140 YEARS OF FIRSTS: NAVITIMER 41 AND COSMONAUTE B1

Breitling pays tribute to its aviation and space icons with a series of releases as part of the celebrations for its anniversary: the Navitimer GMT and Automatic 41, and a limited edition Cosmonaute with automatic movement. Sports superstars Erling Haaland and Giannis Antetokounmpo headline Breitling's 140th-anniversary campaign.

Now that Breitling is celebrating its 140th anniversary, it's the perfect occasion to commemorate it with stories about its incredible innovations, from its advancements in timing for land, sea, and air to its milestones in sustainability. This month, the brand pays tribute to two of its icons. One of them is the Navitimer, the first wristwatch for pilots that combined a chronograph with a sliding rule for calculations. And it's joined by the Cosmonaute, the 24-hour version of the Navitimer that became the first Swiss wristwatch in space. Breitling has just unveiled new versions of these lines: the Navitimer GMT and the Automatic 41, along with a new Cosmonaute with automatic movement.

In the words of Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling: "Throughout this year, we will talk about our 140 Years of Firsts. And when it comes to these two watches – the Navitimer and the Cosmonaute – one cannot overlook the importance they have had for our brand, aviation, and watchmaking as a whole."

BACK TO THE ESSENTIAL: THE VERSATILE NAVITIMER GMT AND AUTOMATIC 41

Breitling played a key role in the flourishing of commercial aviation. Its watches became standard equipment, first in propeller-driven aircraft and later in jetliners from major aircraft manufacturers worldwide. When the design of the Breitling Navitimer was unveiled in 1952, it was an instant hit among airline pilots in the then-emerging field of civil aviation.

The Navitimer featured a circular slide rule that allowed pilots to perform essential calculations such as climb rates and fuel consumption. In those glory days of commercial air travel, the Navitimer was the first onboard computer to wear on the wrist, ultimately elevating Breitling to the status of "official supplier to the world of aviation."

Breitling began redesigning the Navitimer line in 2022, starting with the original chronograph. This update continues today with two new downsized versions: a GMT and a three-hand Automatic, both in a comfortable, universally wearable size of 41mm.

These watches exude the iconic look of the Navitimer, omitting the chronograph but retaining a balanced dial composition. The central placement of the 24-hour scale on the GMT and the cleanliness of the Automatic's dial ensure that the intricate slide rule stands out while stylizing the overall aesthetics of the model.

To further refine the collection, Breitling incorporated a serrated bezel that adds a contemporary touch, along with alternating polished and brushed finishes that create a dynamic play of light. Crocodile leather straps and seamless butterfly clasp bracelets offer comfort and functionality.

The color range includes black, blue, silver, ice blue, and green dials, in stainless steel or 18K red gold, with a two-tone variant for the Automatic. The fully gold versions carry the Origins label, signifying gold sourced from responsible mining, in accordance with the environmental and social standards of the Swiss Better Gold Association.

ELEGANCE GROUNDED: THE COSMONAUTE B12 WITH AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT

In 1962, Scott Carpenter, one of the Mercury Seven astronauts, approached Breitling with a unique request: to modify the design of the Navitimer for space exploration. Admired for his calculation skills, Carpenter requested a 24-hour dial to distinguish day from night while in orbit. Breitling accepted the challenge, and thus, the customized Navitimer, later named Cosmonaute, accompanied Carpenter on his mission on May 24, 1962, becoming the first Swiss wristwatch in space.

Now, to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the house, Breitling is releasing a limited edition of this 24-hour watch. This time, however, the main modification is not intended for zero gravity but for everyday life: an automatic chronograph movement, Breitling's in-house caliber B12.

The new release is limited to 250 units and is only available online and in Breitling boutiques. It features an 18K red gold case, beautifully complemented by its intense green dial, golden numerals, and black crocodile leather strap.

Upon turning the watch, the open case back allows for a view of the oscillating weight, which, in chromatic contrast, covers the B12 movement. The in-house caliber provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve and comes with a 5-year warranty. An engraving on the case back indicates its exclusivity reference, "One of 250," and reveals the incredible history of the watch: "First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24, 1962."

Inspired by astronauts and adapted for life on Earth, the new limited edition Cosmonaute merges the brand's historical legacy with the ease of use required by modern life.

PERFECT FIT: ERLING HAALAND JOINS THE NAVITIMER SQUAD

After 70 years, the Navitimer has transcended its original function as a tool used by pilots to calculate navigation.

It has become a symbol for those charting their own journey through life. Breitling celebrates this significant milestone in its "NAVITIMER – FOR THE JOURNEY" campaign, which introduces the Navitimer Squad composed of: basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre Misty Copeland, aviation pioneer and explorer Bertrand Piccard, and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron.

Now, a new member joins the squad to star alongside Antetokounmpo in the Navitimer 41 campaign: football idol Erling Haaland.

Haaland, who has been a Breitling ambassador since 2022, expresses his excitement at being the face of the Navitimer in the brand's anniversary year: "I feel super proud to represent Breitling's icon. People are going to be surprised this year when they see how many innovations Breitling has under its belt. It has changed the game in many ways."

A monumental year that has only just begun. Don't miss out on the news, releases, and festivities that will mark Breitling's 140 Years of Firsts.

ABOUT BREITLING

Breitling is a leading Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1884. An innovative company that invented the modern chronograph and pioneered the navigation tool-watch. Today, it continues to blaze new trails as a casual, inclusive, and sustainable luxury brand, with over 260 points of sale worldwide inspired by an industrial loft concept. Breitling's collections focus on air, land, and sea activities, all embodied in the brand's unmistakable retro-modern style. The exceptional quality of each watch's movements is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, in addition to being one of the few independent watch brands that continues to manufacture its own calibers. Today, Breitling has a "mission to do better" to create wonderful products and experiences with better materials, better manufacturing, better packaging, and end-to-end traceability. By combining classic watchmaking with the latest sustainable innovations, Breitling is both a company with a rich history and one that is ahead of its time.