2019 Basel World - Breitling | Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

Basel 2019 felt like a very different Basel World than years prior, but still positive nonetheless. The absence of Swatch Group and many other vendors was definitely felt, however there was still much positivity and celebration in the air.

Breitling, in our opinion had an outstanding Basel World this year! With Georges Kern at the helm, he laid out his vision for Breitling’s future as an inclusive, hip and exciting. His aim to bridge air, land and sea by taking aspects of the brands storied past and defining its future with purpose, action and style.

Limited, Capsule and Current Line

Superocean II 

Breitling Superocean 48

Nailing the inclusiveness on the head, Breitling unveiled their Superocean for every wrist, with a cleaned-up dial in all sizes. The Superocean II series previously available in only 42mm and 44mm, has been expanded to a 48mm DLC coated titanium case with a blue ceramic bezel that features a locating bezel, 46mm DLC-coated black steel case with a black or blue dial and steel bezel. The 44mm Superocean will very much remain the same but with a cleaner dial. The 42mm Superocean now has a white dial with blue bezel or orange dial with a black bezel, as well as a cleaner dial. Lastly the Superocean 36 is being brought back with a light blue or white dial.

Breitling Superocean 36 

Breitling Superocean 42

Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk Collection

Breitling B01 Aviator 8 43 Curtiss Warhawk Edition

During 1938 to 1944, Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department were busy making groundbreaking, onboard instruments for the RAF and other air forces, often times for the famed P-40 Curtiss Warhawk fighter plane. This, and in conjunction of Oliver Ollie Crawford who has flown the plan for almost 60 years, Breitling released a series of beautiful green dial, green strap watches inspired by this legendary connection: The Aviator B01 Chronograph 43, Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 and Aviator 8 Automatic 41.

LIMITED EDITION

Breitling Cockpit B50 Orbiter Limited Edition

Breitling Cockpit B50 Orbiter Limited Edition

20 years ago, the Breitling Orbiter 3 completed the first ever, nonstop flight around the world by a hot air balloon in nearly 20 days commanded by Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones. To commemorate this incredible achievement in flight, Breitling has released a limited edition of 213-piece series marking the date when the Breitling Orbiter 3 landed (March 21^st, 1999) in the B-50 model. The B-50 is one of Breitling’s most technical watches, A thermocompensated SuperQuartz analog and digital display that features, fly back and split-time capabilities, perpetual calendar, dual time zone display, two alarms with buzzer and/or vibrate mode, count-up/down time, lap time, UTC and tachymeter. The case is a DLC-coated titanium case with an orange dial and orange strap.

Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition

Breitling Navitimer B09 806 Re-Edition

 In 1952, Breitling developed the Navitimer, one of the most iconic chronographs and long-considered a grail watches for enthusiasts and pilots alike. Featuring a circular slide rule and chronograph, this timepiece helped pilots calculate crucial inflight calculations. In 1959, Breitling revised the movement to the legendary Ref. 806 that became favored by the AOPA and famously worn by Miles Davis and F1 Champion Jim Clark. 60 years later, with the help of the notable Breitling collector Fred Mandelbaum (@watchfred), Breitling has painstakingly recreated the iconic watch for a limited 1,959 piece run with their own in-house, manual wind B09, based off the B01 movement.

CAPSULE COLLECTION

Breitling B01 Navitimer 43 Pan Am

As part of the first capsule collection, Breitling focused on the design styles of the 1960’s and 70’s, a particularly relevant time in terms of design where watches featured young and cool styles. Breitling chose the renowned airlines: Pan Am, Trans World Airlines and Swiss Airlines, who redefined commercial aviation in the 1950’s and 1960’s, to be a part of the airline edition of the capsule. Naturally, they were outfitted on Breitling B01 Navitimer 43mm. These watches will be produced in a limited quantity but will not be numbered.

PARTNERSHIPS

Bentley and Norton Premier 01’s

Breitling has reaffirmed their partnership with two legendary English automotive companies, Norton Motorcycles and Bentley with two editions of Breitling Premier 01.

The Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition celebrates Bentley’s 100 years of history with two case variations, a 1000 example run of stainless steel and 200 example version of 18k red gold. The dial features the elegant brown elm burl dial that was used in the original and current dashboards of the Centenary Limited Edition – Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner. The leather strap also draws inspiration from the cross stitch used in the interiors of the Bentley automobiles.

The Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Norton Edition, celebrates their partnership as brands with similar timelines, legacies and dedication to powerful styles and performance.

Superocean Heritage Outerknown

Breitling also announced earlier this year that they will be collaborating with Outerknown, a sustainable clothing company founded by surfing icon, Kelly Slater. They released a DLC-covered steel case with a bold blue dial and blue ECONYL yarn NATO strap made up of recycled plastic.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers will be at EAA again this July, in Hangar C and invites you to stop by our booth to see the latest selection from Breitling.

Stop by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers in Whitefish Bay to see our full selection of Breitling watches. We are the only authorized Breitling dealer in Wisconsin. Feel free to call, text or email us, should you have any questions