How has Breitling decided to celebrate their 140th anniversary

Breitling is certainly considered one of the best watchmakers in the world, and this year, they’re celebrating their 140th anniversary! 

In terms of pure age, they’re not necessarily the oldest watchmaker on the market, but they sure have seen (and participated in) some of the most iconic and important milestones of the whole industry.

And what better way to celebrate their achievements than with a new facelift for their most famous models: Navitimer Automatic 41, Navitimer GMT, and a limited edition of Cosmonaute?

A bit of history - Navitimer

In terms of technological achievements and cultural gifts to the industry, Breitling is certainly in league with watchmakers like Rolex or Omega - and that is something not many brands can pride themselves on.

Breitling was crucial in the rise of commercial aviation. Its onboard chronometers were adopted as standard equipment in both propeller and jet aircraft from top global manufacturers, something no brand managed beforehand.

When the Breitling Navitimer debuted in 1952, it swiftly became a popular choice among airline pilots in the emerging civil aviation industry.

Navitimer was equipped with a special complication that allowed pilots to measure the rate of ascension or fuel consumption, which proved to be very practical. In time Navitimer basically became the “official pilot watch”.

In 2022, Breitling came with a subtle redesign, which is further improved upon with their anniversary releases of the GMT and Navitimer 41 from this year.

The first Swiss watch in space

In 1962, Mercury Seven astronaut Scott Carpenter approached Breitling with a challenging task; to modify the Navitimer for space travel, requesting a 24-hour dial to distinguish day from night in orbit.

Although it wasn’t easy, Breitling delivered, and the redesigned Navitimer, later called the Cosmonaute, became the first Swiss wristwatch in space on Carpenter's May 24, 1962 mission.

To celebrate its 140th anniversary, Breitling released a limited edition of the Cosmonaute, where the case back is engraved with "One of 250" and commemorates the watch's historic journey with the inscription: "First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24, 1962."

The year of Breitling

It is quite obvious that Breitling is a watchmaker who deserves a say in the industry - and not only for being the first Swiss watch to space or for making pilot watches a thing, but (and that is more important) for actually managing to still build upon their previous success.

This year belongs to Breitling, which enters yet another chapter of its respectable run.

Honestly, we can’t wait for what they’ll come up with for the 150th anniversary.