breitling

Breitling Airwolf Limited Edition Watch For Naval Aviation

According to Breitling 2011 is the 100th anniversary of naval aviation. I guess that means we have been flying airplanes over water for 100 years? That sounds about right. To celebrate this they are releasing a few limited edition timepieces with a special "100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation" seal on the dial - for the foundation of the same name. The first model for the 2011 celebration is this really nice version of their Airwolf watch, but wolves neither fly nor travel in water!

The steel Breitling Airwolf comes with a great ETA Superquartz multifunction movement and a rotating navigational bezel. For more information on the base Airwolf watch you can check out Breitling's website. The limited edition Airwolf for Naval Aviation watch will be limited to 500 pieces - 50 of which will be given to the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation. You can get the watch at Breitling's Manhattan boutique and other dealers now or very soon. Price is $4,500.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 100th, airwolf, Breitling, naval aviation, watch

Breitling Chronospace Automatic Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Last year saw Breitling release the new large-sized Chronospace models equipped with Swiss Superquartz multi-function movements. That same 46mm wide steel watch will now come in an automatic chronograph form with a Brietling calibre 23 (base ETA) COSC Chronometer certified movement. Not bad looking, the Chronospace does feel a bit "Breitling Generic." As though most of the features could be found on other models. Most iconic for the collection are its large size, applied square style hour markers and bezel style.

Tags: automatic, breitling, chronograph, chronospace, watch

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The Classicist: Seeing Out the Season in Style with the Mercedes-Benz G550

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

The Classicist: Seeing Out the Season in Style with the Mercedes-Benz G550

While in some parts of the country spring may already have sprung, here on the Eastern Seaboard we're still months away from cherry blossoms and G&Ts. In some ways this is the toughest time of the year – we're worn down from a long winter, yet the snow keeps falling – and it requires some tough gear to get through it in style. A key comfort of course is a vehicle that can not only handle the elements but keep them firmly in their place, while keeping you warm, dry and wrapped in luxurious refinement. We've yet to experience anything that can turn the worst ice storm of the year into a minor inconvenience with as much impressive panache as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. Not everyone loves its spartan exterior and sheer tonnage – just shutting the doors requires serious effort – but they're usually the same people who "swear by" their tin can minivans; we saw them stranded on the side of the road as we cruised by in the G550 on our most recent Geländewagen excursion.

Meticulously handcrafted inside and out at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the military-derived G-Wagen is the progenitor of every Mercedes-Benz SUV on the road today. Essentially unchanged aside from certain key upgrades since it was first introduced over 30 years ago, it's done everything from winning the famous Paris-Dakar Rally to making sure the Pope gets to his appointments on time. With a starting sticker of $105,000 it's definitely something of an indulgence, but that helps maintain a certain exclusivity which is not without an appeal of its own. Only a few thousand models are sold here every year so you don't often see another one en route; while that means a certain amount of stares directed your way, unless you get one custom-painted bright red – it's only offered in an understated palette of black, grey, silver, white and dark green – those tend to be minimal as it's about as subtle as an SUV this size can get.

To help see out the season in style we have assembled a number of items which complement the G-Wagen's rugged good looks and provide essential assistance before, during and after the journey. For starters we selected a lightweight, trim-fitting down bomber jacket by Ralph Lauren Black Label (above left), made of supple goat suede with a leather throat latch and gunmetal hardware. The most stylish weather defender we've seen all season, it's the G-Wagen of outerwear. On the wrist we sported the new limited edition Breitling Transocean Chronograph (above right), a high-performance, shock-resistant, and damned good-looking watch on a mesh steel strap, while waxed canvas hunting boots from L.L. Bean Signature kept our feet warm and dry.

Gallery: G550 Style

Tags: Balvenie, Breitling, Dunhill, EvolutionMAN, G-Class, G-Wagen, grooming, Ledbury, luxury cars, Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Mercedes-Benz G550, Private Stock, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Black Label, SUV, The Classicist, Thomas Pink

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Breitling for Bentley Supersport Light Body Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Breitling for Bentley Supersport Light Body Chronograph Watch

A souped up Bentley Continental GTC Supersport car just set a new speed record driving over ice at a speed of about 205 mph. Sponsor Breitling's name was emblazoned across the side of the car, while the driver was wearing a new light weight Breitling for Bentley watch. For a few years now Breitling for Bentley watches represented not sport, but more bling timepieces for the popular Swiss watch brand. Coming up soon is a more sport-themed Breitling for Bentley watch model with the Supersport Light Body Chronograph watch.

There aren't many Breitling watches done in titanium. The only one I can think of off the top of my mind is the famous Aerospace models. This new titanium model is likely to be about 45mm wide with an automatic COSC Chronometer certified chronograph movement inside. The red and black motif of the dial is sporty, and becoming of the design. To keep things light, the watch will come on a black rubber strap. It looks as thought Breitling may have used titanium hour markers on the dial - though they might be steel that has been color matched to the titanium of the case. Like many Breitling watches, this one has a rotating slide rule bezel - a function you'll never use if driving fast. Look for this cool looking Breitling for Bentley Supersport Light Body Chronograph watch out soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: bentley, breitling, light body, supersport, titanium, watch

Wayne Gretzky Is New Breitling Watches Brand Ambassador

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Sports

Former hockey player great Wayne Gretzky was just announced by Breitling watches as their newest brand ambassador. As far as I know Mr. Gretzky made his "Breitling public debut" a few weeks ago at Breitling's new, New York boutique opening. Gretzky will star in a new ad campaign for Breitling watches alongside something else Canadian, a mid 20th Century Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver aquatic plane - meant for take off and landing on water. The plane imagery is due to Breitling's connection and desire to be associated with all things "aviation." Above, Gretzky is wearing a Breitling Chronomat B01 watch with Breitling's in-house made chronograph movement. Look for more of Wayne's face associated with the Swiss brand's watches soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: breitling, celebrity endorsements, celebrity engagement rings, watch, watches, watchspotting, Wayne Gretzky

Breitling Transocean Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With design features hearkening back to the 1950s and 1960s, and as dedicated to some of the original "long-haul" aircraft, Breitling offers a completely new timepiece collection with the Transocean. While Breitling regularly updates or adds to its existing timepiece collections, the release of something totally new is special. The Swiss brand puts a lot of thought in to its designs, so I take a close look at the new pieces they release. With retro being still very "in," Breitling has hit a home run with the Transocean for fans of the retro trend, as well as fans of the brand.

Interestingly enough, the Transocean moves away from a core element that exists in almost every current Breitling watch - a rotating bezel. The lack of this design element so popular to Breitling watches really make you take are second look at the piece to see what brand it is. While the dial is extremely true to Breitling's core aesthetic, it has been toned down, and given a more genteel personality. Applied metal (steel or gold) baton style hour markers and recessed chronograph subdials help add depth to it. Aside from the tachymeter scale, there is little to busy up the face. Lume is placed as thin strip in the hands and as dots behind the hour markers. The angularity of the hand and hour markers add a utilitarian and purposeful looking, contrasting the roundness of almost all the other design features.

Retro concepts carry to the style of the pushers as well as the flared lugs (this style lug was so popular in the 1960s). An interesting design note is the "double" bezel." The polished bezel gives way to the domed sapphire crystal over the dial but you can see another strip metal directly under the crystal next to the exposed bezel - interesting. Breitling will offer four versions of the Transocean Chronograph to start. At 43mm in width the dial will be available in black or "mercury silver," in a steel or 18k red gold case.

The watch uses Breitling's now well-known in-house made Caliber 01 automatic chronograph movement. You can see the movement through a sapphire caseback window. The 01 is known as a relatively affordable in-house made chronograph movement compared to some of Breitling competitors. Breitling also provides the watch movment with a COSC Chronometer certification. The Transocean in comes with an optional mesh metal bracelet, and all versions are available with a leather or crocodile strap. Not sure about all the prices, the steel version is said to have a starting price of $7,600. As an added bonus, the first 2,000 steel and 200 red gold Transocean watches will be available as limited editions only. After that the Transocean will be part of Breitling's standard product line.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Breitling Transocean Watch

Tags: 01, breitling, chronograph, review, transocean, watch

Breitling Navitimer 01 Limited Edition Watch With In-House Movement

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

After its debut in the Breitling B01 collection watches, the in-house made Breitling Caliber 01 automatic chronograph movement enters a new watch - this time the Breitling super-classic, the Navitimer. Probably the most recognizable Breitling watch collection of all time, the Navitimer has been around since 1952 and epitomizes the Breitling pilot watch. I think it was this timepiece that made the slide rule bezel popular. And since 1952 only 10 people have actually used the slide rule feature!

There really isn't much different about this Navitimer versus other models that don't have the Caliber 01 movement. Though the movement is COSC Chronometer certified. The watch is a limited edition (of 2000 pieces), and is said to be a bit larger than standard Navitimer in a 43mm wide case. The watch is available in either 18k rose gold or steel. Case is nicely polished and has everything you expect in a Navitimer in terms of function and quality.

Look for these new Breitling Navitimer 01 limited edition watches Spring 2011.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 01, breitling, caliber, in-house, limited, navitimer, watch

Bentley's Expanded Collection on Display in Paris

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Writing Instruments, Men's Style

For many customers, a Bentley is as much about the badge on the hood as the engine beneath it. So it should come as little surprise that the company's range of branded merchandise has expanded over the years to become one of the most extensive and the most exquisite in the business.

Among those partnerships on which Bentley has embarked with merchandising partners are timepieces by Breitling, writing instruments by Tibaldi, sunglasses by Estede, skis by Zai, leather goods by Robert Ettinger of London and newly-announced scarves by Heritage Cashmere. The full collection will be on display at the Paris Auto Salon, beginning precious few days from now at the Port de Versailles, but you can see them for yourself in our extensive high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Bentley Collection

Tags: 2010 paris, 2010 paris auto salon, 2010 paris auto show, 2010 paris motor show, bentley, Breitling, Estede, Heritage Cashmere, paris, paris auto salon, paris auto show, paris motor show, Robert Ettinger of London, tibaldi, zai

Breitling Chronospace Jet Team Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Breitling has issued a timepiece (perhaps one of many) to celebrate their sponsorship of the "Jet Team" (known now as the Breitling Jet Team." These crazy pilots do amazing things in the air including aerial acrobatics with their plans and flying in spectacular formations. Breitling is pretty proud to be a sponsor, and has released a 1000 piece limited edition version of their new for 2010 Chronospace watch. The Chronospace Jet Team has special branding on the dial including an image of a jet team jet (an L-39 Albatros), and the team's logo.

Aside from this dial imagery (and likely some new message on the caseback), the watch is the same interesting Chronospace model that is new for this year. I did a more comprehensive write up on the Breitling Chronospace watches here. In short, the new collection uses their Superquartz COSC Chronometer movements with a range of functions, and comes in a 48mm wide steel case and mesh steel bracelet. Not sure on price, but expect a premium over the non-limited Chronospace models.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Breitling, Chronospace, Jet Team, limited edition, watch, watches

Breitling Galactic 41 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

2010 sees a number of bold new Breitling watches but this Galactic 41 model is more demure - and probably a better choice for most men. After years of upping the ante both size wise and in terms of aggressive styling, the Galactic 41 collection (also coming in several smaller sizes for women) is a more approachable design that is very pure to Breitling DNA. There are a number of styles for this 41mm wide steel (also available in two-tone with steel and gold) watch. Along with the iconic pilot style steel bracelet (or leather strap), the watch features Breitling's updated diver style bezel - that became popular on their Chronomat B01 models from a few years ago.

The dials are extremely legible - more so that many other modern Breitling watches. This is hands to decorative, though uncluttered dials that have lume applied and polished applied hour markers, as well as large polished hands. Like many Breitling watches the case is all highly polishing for that signature glossy-all-over look. I like the various dial colors options (blue, gray, black, white, cream), and the use of the textured square in the middle of the dial - a design that Breitling has been playing around with as of late - that works well here. A very handsome and well put together watch - sized for people who are sick of "too large" Breitling watches. Another solid "daily wear" from the brand.

Inside the watch is Breitling's Calibre 49 automatic movement - that is a Swiss ETA 2896 automatic with a big date complication. I don't know of any other Breitling watches with big date complications actually. The movement has been COSC Chronometer certified as well. Check the gallery below for more examples of the new Galactic 41 watch collection. Not sure about price, going to be a few thousand dollars of course and available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Breitling Galactic 41 watches

Tags: 2010, Breitling, Galactic 41, watch

Breitling Superocean Watch For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The outgoing Superocean watch never really got me very excited. Then Breitling released the beautiful Superocean Heritage collection which was beautiful. A very simple looking watch that was also durable and handsome. It totally contrasted the typically busy Breitling look. Learning from that lesson Breitling has redesigned the standard Superocean watch for 2010. It now feels like a mixture of the Superocean Heritage and a few other Breitling watches out now. So while it is not a totally original piece in most regards, it is still overall satisfying.

Details at this point on the watch from Breitling are zero except for what you see above - so I need to give you the "Ariel predictions." Size of the steel watch will be at least 44mm wide, perhaps a bit larger. It will have a slightly domed sapphire crystal and lots of durability. Water resistance will be at least 300 meters, but could be much higher given Breitling's competition and the ability for its owners to have bragging points. Bezel is very much a hybrid between the Superocean Heritage and some of Breitling's more modern styles. Note the 'futuristic' looking numeral font on the rotating diver's bezel.

A splash of color is placed on the flange. Here it is yellow, and I have a feeling that it will vary with the dial color. Breitling here gives up the dial hour marker look that is becoming popular on a few of its other watches. While it looks cool, I think they may prove to be too large for optimal reading. Nevertheless, the hands and hour markers are going to be slathered in SuperLumiNova luminant. Inside the watch will be an automatic movement that has been COSC Chronometer certified. Breitling has matched the new Superocean here to its standard "port hole" rubber strap, but I think it will look really nice on a metal bracelet. This functionally styled Breitling is exactly what has been selling well for the brand lately, and I think the design really helps clean up the look of the older model, as well as helps it stand out more in the overall collection of Breitling watches.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, Basel, Breitling, new, Superocean, watch

Breitling for Bentley Gold Pocket Watch

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

In honor of Walter Owen "W.O." Bentley, who founded the famed British marque that bears his name in 1919, Breitling is set to unveil a one-of-a-kind Grande Complication pocket watch from the Breitling for Bentley collection at Baselworld in Switzerland later this year. The movement of the Bentley Masterpiece watch combines two of the most sophisticated complications in the "horological repertoire": a perpetual calendar (displaying the date, day, month, leap years and moon phases) that takes account of the quadrennial occurrence of February 29th; and a minute repeater striking the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. Based on a late 19th century design from Breitling's archives, the timepiece comprises almost 700 parts. The cover of the 18-carat yellow gold case is adorned with an engraving depicting W.O. Bentley at the wheel of one of his early racing models.

[TimeZone]

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Tags: Baselworld 2010, Bentley, Breitling, gold, pocket watch

Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

breitling avenger seawolf chrono blacksteel watch

Coming up from Breitling is a new ultra accurate quartz watch with a lot of the fancy engineering that makes up for this watch not being mechanical. This is a necessary thing to point out as most watch lovers see quartz as reason to not buy an otherwise high quality timepiece. All Breitling quartz watches come with thermo-compensated quartz movements. They call this "SuperQuartz," reference number for the movement is the Breitling calibre 73, and it is further COSC Chronometer certified. Such movements are often accurate to within a few seconds a year. The difference aside from the high quality components and construction is a special quartz regulator that makes necessary adjustments during changes in temperature. Such changes are the leading cause for variations in reliable rate results for quartz watches. They are also much more expensive to make than normal quartz watches. Another cool features is Breitling's magnetic chronograph pusher system. This was introduced by them about two years ago and makes it so that you can use the chronograph underwater (something that is generally forbidden to do). I wrote more about Breitling's magnetic pusher system here a while back.

Another interesting feature the watch has is a "directional memory" system. Note the compass degree markers on the flange. I am not sure how this works, but you can set a specific direction you are headed into the watch, and you can set the watch to recall that specific direction on command. Other features include the time, date, and split second chronograph. The watch itself is in steel with what looks to be a DLC (diamond like carbon coating) and is 45.4mm wide. The case has a domed sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 1000 meters. It comes on a black rubber strap with "portholes." A very manly looking watch that most any guy can easily see himself enjoying, the Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel watch will be part of a limited edition of just 2,000 pieces and priced a bit high at $5,015.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Avenger, Blacksteel, Breitling, Chrono, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Seawolf, Watch

Breitling Colt GMT + Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For a long time Breitling was really successful with its masculine, active lifestyle watches. It seemed like the crazier the dial, the better. Then consumers finally realized that those crazy busy aviator style dials with loads of information looked cool but where hard to read. So a few years ago Breitling started to release bolder, more simple style watch dials - these focuses mainly around their dive style timepieces. My favorite is the Superocean Heritage, but others came along as well. New for 2010 is a really attractive timepiece that makes Breitling a relevant player in making one of this year's hottest watches. The new Colt GMT + (yes, "plus" with a little "+" sign at the end) is a refreshed Breitling Colt model that delivers style and clarity.

Tags: Breitling, Colt, GMT, plus, watch

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Porsche Family's Personal Watch Collection to be Auctioned

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

49 watches from the private collection of Prof. F. A. Porsche of the famed sports car marque and his sons will be auctioned by Bonhams on Dec. 2 in London during its Fine Watches and Timepieces sale. Included are timepieces by Eterna, Porsche Design, Rolex, Panerai, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breitling, Chronoswiss, Omega and more. Of particular note are prototypes and unique examples of Eterna and Porsche Design watches custom made for the Porsche family. The latter includes a fine 18 carat gold chronograph (above) made especially by Eterna (now owned by Porsche) and presented to Dr. Ferdinand Oliver Porsche for his 40th birthday, estimated at £4,000 - £6,000. Also included in the collection is a very rare Rolex Explorer with ivory dial (£,5000 -£7,000), a selection of Panerai watches including a Luminor Flyback (£3,000 - £5,000), and an original Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris from 1960 (£5,000 - £7,000).

[via JamesList]

Tags: Bonhams, Breitling, Jaeger LeCoultre, JaegerLecoultre, London, Omega, Panerai, Porsche, Porsche Design, PorscheDesign, Rolex, Rolex Explorer, RolexExplorer