the modern Unitime is a reinvention of a watch originally launched in the 50s, a self-winding worldtimer that now exists as a sought-after collector’s piece. It’s an important watch for Breitling, one that simultaneously signifies its 21st century technical prowess, in the use of an in-house movement, and recognises its aviation-dominated past. As Girardin explains: ‘In 2004 we started developing our first in-house mechanical movement which launched in 2009. Three years later [with the Transocean Chronograph Unitime] we have proved we are able to produce not just quantity but quality. It’s important to be able to show our consumers that we have that sort of in-house innovation capacity.’ So confident is Breitling in the quality of that innovation that the watch comes with a five year warranty. As the images on these pages will testify, Breitling is a brand dedicated to aerial endeavours. What started in the 1930s, when the company began producing onboard chronographs for aircraft cockpits, progressed into World War II, when Breitling became the go-tobrand for The Royal Airforce in equipping their Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes. Seven years after the end of the war, the company launched the watch that would arguably define it: the Breitling Navitimer. With looks that animated aviation enthusiasts and mainstream watch lovers alike, the timepiece would quickly become a cult chronograph and design classic. Having celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, the Navitimer is today the world’s oldest mechanical chronograph still in production. ‘Technically, it is completely different from the originals,’ points out Mr Girardin. ‘It is now water resistant, it is made with sapphire crystals and it uses different movements. But from a design point of view, it is very similar. We are the only watch company truly dedicated to aviation. In the Navitimer you can see that dedication and the consistency of our brand.’ You can see it in other places too. Breitling’s sustained commitment to aviation sees it sponsoring the fixed-wing jet pack flights of Yves Rossy, as well as its own jet team, a team of wingwalkers and the first balloon to successfully circumnavigate the globe (the Breitling Orbiter) without stopping. But while the Navitimer may continue to act as the cornerstone of Breitling’s range, you can’t accuse the brand of relying on its most popular
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