to circumnavigate the globe in a non-stop balloon flight. Considered the last great aerial challenge of the 20th century, this achievement involved 11 teams and 21 attempts. Bertrand Piccard had attempted the feat twice before succeeding on the third attempt, accompanied by Brian Jones. After covering 45,633 km in 19 days, 21 hours, and 47 minutes, they set the record for the longest flight, both in distance and duration.
Breitling’s aeronautical legacy dates back to the 1930s when its Huit Aviation division developed precision instruments for cockpits and chronographs for military pilots. Today, the analogue-digital watches of Breitling’s Professional Line are essential for pilots in extreme conditions.
Bertrand Piccard, who has worn several Breitling Professional watches on his missions, including the Emergency with a miniaturised beacon and the multifunction Aerospace, reflects: "Twenty-five years represent a generation, but those 20 days were intense. I remember every aspect of the flight as if it were yesterday. It was not just about flying around the world but demonstrating that we can achieve more than we believe. Now, as then, we must continue to dream big."
A TRUE PIECE OF HISTORY
The 25th-anniversary edition of the Aerospace B70 Orbiter features a bright orange dial, similar to the colour of the Orbiter 3 capsule. Through its transparent case back, it contains a fragment of the original balloon. Additionally, the back of the case features the Breitling Orbiter 3 mission logo and the inscription "25th anniversary of the first non-stop flight around the world." This watch is presented with a titanium bracelet or a black rubber strap with a deployant clasp.
The Aerospace B70 Orbiter is equipped with Breitling’s new Calibre B70, a SuperQuartz™ thermocompensated quartz movement certified by COSC. This movement offers accuracy ten times greater than standard quartz watches. It also activates various watch functions, including a chronograph with 1/100th of a second precision, a countdown timer, a second-time zone, two alarms, a lap time function, and a perpetual calendar.
The launch of the Aerospace B70 Orbiter is scheduled for March 21, 2024, exactly 25 years after the historic landing of the Breitling Orbiter 3.
ABOUT BREITLING
Breitling is a prominent Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1884. Recognised for its innovation, Breitling invented the modern chronograph and pioneered navigation watches. Today, it continues to lead as a casual, inclusive, and sustainable luxury brand, with over 260 points of sale worldwide. Its collections focus on aerial, terrestrial, and maritime activities with a distinctive retro-modern style. All of Breitling’s movements are COSC-certified, and the brand continues manufacturing its calibres. With a mission to "do better," Breitling strives to create exceptional products and experiences through sustainable manufacturing practices and complete supply chain traceability.
