The Breitling Aerospace is not the brand’s most well-known model, probably because it’s an electronic quartz-powered watch designed for professional use. And yet, for a watchmaker whose motto for a long time was “Instruments for professionals”, the Aerospace has played an important role. In fact, it celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, having first been introduced in 1985 as part of the Navitimer range.
20 years of the Aerospace
Over the years, the Aerospace has borrowed design cues from its mechanical movement counterparts, such as a titanium case and four broad rider tabs, which are also signature elements of the Chronomat, Avenger and Super Avenger. It has also featured various complications, including a GMT function, chronograph, perpetual calendar and even a quartz minute repeater.
Initially powered by ETA-based quartz movements, Breitling introduced its own Superquartz movement in 2001, which is more precise and COSC-certified. This movement was gradually rolled out to the Aerospace from 2005 onwards, marking the second generation of the model.
The third generation arrived in 2013 with the EVO variation, featuring revised aesthetics and functions (take-off time, landing time, etc.), including a Co-Pilot electronic module that could be integrated into the bracelet. In 2015 Breitling released a special 30th-anniversary edition of the Aerospace, limited to 300 pieces with a bright yellow dial.
Double anniversary
The newly announced Aerospace belongs to the latest generation, maintaining the 43mm titanium case, four rider tabs on the bezel, and the in-house COSC-certified Superquartz B70 movement. However, the new dial colour is a unique fusion of the current dark, understated, rather plain designs with the more daring colours of the past, such as the commemorative yellow of 2015. The result is a striking smoked orange background that darkens as it reaches the bezel. This is the first time an Aerospace has been released with a fumé dial, but it’s not the only exclusive feature.
This special edition holds even greater significance as Breitling celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2024, and the Aerospace is the first of many anticipated anniversary launches. Moreover, this specific model pays tribute to the 25th anniversary of the first non-stop round-the-world balloon flight, completed by Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones on March 21, 1999.
A piece of history
This achievement is considered the last great aerial challenge of the 20th century and sparked research into decarbonised flight, which now occupies the R&D efforts of nearly the entire aeronautical industry.
The feat had been attempted 21 times previously, by 11 different teams. Bertrand Piccard had already tried twice before, in 1997 and 1998, succeeding on his 3rd attempt with Brian Jones. The aeronauts landed in Egypt after a record-breaking journey of 45,633 kilometres, which they completed in 19 days, 21 hours, and 47 minutes. They set the record for the longest distance, as well as the longest time.
The new Aerospace, available on a titanium bracelet or rubber strap, features an original piece of the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, which is visible through the transparent caseback. The caseback also bears the Breitling Orbiter 3 mission logo around the edge, along with the inscription “First non-stop flight around the world 25th anniversary”. It’s a genuine piece of history – both figuratively and literally.
