New Breitling Watches | Celebrating 140 Years of Firsts
This year, Breitling are celebrating a huge milestone of 140 years since they opened their watchmaking doors. And what better way to mark the occasion, than with stories of its many incredible firsts - from breakthroughs in timekeeping for air, land, and sea, to milestones in sustainability.
Throughout the year, Breitling will be spotlighting stories of groundbreaking innovation and the people behind them – and we’ll be taking you on the journey with us. We can’t wait to showcase the milestones in Breitling’s past that helped shaped watchmaking as we know it today.
“A pioneering Swiss watch brand and inventors of the chronograph, a Breitling watch is a truly luxurious timepiece. Whether it’s for yourself or someone special, you’re set up for a lifetime of reliable, precise and outstanding timekeeping.” - Bruce, Head of Luxury Watches.
Breitling Navitimer Automatic & GMT 41
First wristwatch for pilots to combine a chronograph and computational slide rule
Supplier codes: A17329171C1P1, A17329171C1A1, A17329371L1P1, A17329371L1A1, A17329161C1P1, A17329161C1A1, A32310171C1A1, A32310171C1P1, A32310211G1A1, A32310251B1A1, A32310251B1P1.
Joining the line-up of celebratory watches for Breitling’s 140th anniversary are new additions to the Navitimer collection. Known today as one of the most recognisable timepieces since it launched in 1952, this iconic collection of tool watches first started out as a wristwatch for pilots to navigate their course thanks to its combination of chronograph and computational slide rule design. Able to determine fuel consumption, climb and descent rates, and speed, amongst many other calculations, the Breitling Navitimer very quickly turned into a timepiece that was on every luxury watch collector’s list.
Deemed their most versatile Navitimer yet, the Swiss watch brand are honouring this iconic collection with the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 and Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 watches. Even without a chronograph, they’ve managed to preserve a balanced dial composition, whilst the central placement of the 24-hour scale on the GMT and the Automatic’s clean face ensures the intricate slide rule still stands out.
Further refining the collection is the notched bezel with alternating polished and brushed finishes for a dynamic play of light. Choose between alligator leather or bracelet straps, 18ct red gold or stainless steel construction and an array of black, blue, green or white dials for a timepiece that’s contemporary and tailored to your style. We love this reinvention of a classic, marrying Breitling’s commitment to heritage and innovation into each timepiece.
Breitling Aerospace B70 25th Anniversary Edition
First nonstop balloon flight around the world
Supplier codes: EB70101A1O1S1, EB70101A1O1E1.
Between 1970 and 1988 when the quartz crisis hit the Swiss mechanical watch industry, Breitling decided to use this as an opportunity and looked into creating new technology. The outcome? Breitling’s Professional collection of rugged, digital-analog adventure watches, which went on to accompany Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones on their world-record nonstop balloon flight around the world in 1999.
Sailing an incredible 45,633km in the Breitling Oribter 3 balloon, the duo managed to break the world record - navigating winds, weather and air traffic through the Swiss Alps. Fast forward to today, 25 years later, and Breitling have released a new Aerospace B70 Orbiter watch to mark the historic occasion.
Inspired by the Orbiter’s capsule, this Breitling Aerospace B70 25th Anniversary Edition timepiece is crafted in titanium with a bright orange dial and choice of either black rubber strap or titanium bracelet. Powered by a multi-functional quartz movement - the COSC-certified B70 SuperQuartz™ manufacture calibre - it features dual LCD display screens and a long list of functions, including a 1/100th of a second, countdown timer, second timezone, two alarms, lap function, and perpetual calendar.
And best of all, each watch contains its very own piece of history: a fragment of the original balloon visible through the open caseback. Keep your eyes peeled as they’re coming soon to Beaverbrooks.
More exciting new releases from Breitling…
Alongside all the amazing timepieces to commemorate Breitling’s firsts, designed to celebrate so many iconic moments in Breitling's history, the brand have also launched a series of UK exclusive editions which are truly wishlist worthy. From innovative materials to iconic design features, discover new timepieces from Breitling.
Breitling Chronomat 42 Titanium
Supplier codes: EB0134101M1S1, EB0134101M1E1.
The Chronomat holds a significant place in Breitling’s history; introduced in 1984, at a time where extra-thin quartz timepieces were the order of the day, Breitling placed a bold bet on an impressively proportioned mechanical watch. Based on the original Frecce Tricolour watch, the Chronomat celebrated Breitling’s centenary in style and marked the return of the mechanical chronograph.
The new Breitling Chronomat 42 Titanium has been crafted in ultra-lightweight titanium with 42mm case size and instantly recognisable bezel with its four rider tabs at the 15-minute marks. Not forgetting the signature Rouleaux bracelet (or rubber strap) and the in-house Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 which powers the timepiece. A truly impressive COSC-Certified chronometer that’s coming soon to Beaverbrooks.
Breitling Super Chronomat 44 Titanium
Supplier codes: EB0136251M1S1, EB0136251M1E1.
Inspired by the original 1980s Chronomat that Breitling created for the most daring aerobatic squadrons, the Super Chronomat is known as the boldest of all Chronomat watches. Featuring several ceramic inserts on the bezel, chronograph pushers and crown, as well as a Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap, the new Breitling Super Chronomat 44 Titanium is an all-purpose sports watch that’s just as at ease at the gym as it is on the weekend.
Just like the new Chronomat 42, the Super Chronomat 44 is crafted in ultra-lightweight titanium and powered by the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01. So, if you’re looking to make a statement, this timepiece is the one for you! Coming soon to Beaverbrooks.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Code Yellow UK Exclusive
Supplier codes: A173781A1I1S1, A173781A1I1A1.
The iconic yellow makes a return in the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Code Yellow UK Exclusive, limited to 500 pieces. Boasting the hallmark design elements such as luminescent Super-LumiNova hands and indexes for clear underwater readability, this timepiece is both stylish and functional - especially since you can switch to a rubber strap if comfort is your thing.
We can’t keep our eyes off the iconic Breitling yellow dial, not to mention the bi-directional and patented bezel lock which can only be found on the Superocean 46. Whether you love an underwater adventure (thanks to its 300m water resistance), staying dry on land (it’s also resistant to shocks and sand!), or you’re looking for a timepiece that’s as bold as you, then this is the one.
Oh, and did we mention that every watch purchased in this milestone year comes with an exclusive digital certificate?! This document authenticates your Breitling watch and commemorates it during an important chapter in the brand’s history. Simply log in or sign up to a Breitling account to access your 140 year certificate.
Our watch expert’s verdict
Things we like
✔ The brand are paying homage to iconic timepieces from their history
✔ The original balloon visible through the open caseback of the Aerospace B70
✔ The exclusive 140 year certificate with your Breitling purchase
Perfect for
✔ Those looking for a collector’s watch, to own a piece of history
✔ Those who love colourful dials
✔ Those wanting a watch for both work and weekend
Want to keep up to date with Breitling 140 Years of Firsts, and the world of jewellery and watches? Subscribe to our email newsletter and become a member of The Beaverbrooks Club. You’ll also receive exclusive offers, rewards, and more.
Shop this story
