BREITLING ETIHAD EDITION

The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Etihad Airways limited edition marks the 70th anniversary of the Navitimer chronographTraditional.

Breitling celebrated the 70th anniversary of its iconic Navitimer by releasing a limited-edition series in partnership with its aviation partner, Etihad Airways. The co-designed series is limited to just 250 pieces each featuring an engraved caseback with ‘’Etihad Edition’’ inscription. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Etihad Airways limited edition features a striking green dial presented on a brown alligator strap. Serving as the airline’s official timekeeping since 2019, Breitling’s limited edition was unveiled for the first time during a spectacular launch party in Abu Dhabi, which also celebrated the opening of Breitling’s new boutique in The Galleria Al Maryah Island — its first boutique in Abu Dhabi.

‘’Breitling’s legendary Navitimer chronograph has been synonymous with travel since it first debuted in 1952,” said Aed Adwan, Breitling Middle East Manging Director. “The Navitimer grew up alongside the burgeoning civil aviation industry and is beloved by airline captains and aircraft enthusiasts; therefore, it seemed fitting to mark the Navitimer’s anniversary with a limited-edition series with our airline partner, Etihad Airways.’’ To support the growing partnership, Etihad Airways is gifting each proud new owner of the Navitimer B01 Etihad Airways limited edition the planting of a mangrove tree, in Etihad’s Mangrove Forest located in Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. Launched in February 2022, the Etihad Mangrove Forest is focused on biodiversity, wildlife and environmental protection. On purchase of the watch, each customer will receive a unique code with a link to the name of their mangrove tree, customers can also watch their tree grow, tracking its location, age and height – and even chat to it – for up to 10 years.

The initiative supports Breitling’s #SQUADONAMISSION to do better by making luxury more sustainable. In October this year, Breitling introduced the Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins, the brands first-ever “traceable watch” which transparently informs and engages owners about the origins of its precious materials. By 2025, Breitling’s entire product portfolio will feature better gold and better diamonds: artisanal gold and lab-grown diamonds, responsibly sourced from accredited suppliers. To be fully accountable to its mission, Breitling is also introducing end-to-end traceability.

The 2022 Navitimer preserves the most recognisable aspects of the icon’s design code. From a distance, this is unmistakably a Navitimer, with its circular slide rule, baton indexes, trio of chronograph counters, and notched bezel for easy grip. Up close, however, its modern refinements come through loud and clear. A flattened slide rule and a domed crystal create the illusion of a more compact profile. Alternating polished and brushed finishes give the metal elements a lustrous yet understated quality. A slimmer silhouette on the oscillating weight enhances the open-caseback view of the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Etihad Airways limited edition is 43mm with a stainless-steel case on a semi-shiny brown alligator strap. And if there is one feature sure to spark nostalgia, it’s the return of the AOPA wings to their original position at 12 o’clock.