Breitling Announces the Aerospace B70 Orbiter

As Breitling embarks on a great year, it’s paying homage to the pioneering spirit that has shaped the brand’s history. Today, the 25th anniversary of the first-ever nonstop balloon flight around the world is commemorated with the launch of the Aerospace B70 Orbiter. This watch carries within it a piece of the record-breaking balloon, a true piece of airborne history.

Breitling’s 140th anniversary is a cause for celebration. This year promises unforgettable stories of the brand’s groundbreaking innovations – innovations that transformed timekeeping across the skies, land, and oceans, while setting new standards in sustainable practices.

The festivities are underway, filled with thrilling events, captivating exhibitions, and highly-anticipated product launches. Breitling begins today with a watch that salutes an extraordinary milestone: the breathtaking first nonstop balloon flight around the world by the Breitling Orbiter 3.

To mark the 25th anniversary of this remarkable feat, Breitling, the proud sponsor of the audacious journey, introduces the Aerospace B70 Orbiter. This timepiece honors a daring adventure that forever broadened the scope of what humans could achieve. Even more fascinating, each watch houses a fragment of the original balloon itself.

The history of the Breitling Orbiter 3

March 21st, 1999 marked a triumph in aviation history. Balloonists Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones steered the Breitling Orbiter 3 to a safe landing in the desolate sands of the Egyptian desert, shattering expectations and becoming the first to circle the globe in a balloon without stopping.

This feat was widely regarded as the ultimate flight challenge of the 20th century. Over 21 attempts were made by 11 teams of renowned figures. Bertrand Piccard himself endured two unsuccessful attempts in 1997 and 1998 before finally conquering the skies with Brian Jones. After a journey spanning 45,633 km over 19 days, 21 hours, and 47 minutes, the balloonists secured the record for the longest flight by both distance and duration.

Breitling’s relation n with aviation dates back to the 1930s when its Huit Aviation division pioneered cockpit instruments and pilot chronographs for military aviators. The rise of commercial airlines propelled the brand to become “the official supplier to world aviation” with its Navitimer chronograph, featuring a slide rule ideal for flight calculations. Today, Breitling’s Professional line of digital-analog aviation watches is engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions a pilot might encounter.

“Twenty-five years may have passed, but those 20 intense days remain etched in my memory,” reflects Bertrand Piccard, who has relied upon Breitling Professional watches throughout his missions – including the Emergency with its distress beacon and the versatile Aerospace. “This was more than just a flight; it proved that we can achieve far beyond our perceived limits. Today, just as then, we must dream boldly, step outside the familiar, and embrace disruption. With this mindset, we have the potential to transform the world.”

A Fragment of History

The Aerospace B70 Orbiter 25th Anniversary Edition isn’t just your everyday watch; it’s a piece of aviation history on your wrist. Its vibrant orange dial, mirroring the iconic Orbiter 3 capsule, is a highlight. But the true magic lies within: a fragment of the original Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, proudly displayed through the transparent caseback. Completing the tribute is the commemorative inscription “First non-stop flight around the world 25th anniversary” encircling the mission logo.

The owner will have an option between a titanium bracelet or a black rubber strap with a folding clasp – both bear the Breitling Orbiter 3 mission logo etched at the 3 o’clock position. Super-LumiNova coating on the numerals, indexes, and hands ensures visibility even in the dimmest conditions. This watch is built for adventure, with robust titanium offering unmatched strength, lightness, and resistance to the elements, assuring a comfortable fit even during the most challenging expeditions.

The movement beats the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B70. This SuperQuartz™ movement, boasting ten times the precision of standard quartz, powers an impressive range of functions. Expect a 1/100th of a second chronograph (with split-time and flyback capability), a countdown timer, second timezone, dual alarms, lap functionality, and a perpetual calendar for effortless timekeeping.

March 21st, 2024, marks the launch of the Aerospace B70 Orbiter—a poignant date coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Breitling Orbiter 3’s groundbreaking landing.