Best Price Breitling Automatic Watches, High Quality Breitling Automatic Replica Watches

Breitling Superocean 42 (A1736402BA31428X)

OMGosh this Breitlingwatch is a beauty! Please do this again in coral! I love it!

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Hamoud Al Jahdhami, From Poland Sandomierz

Breitling Montbrillant Datora (A2133012Q577748P)

I like the looks of this Breitling Montbrillant Datora (A2133012Q577748P) watch and have worn it quite a bit. For some reason, it seems to lose time when I don't wear it. I haven't figured this out yet, but it is the reason I give it four stars.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Karie Tuttle, From South Africa Port Elizabeth

Breitling Galactic 41 Silver Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch A49350L2-G699SS

my watch arrived today and i love it! it''s not teal as stated, but a soft turquoise. combined with the pale yellow face and turquoise markers, it''s a real winner. never had a rubber band before, really comfortable. perfect fit too.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Glenn V, From Switzerland 8962 Bergdietikon

On 1 December 2014, Tristan Boyer de Bouillane was appointed General Manager of Perrelet, a brand that specialises in automatic watches, and a member of the Swiss Festina Group since 2004. This Franco-Swiss, now in his fifties, trained at the Institut Superieur de Gestion in Paris and began his professional career with a Hong Kong transport company. Tristan Boyer de Bouillane discovered the watchmaking world with Charriol, where he spent eight years: four as head of its Middle-Eastern subsidiary, and four more as Sales Export Manager.
In 2000 he was made sales manager at Daniel Roth & Gerald Genta, and was given a seat on the management board. Between 2010 and 2014 he held a number of positions and responsibilities in sales and marketing, including Asia Pacific Sales Director in Singapore and in Switzerland, for Breitling. He left to join Perrelet in 2014.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the Navitimer chronograph, the cult model among pilots and aviation enthusiasts, Breitling is introducing a 500-piece limited edition with an elegant dial in an exclusive shade of blue and aptly named the Navitimer Blue Sky.
In 1952, Breitling - already a firm fixture among aeronautical professionals - decided to create a new "wrist instrument" specifically designed with aviators in mind. The result was the Navitimer with its famous circular slide rule providing simple and fast handling of all calculations relating to airborne navigation: an authentic wristworn instrument panel. In an era preceding the advent of electronic calculators, this model unique in its kind was soon adopted by many pilots for flight preparation and monitoring - whether it came to calculating average speed, distance covered, fuel consumption or rates of ascent and descent. 

The only authentic aviation chronograph in widespread use, it was naturally chosen as the official watch by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the largest of its kind in the world and of which the logo often appears on models from the 1950s and 1960s. The Navitimer features a functional design and a highly original technical yet elegant look that is recognizable at first glance. It thus established itself as one of the ten great 20th century watchmaking classics, a timeless benchmark in its field and a reliable value. Continuously made since 1952, while remaining loyal to the aesthetic of the original, it is the world's oldest mechanical chronograph still in production.

A handsomely stylish limited edition
To celebrate its 60 years in flight, the favorite watch among aviation enthusiasts is now available in a 500-piece steel limited edition with a magnificent blue dial, a silver inner bezel and a red central chronograph seconds hand. A handsomely stylish new face for the most emblematic Breitling model.

A transparent caseback affords a chance to admire Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, the best selfwinding chronograph movement. The series number is engraved on the case middle at 9 o'clock, and the color match is reinforced by an exclusive dark blue crocodile leather strap. The Navitimer Blue Sky Limited Edition 60th anniversary is also available on the Navitimer bracelet - or the highly original perforated Air Racer bracelet.
Navitimer: the legend lives on.

Barnato. The name of the most famous among the "Bentley Boys", the men engaged in a passionate pursuit of victories and accomplishments that included winning the Le Mans 24 Hours Race no less than five times between 1924 and 1930. Also the name of an exceptional chronograph combining superlative style with peerless performance. Breitling for Bentley now interprets this sporty model in a 1,000-piece limited edition entirely clothed in black - from the case made of a steel that is the color of night thanks to a highly resistant carbon-based treatment, through the dial to the supple and sturdy rubber strap. The "instrument panel" appearance is reinforced by the chromed steel-rimmed counters, the red accents and a tachometric scale on the inner bezel.

The generous size of the bezel heights the effect of the elegant raised knurled motif inspired by the famous Bentley radiator grilles. The large hour-markers and the oversized hands enhanced by a luminescent coating guarantee easy reading of the time in any circumstances, even in the heat of action. This ardent and sophisticated sports model is powered by a selfwinding chronograph movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) - the ultimate token of precision and reliability. 

Performance. Precision. Elegance. The Chronomat 41 with its Manufacture Breitling caliber and its superb presence on the wrist has asserted itself as the chronograph par excellence. The epitome of the Breitling spirit. The brand now offers its star model in a 2,000-piece limited series that will appeal more bly than ever to enthusiasts of original designs.

The sporting touch is accentuated by a black dial with a red central chronograph seconds hand and red counter hands. An authentic, understated and powerful instrument panel. The original and generous lines of the steel case are enhanced by all-polished finishes - as are the bracelet and the rotating bezel engraved with exclusive numerals. The transparent sapphire crystal caseback affords the rare privilege of a chance to admire Breitling Caliber 01, the world's finest chronograph movement, entirely developed and produced in the brand workshops.

Water-resistant to 200 m (660 ft), the Chronomat 41 Limited is naturally chronometercertified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) - as indeed are all Breitling models. A b, unique and quintessential design, combined with all the performances expected of an authentic "instrument for professionals".

The sporty, daring and elegant Colt 33 reflects the true nature of the Breitling woman. It is now interpreted through an original collection combining exclusive new leather straps composing a delightful bouquet of bright colors, a quintessentially feminine expression of the Breitling spirit.

With its extremely original design, its 33 mm diameter and its exceptional technology, the Colt 33 launched in 2011 has conquered the hearts and wrists of all women eager to combine aesthetic appeal with high performance. Breitling is now introducing new versions featuring a highly distinctive look. The focus is firmly on the range of refined straps in Sahara leather, recognizable by their embossed motif composed of tiny "dunes" along with a palette of fresh and dynamic colors - red, blue, pink, orange and white - echoed on the dials hour- markers. The entirely polished case creates a striking contrast that highlights the original shape of the bezel with its satin-brushed surface and its stamped numerals. The glowingly feminine touch may be further accentuated by an optional gemset bezel. The three large 6, 9 and 12 o'clock numerals with their exclusive design and their rounded contours exquisitely punctuate the hours on the finely gridwork-pattern dials.
On the technical side, this supersporty model displays all the qualities one would expect from a Breitling instrument for professionals, including a SuperQuartzTM movement ten times more accurate than standard quartz and chronometer certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides, a screw-locked crown and a sturdy steel case water-resistant to 500 meters (1,650 ft) - a unique feat for a ladies' watch. The new Colt 33 with its colorful hour-markers is also available on a triple-link bracelet. This is a collection radiating an unmistakable aura of elegance and performance.

In 2009, Breitling took its place within the exclusive circle of watch companies with their own mechanical chronograph movement. Not only was the development of this Caliber 01 intended to ensure the brand's long-term independence, but as a specialist of chronographs and instruments for professionals, Breitling also set itself the goal of making the world's best chronograph movement. Best in terms of performance, reliability and functionality.

With this in mind, the firm put in place an avant-garde industrial facility and in-house competencies enabling it to produce its movements according to its own high standards, while ensuring maximum reliability on a large scale - around 40,000 movements in 2011. Caliber 01, which is chronometer-certified like all the brand's movements, currently powers several of Breitling's star models, including the Chronomat, the Navitimer, the Montbrillant and the Transocean. The firm's engineers have also used it as the basis for creating several innovative movements featuring functions that are both useful and user-friendly, such as Caliber 04 with its highly ingenious second timezone system, and the brand-new worldtimer Caliber 05.
To confirm the exceptional reliability of these in-house movements, Breitling has decided to introduce an exclusive five-year warranty on all models equipped with its Manufacture calibers - meaning around half its range of mechanical chronographs. This move represents an exceptional measure at this level of production, and a powerful seal of confidence for all users of Breitling wrist instruments.

A vibrantly colourful limited series
Breitling lines up on the starting grid a 3 x 1,000-piece limited series of the Bentley Supersports chronograph, with a "dashboard-style" dial enlivened by blue, orange or white-ringed counters and inner bezels. Clearly built for outstanding feats and performances, this exceptional watch is a fresh tribute to the Bentley Continental Supersports, the fastest and most powerful car ever made by the British manufacturer, and holder of the world ice speed record. A superchronograph for a supercar.

Exceptional motorisation
Inside its sporty, sturdy and elegant chassis, the Bentley Supersports limited series houses a selfwinding chronograph movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). It is equipped with an original and extremely practical central-hand 60-minute counter. The rotating bezel serving to activate the variable tachometer - an exclusive Breitling feature enabling measurement of average speed whatever the time elapsed, the distance covered or the speed reached - is adorned with the knurled motif typical of Bentley dashboard controls.

Another top-flight feat makes aviation history. After crossing the Channel, flying alongside two Boeing Stearman biplanes carrying the Breitling Wingwalkers, looping the loop around a hot-air balloon and hurtling across the sky over the Grand Canyon, Yves "Jetman" Rossy has shifted up yet another gear with a formation flight alongside two jets from the Breitling Jet Team.

The world's first jet-powered man jumped off a helicopter with his rigid wing equipped with four jet engines. Adjusting his trajectory and altitude by his body movements alone, he then performed aerobatic figures above the Swiss Alps in the company of two L-39C Albatros planes from the Breitling Jet Team, the world's largest professional civilian aerobatics team performing on jets. 

A stunning show - and a major new accomplishment supported by Breitling, the privileged partner of worldwide aviation.

It was his date with destiny, and ultimately the uniquely complex certification process could not prevent Yves "Jetman" Rossy from making his historic flight through Grand Canyon West this past weekend.Flying his jet-propelled wing attached to his back, and steering only by movement of his body, Rossy launched from a helicopter at 8,000 feet into the breathtaking blue of the Grand Canyon sky. Skimming the rockscape at speeds of up to 190 mph, Jetman sustained flight for more than eight minutes, 200 feet above the rim of Grand Canyon West. To end the flawless precision flight, Rossy deployed his parachute and gracefully descended to the canyon floor.An earlier flight scheduled for Friday, May 6 was cancelled when final FAA certification was held up due to the difficulty in classifying Mr. Rossy's one-of-a-kind jet-powered wing. By the time the process was complete, sufficient practice flights were unable to occur prior to the scheduled 9 a.m. flight."My first flight in the U.S. is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences in my life, not only for the sheer beauty of the Grand Canyon but the honor to fly in sacred Native American lands," Rossy stated. "Thank you Mother Nature and the Hualapai Tribe for making my lifelong dreams come true."Jetman has already won global acclaim for his successful jet-powered flights cross Lake Geneva and the English Channel. But this was the first time he had ever achieved his dream of flying in the purest sense in the U.S. - and his choice of the Grand Canyon, where eagles soar, reflected the deep significance of the site both to Rossy and to the resident Hualapai people.

WORLDTEMPUS - 28 March 2011

"We sell timepieces and emotions. We don't sell quality because quality is a must for Breitling," Breitling VP Jean-Paul Girardin replied to the question whether he considered Breitling's watches luxury or quality timepieces. When confronted with the repeated question, he admitted luxury being linked to independency. This, of course, in terms of not being overly dependent on external suppliers - which is precisely where Breitling is going with the in-house B01 movement.

Traveling back and forth in time
"We wanted to create a platform from where we can build other complications," Girardin said as he introduced the 47-millimeter Chronomat 44 GMT containing the next evolution of the in-house caliber called 04. This caliber configuration offers a GMT function that allows the date to be adjusted backward and forwardc. According to Girardin, this is the first chronograph watch that offers a GMT function that can be retrofitted when traveling back in time, so to speak. "We have not yet found any other chronograph that offers this patented function." In any case, this certainly is a rarely seen function on a chronograph watch.

In the cockpit
Beside the Chronomat 44 GMT Caliber 04, Girardin also presented the first - unlimited - Navitimer using the in-house caliber. Of course, the Navitimer is one of Breitling's most famous and indeed iconic timepieces. The watch that literally put Breitling in the cockpit, making the Swiss watch brand one of the first in terms of creating a professional tool watch especially made for aviation purposes. Some of the elements ensuring this are the slide-rule bezel and chronograph.

Talking cockpit, Girardin mentions that making their own movement and hence being more independent makes Breitling "like a captain of his own ship." Or rather, a pilot in his own airplane.

Endowed with a look inspired by the 1940s and 50s and featuring a circular slide rule for pilots, the Montbrillant chronograph was named after the building on Montbrillant Street, in the heights of La Chaux-de-Fonds, which housed the Breitling workshops from 1892 to 1979. It was in these premises that the brand developed the inventions and improvements that were to change the face of the wrist chronograph, including the first independent pushpiece (1915), the second independent pushpiece (1934) and the first selfwinding chronograph (1969). This was also where Breitling produced its first onboard chronographs that contributed to its status as "official supplier to world aviation" during the boom of air transport on propeller-powered and subsequently jet aircraft.

Today, the Montbrillant is associating its name with another milestone in the history of the brand with the winged B by hosting Breitling's Caliber 01, the most reliable and efficient of all selfwinding chronograph movements, produced using a revolutionary assembly process. The Montbrillant 01 Limited is issued in twin editions of 2,000 in steel and 200 in red gold, with the individual number engraved at 9 o'clock on the case middle. The Mercury Silver dial features elegant hands, the traditional central hundredth of a second counter, and an 18K gold version of the stylized B that served as the brand symbol until the mid-20th century. A transparent sapphire crystal caseback provides generous views of Breitling's Caliber 01, chronometer- certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), with its column wheel and its original structure. A collector's piece for all those with a love of history in movement.

WORLDTEMPUS - January 14, 2011

Despite the freezing temperatures outside, Breitling was heating things up inside with yesterday's opening of its modern, architecturally impressive, 4,500-square-foot boutique. This, the world's first mono-brand Breitling store, stocks more than 900 exclusive, limited edition and Breitling for Bentley timepieces. The boutique's official opening was a real hot spot thanks not only to the presence of the coveted timepieces, but also to the attendance of celebrities that included superstars John Travolta, Wayne Gretzky, and former quarterback and current TV commentator Boomer Esaison.

The boutique, which features an entire glass window front allowing for a full view of the three-story interior, is a superb blend of future and past to reflect Breitling's energetic spirit and rich history. The walls are decorated with iconic pop-art that recalls aviation in an edgy, romantic manner. On the second floor, in a sitting area, there is an historical mural that depicts Breitling's many endeavors in aviation and adventure. The opposite wall is opposite in feel, as well, with modern digital videos streaming across it.

Marie Bodman, U.S. brand president said, "The strategy is to showcase a complete assortment of timepieces in a manner that thoroughly reveals the brand throughout its history to the present, giving our customers the ultimate brand experience."

First-class takeoff
The Transocean with its modern lines, pure design and refined details admirably reflects the spirit of luxury and prestige of the finest long-haul journeys. Aboard its understated, streamlined fuselage is a high-performance "engine" entirely developed and produced in the Breitling workshops. As a preview celebration of this future classic, the brand with the winged B is introducing a Transocean Chronograph Limited special series fitted with a transparent caseback revealing Breitling Caliber 01 - doubtless the best chronograph movement in its category.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Breitling shared the finest hours in the amazing saga of the conquest of the skies. The famous Navitimer, launched in 1952, rapidly established itself as the cult watch among pilots and other devotees of aviation. The brand supplied onboard chronographs for the propeller planes and subsequently the jet planes of numerous aircraft manufacturers and airlines, thus becoming the "official supplier to world aviation". In 1958, building upon the reputation for excellence acquired by its instruments for professionals, Breitling launched a new model named Transocean. "Men who have faith in the mighty liners of the sky will trust the Transocean, for behind every Breitling wristwatch lies the experience of aviation precision" - ran the slogan. This high-performance shock-resistant, antimagnetic and super-watertight model was also distinguished by its extremely precise chronometer certified selfwinding movement. Endowed with an understated and refined design, it soon became a great success and proudly accompanied the boom in transatlantic travel, in an era when the famous Boeing 707, DC-8 and Caravelle aircraft - three symbols of speed, comfort and security - were bringing continents closer together than ever.

The new Transocean
Breitling pays tribute to this landmark model in its brand history by launching a new collection also inspired by the spirit of great journeys and luxury long-haul aircraft. While the pure lines of today's Transocean are bly reminiscent of the finest classic chronographs of the 1950s and 1960s, the new model reinterprets them in a resolutely contemporary style. The elegant case is distinguished by its perfectly understated design, magnified by a smooth, slender bezel with a beveled profile and streamlined lugs molding the wrist. The epitome of simplicity. The classic round pushpieces, a nod to the first water resistant pushpieces, lend a subtle vintage touch, while the large "baton" type straight-line hands, highlighted by a luminescent substance, convey a more modern aura. A prime example of clarity and readability, the dial features meticulously refined details such as applied hour-markers, counters that are finely recessed and "snailed" (decorated with a spiral motif), and an 18K gold rendering of the initial B that served for many years as the brand emblem.

At the heart of this model lies an exceptional "engine" also designed to keep precise and reliable time throughout the longest journeys, since the Transocean is equipped with Caliber 01, a high-performance selfwinding chronograph movement entirely developed and produced within the Breitling workshop and chronometer certified like all the brand's movements. A model of discreet luxury, fine craftsmanship and technical perfection, the new Transocean is 100% Swiss made, as indeed are all chronographs and wrist instruments bearing the Breitling signature.

A limited edition epitomizing refined luxury
As a prelude to the launch of the series-produced models, Breitling offers collectors and enthusiasts of milestone watches a special edition of this new first-class chronograph. Issued in worldwide series of 2,000 in steel and 200 in red gold, the Transocean Chronograph Limited is equipped with a polished case and bezel and carries the individual number engraved on the case middle. It is available with two dial variations - Mercury Silver or black - and comes fitted with a choice of leather or crocodile leather strap, or a woven steel bracelet. Contrary to future models in the series, to be endowed with solid casebacks, this limited-edition model water-resistant to 100 meters (330 ft) boasts a transparent back serving to reveal the 100% Breitling-made chronograph caliber with its column wheel and its distinctive architecture. An open window on excellence.

Breitling introduces its flagship Chronomat 01 model in a limited series endowed with exclusive finishing and a transparent caseback providing a fascinating view of the 100% in-house made chronograph caliber. A close-up look at elegance and top-flight performances.

First introduced in the spring of 2009, the Chronomat 01 was the first Breitling watch to house Caliber 01, a chronograph movement entirely developed and produced in the brand's workshops. The leading model in the Breitling collections, this instrument is distinguished by the powerful character of its case, its bezel engraved with original numerals, and its distinctive blend of strength and elegance. Available in a number of different versions, it has established itself as the new benchmark in the field of mechanical chronographs - and indeed as the ultimate chronograph.

For devotees of rare and exclusive timepieces, Breitling now offers this iconic model in limited series of 2,000 in steel and 200 in rose gold, all bearing the individual number engraved at 9 o'clock on the case middle. The b and unique design of the case, bezel and bracelet is highlighted by subtle contrasted finishing - satin-brushed on the top and polished on the sides. The black dial is adorned with applied hour-markers. Contrary to the standard Chronomat 01 models, equipped with solid steel or gold casebacks, the Chronomat 01 Limited Edition features a transparent sapphire crystal caseback providing optimal views of the in-house made chronograph movement. An exceptional glimpse of this high-performance motor boasting a column-wheel, an entirely original architectural design, and assembled according to a revolutionary industrial process.

Breitling launches the first Navitimer with a 100% in-house made chronograph movement

Breitling combines its two long-established passions - chronographs and aeronautics - by offering the legendary Navitimer model in a limited series equipped with its proprietary Caliber 01. Issued in 2,000-piece steel and 200-piece red gold editions, the "Navitimer Caliber 01" is distinguished by its slightly broader diameter and its transparent caseback providing clear views of its high-performance "motor". An eagerly anticipated model among devotees of the brand with the winged B, and a genuine collector's item for all connoisseurs of fine mechanical chronographs and aviation.

In 2009, Breitling laid a major milestone in its history by joining the exclusive circle of the rare watch companies to have their own mechanical chronograph movement. This was a logical culminating point for a brand that is one of the leaders in this complication and has played a crucial role in its technical development through several key inventions: the first independent pushpiece (1915); separation of the stop/start and reset functions (1923); creation of the second independent pushpiece for zero-resetting (1934); and the launch of the very first selfwinding chronograph (1969). Caliber 01, the first movement entirely developed and produced in the Breitling workshops, was first used to power an exclusive new version of the leading Chronomat model, duly named Chronomat 01. Breitling now introduces it within another watchmaking icon, the famous Navitimer which proudly embodies the brand's aeronautical vocation.

Breitling Caliber 01: a high-performance movement  assembled in a revolutionary manner

Featuring an original architecture, the selfwinding Caliber 01 chronograph movement is the crowning achievement of the longstanding quest for precision and reliability that has consistently governed Breitling "Instruments for professionals". Equipped with a column wheel, a vertical coupling clutch and an over 70-hour power reserve, it was designed to ensure maximum functionality and secure use. It features several innovative characteristics aimed at facilitating its production and its operation, including a patented self-centering device for the resetting hammers and an exclusive index-assembly system enabling swift personalized adjustment of the watch according to the wearer. This exceptional caliber is also distinguished by its pioneering production and assembly mode. Inspired by an avant-garde concept used in other cutting-edge sectors, Breitling has developed an industrial chain-production formula that revolutionizes traditional movement assembly. Each caliber is individually monitored by an ultra sophisticated computer program that automatically directs it towards the appropriate workstation, along a route alternating fully automated workstations with others requiring manual intervention. All the adjustment phases are integrated within this process, in such a way that upon emerging from the chain, each Caliber 01 is ready to face up to the stringent tests conducted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) - a guarantee of authentic large-scale production reliability.

By immediately choosing to specialize in chronographs and timers, Leon Breitling, who founded the company in 1884, soon gained favor among aviation pioneers who needed sturdy, high performance instruments. During the 1930s, the brand launched its first onboard chronographs, which were to equip World War II fighter planes, before accompanying the boom in air transport in the cockpits of the finest propeller planes, and later jets. In 1952, the "official supplier to world aviation" created a "wrist instrument" specially designed for pilots and other aeronautical professionals. Equipped with a circular slide rule, the Navitimer chronograph serves to handle all calculations linked to airborne navigation: average speed, distance covered, fuel consumption, rate of climb or descent, conversions from miles to kilometers or nautical miles, etc. Chosen as the official watch by the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), the world's largest association of its kind, the Navitimer has asserted itself as the most iconic Breitling model - and a cult object for all aviation enthusiasts. In its "Cosmonaute" version with a 24-hour graduation, it accompanied Scott Carpenter on his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 capsule (1962), thus becoming the first space going wrist chronograph. Continuously made since 1952, the Navitimer is the world's oldest mechanical chronograph still in production. By now adopting an "in-house" caliber, it is writing a new chapter in a rich history of major achievements and thrilling moments.

The Navitimer Caliber 01 special edition is available in two limited series of 2,000 in steel, and 200 in red gold, each bearing an individual number engraved on the side of the case middle. The case features a diameter slightly broader than that of the series produced Navitimer (43 mm compared with 42 mm). The dial which is made using the "epargne" process on a solid silver or gold base - a sophisticated technique endowing the indications with peerless radiance and readability - is exclusively available in a classic black version with applied hour-markers. Breitling's winged symbol in gold is slightly raised to stand out from the watch face. The transparent sapphire caseback, a rare feature on Breitling models, provides a unique opportunity to admire the original architecture of Caliber 01 with its column wheel, its oscillating weight and its entirely performance oriented design. An impressive set of characteristics that are bound to delight devotees of exclusive models - before the series-produced Navitimer models equipped with 100% Breitling calibers take flight next spring.

WORLDTEMPUS - 29 March 2010

Breitling presented its solution to the ETA ebauche crunch by introducing its own new chronograph movement in 2009: Caliber B01. "We wanted to be in the pilot's seat," explains vice-president of Breitling Jean-Paul Girardin.
Last week, for the first time, Girardin opened the doors to this state-of-the-art facility manufacturing the movement to journalists. At this time, Girardin explained that Breitling was one of the few brands able to retain its entire workforce during the economic crisis of 2009. Though the brand did not hire any new employees during these months, it also did not let any go. And this was in great part thanks to the advent of Caliber B01, Breitling's new in-house automatic chronograph movement.
The production of the movement, as well as the assembly of the ETA 2892 and 7750 calibers still utilized in familiar models, take place in a purpose-built facility christened Breitling Chronometrie. The brand expects to make 50,000 pieces of Caliber B01 this year—which should come as no surprise when you've heard that the new movement was the brand's immediate bestseller upon introduction last year.
Caliber B01 was designed in the space of five years by a five-man-b team in Geneva making up Breitling Technology; at the same time Breitling set up its Chronometrie in La Chaux-de-Fonds to handle manufacturing and assembly. A number of Caliber B01's 346 components are supplied—like the reliable Nivarox escapement that keeps its time. But a number are also manufactured right on-premises by state-of-the art machinery that is to a great degree automated. The efficient assembly process is more automated than one generally sees in mechanical watches, right down to the oiling procedure and the laser attachment of the balance spring to its collet. A well thought-out laboratory tests not only the assembled movements, but also analyzes potential assembly or C.O.S.C. problems in advance and even performs research into use of new materials and lubrication. A separate room contains its own five-axis CNC machinery, automatic lathes, and wire spark erosion machine for quick prototyping. And true to its flight path, Breitling even employs eleven people alone for quality control—testing every batch of every component.

1962. The space race was well under way

Already a supplier to civilian and military aviation, Breitling naturally took a keen interest in this new human adventure. Based on the Navitimer chronograph, the brand's technicians developed the Cosmonaute, a space-going version of this instrument indicating the daily 24 hours in a single sweep of the dial. Given the extremely relative nature of day and night in space, this configuration prevents possible confusion between midday and midnight.

For its 125th anniversary, Breitling has chosen to issue a limited series of the model that became the first wrist chronograph to experience space travel. Only 1,000 of these Cosmonaute watches will be produced, all equipped for the occasion with an original version of the intriguing 24-hour dial. Further accentuating its distinctive character and in tribute to a modern design icon from the 1960s, the Cosmonaute Limited Edition is fitted exclusively with the rigid perforated Air Racer bracelet.

1957. Having established its mastery of the skies, Breitling set off to conquer the seas by launching the Superocean, a professional diver's watch that also gained a following among the first scuba diving enthusiasts. Some 50 years later, under the "Heritage" banner, this same design still holds a special place among Breitling's "instruments for professionals". In celebrating its 125th anniversary, Breitling has chosen to issue a limited series of this great classic. Like the original model, this Superocean Heritage Chronographe carries the historical Breitling signature topped by the stylized letter B in 18-carat gold, and also features the same luminescent triangular hour hand that already enabled unequivocal read-off even in the darkness prevailing at great depths. Another characteristic detail lies in the dial with its two counters arranged horizontally at 9 and 3 o'clock, available in Volcano black, Stratus silver and Gun blue versions and produced in limited series of 1,000 in each of these shades.
The equally exclusive choice of wristbands comprises the Ocean Classic in woven steel reflecting the original bracelet and lending the watch its unique appearance; and the Ocean Racer rubber strap with its resolutely sporting style. The distinctive design of the Superocean Heritage Chronographe is matched by its technical performances. Its imposing steel case measuring 46 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet) houses Breitling Caliber 23, a sturdy high-precision movement officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, as indeed are all Breitling movements.

After the Super Constellation, Breitling welcomes into its fleet another legendary aircraft, the DC-3. By supporting the restoration and relaunch of a 1940 plane, the "brand with the winged B" confirms its determination to preserve the aviation heritage - a stirring adventure with which its own history is so closely entwined and which thrills the hearts of so many enthusiasts.
Commissioned by American Airlines, the Douglas DC-3 twin-engine propeller aircraft first took off in 1935, at a time when Breitling was supplying civilian and military planes with its first onboard chronographs. Thanks to its peerless performances, its sturdiness, its low fuel consumption and its long-range capabilities, it revolutionized the world of air transport by enabling for the first time reliable and profitable commercial flights with a minimum of stop-overs. At the end of the 1930s, most of the major American and European companies were equipped with this model.
During World War II, the DC-3 - particularly in its so-called Dakota version - played a key role in troop transport. Nicknamed "the landing plane", it experienced its moment of fame in June 1944 by serving to tow countless gliders and dropping thousands of paratroopers on the coasts of Normandy. General Eisenhower paid it a glowing tribute by defining it as one of the four "pillars" of the victory in Africa and in Europe.

This legendary plane will be celebrating its grand comeback at the 2009 Paris- Le Bourget airshow, June 15th - 21st, a prestigious event with which Breitling enjoys a longstanding association. It will be presented on the tarmac of the airport, at the foot of the Breitling booth located in a prominent position on the terraces of the Air and Space Museum.
Thanks to its perfectly equipped cabin, the Breitling DC-3 will subsequently be used for passenger flights intended for the brand's customers, retailers and guests. It will also take part in various aeronautical events. When peace returned, the DC-3 pursued its brilliant career in civil aviation until the early 1950s, a period when Breitling was establishing itself among the major manufacturers and airlines as the "official supplier to world aviation". No less than 13,000 of these planes were built.
The DC-3 HB-IRJ flying the Breitling colors was produced in 1940 for American Airlines. Despite clocking up 75,000 flight hours, it has been kept in exceptionally good condition. Purchased in the United States and restored in Miami, it was then transported to Europe via Quebec, Newfoundland, Greenland and Iceland.