In our next series of watch posts, we will explore watches that hit the big screen or made TV appearances from one of our favorite brands! Breitling is one of our favorite brands that frequently appear in the entertainment industry. Known for their aviation influences, they unapologetically unique and focus on function over form.
House of Cards (2013 – Present)
House of Cards (2013 – Present)
A show built on the jockeying for power features a multitude of iconic watches, from IWC to Omega. However, Doug Stamper’s watch, played by Michael Kelly, is a hard one to mistake. On his wrist is a Breitling Navitimer 01 (46mm), a larger version of the AOPA preferred watch that has been continuously produced since 1952! Outfitted with a circular slide rule and chronograph, pilots were able to perform crucial midflight calculations should their onboard instruments fail!
Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)
America’s favorite show about nothing, Seinfeld, has made millions of people laugh still to this day. The co-writer and star of the show, Jerry Seinfeld, is a noted hardcore Breitling collector, who is said to own an unthinkable amount of different Breitlings. Below, is a vintage model of the iconic Navitimer.
Blood Diamond (2006)
Blood Diamond was a film that casted a much needed a light on the cruel world of conflict diamonds to a far broader audience. However, while watching the movie we couldn’t help to notice Leonardo DiCaprio’s Breitling Chrono Avenger, a robust 44mm military-esque titanium chronograph. The current version of this model would be the Breitling Avenger II. Fun fact, Leonardo DiCaprio was actually a TAG Heuer ambassador.
Broken Arrow (1996)
This list wouldn’t be complete without including John Travolta. Travolta served as Breitling's brand ambassador for years. As a Living Legend of Aviation, Travolta has made numerous public appearances wearing Breitling watches. In the crime thriller, Broken Arrow, Travolta wears an older model of one of the most useful and versatile Breitling watches in our opinion, the Breitling Aerospace. A 42mm (the current Aerospace Evo is 43mm) titanium SuperQuartz watch with a plethora of easy to use functions, the Aerospace has been a Breitling favorite since 1985!
While we are at it, although he was the face of Hamilton Watches for a number of years, Harrison Ford (also a Living Legend of Aviation) has made it no secret about his love for Breitling. Here is a photo of him also wearing an Aerospace!
Taken 3 (2014)
While the Taken series was well past its prime at this point, we do have to give Forest Whittaker props for wearing a vintage Breitling Emergency. Originally produced in 1995, the Breitling Emergency became the first wristwatch that offered an emergency distress signal (121.5MHz). This watch, based off of the Breitling Aerospace, was originally only available to licensed pilots, but was later relaxed once documentation was created for owners, acknowledging the responsibility of discharging the distress signal. This was eventually discontinued in 2010 while Breitling worked on the current Breitling Emergency II, a 51mm titanium dual frequency personal locator beacon which incorporates both the 121.5MHz and the digital 406MHz frequencies, monitored by the international search and rescue program, COSPAS-SARSAT.
Ballers (2015 – Current)
The affluent and flashy world of superstar athletes featured in the HBO series provides no shortage of rare and exotic automobiles, watches, jewelry, clothing, etc. Ex NFL player turned financial manager, Spencer Strasmore, played by Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson, is no different. We found a scene with him wearing an 18k gold Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime. This model is especially interesting, powered by the Breitling in-house caliber B06, the watch is able to display the current time of 24-time zones on a single face. This makes it especially easy for the frequent traveler to quickly change the time to reflect the current time zone.
Speaking of football, did you know the 2015 – 2016 NFL CBS Hosts all wore gold Breitling watches?
Stop by Schwanke-KastenJewelers’ main staff store in Whitefish Bay, WI to browse our expansive
selection of Breitling watches. We are the only authorized Breitling retailer
in the state of Wisconsin, and would love to help you choose your next
timepiece!