Breitling, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, commemorates a momentous milestone as it celebrates its 140th anniversary by paying homage to its rich legacy of pioneering achievements. In a nod to one of its most iconic firsts, Breitling unveils the Aerospace B70 Orbiter, marking the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking nonstop balloon flight around the world.
Established in 1884, Breitling’s legacy is steeped in innovation and excellence, particularly in the realm of aviation. Throughout its illustrious history, the brand has continuously pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, from revolutionizing timekeeping for air, land, and sea to championing sustainability initiatives.
To kick off this landmark year, Breitling introduces the Aerospace B70 Orbiter, a testament to the spirit of adventure and human ingenuity that propelled the historic Breitling Orbiter 3 mission. Led by balloonists Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, the daring voyage in 1999 marked the first successful nonstop circumnavigation of the globe in a balloon, culminating in a triumphant landing in the Egyptian desert.
The Aerospace B70 Orbiter pays homage to this remarkable feat by incorporating a tangible piece of the original balloon into each watch—a tangible connection to a momentous chapter in aviation history. Breitling CEO Georges Kern reaffirms the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation’s future, echoing the sentiment that the skies hold limitless possibilities.
Bertrand Piccard, reflecting on the historic flight, emphasizes the enduring significance of dreaming big and pushing beyond comfort zones to effect meaningful change—a sentiment echoed by Breitling’s ethos of innovation and exploration.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Aerospace B70 Orbiter features a vibrant orange dial reminiscent of the Orbiter 3 capsule, housing a segment of the original balloon visible through its transparent caseback. The watch, available with a titanium bracelet or black rubber strap, boasts a robust construction designed to withstand the rigors of extreme conditions.
Powered by the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B70, the Aerospace B70 Orbiter combines analog and digital display functionalities, including a 1/100th of a second chronograph, countdown timer, second timezone, alarms, lap function, and perpetual calendar—ensuring precision and reliability in any endeavor.
Launching on March 21, 2024, precisely 25 years after the historic landing of the Breitling Orbiter 3, the Aerospace B70 Orbiter embodies Breitling’s unwavering commitment to innovation and adventure, inviting wearers to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.
For more information, please visit Breitling.com.