Breitling

Breitling has just announced a very nice addition to their vintage inspired Transocean collection, the Chronograph GMT. We have been big fans of the Transocean line because while not paying homage to any specific vintage piece, the styling of these watches are a perfect nod to Breitlings of the past and have authentic vintage styling cues.

The guilloche dial is available in either silver or black and although this watch is displaying a lot of information with the main time, chronograph, GMT function, and date, the dial layout is very clean and legible. Small luminescent hour markers and hands ensure night visibility as well. The 18K gold Breitling “B” logo on the dial and signed crown are inspired by Breitlings from the past and fit the vintage theme perfectly.

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We recently had a chance to visit the New York City Breitling boutique which is located in Manhattan on 57th Street at Fifth Ave. The three level store, which opened in January 2011, is the brand’s US flagship, and so they not only carry the best Breitling selection in North America, they also have a number of boutique exclusive pieces. And as we noticed while we were there, they even have some new pieces before anyone else, like the new 38 mm Transocean which was in the store prior to being officially announced by Breitling. My point is, if you want to see the most complete selection of Breitling timepieces, it is here. Furthermore, if you are a fan of Breitling’s vintage pieces, then that is one more reason to visit, as there is a small museum located on the 2nd floor. See a few of my favorite pieces (below). Also read about another favorite, the Breitling Superocean Heritage.

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Breitling recently introduced a new 38 mm Transocean Chronograph. It has the same basic look as the current 43 mm Transocean Chronograph collection, however, their are a few notable changes.

First, the dial of the newer model has a two register layout with a new date at 6 o’clock, versus a three register layout on the previously launched model.

Second, the new case dimension (38 x 14.50 mm) is actually thicker than the larger 43 mm case. The previously introduced case (43 x 14.35 mm) is flatter due to a thinner case. I personally like the 38 mm diameter, however, because of the overall proportions, the 43 mm looks better on my wrist (there are wrist shots of both below, you be the judge). Definitely try on both before you buy.

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During a recent visit to Breitling’s flagship boutique in Manhattan, I had a chance to try on a very cool dive watch, the Breitling Superocean Heritage. It is available in two sizes, 46 and 42 mm, I prefer a more conservatively sized dial, so I naturally choose the 42 mm. Inspired by the design of a 1950s model, the Superocean Heritage is a throwback dive watch, as opposed to their more modern Superocean.

The Heritage comes in a 42 mm by 12.95 mm fully polished stainless steel case, which looks goods on the wrist, although I think it might look even nicer in a 40 mm version.

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To celebrate the 60th anniversary the iconic Navitimer, Breitling has introduced a 500-piece limited edition watch with a special Aurora blue dial. The Navitimer, which has been continuously produced since 1952, has long been a favorite among pilots. Its famous circular slide rule bezel allows for fast airborne navigation calculations such as: average speed, distance covered, fuel consumption or rates of ascent and descent.

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Breitling first introduced their proprietary magnetic pushpiece equipped diver — a chronograph with pushers which are magnetically (not mechanically connected to the movement) allowing the wearer to activate the chronograph underwater — in 2010. At the time, the Breitling Avenger Seawolf Blacksteel chronograph could reach depths of 1,000 meters, no small feat. Two years later, using the same proprietary, Breitling has succeeded in creating a chronograph capable of being started, stopped and reset — at twice the previous depth. The Breitling SuperOcean M2000 is the first chronograph water-resistant and operational at a depth of 2,000 meters.

To reach such depths Breitling of course had to reinforce the steel case (which is 19.10 mm thick with a steel screw-in case back), the sapphire crystal (which is 4 mm thick) and the screw-locked crown (which has two gaskets, instead of one).

The 46 mm case features a unidirectional, ratcheted bezel with 60-minute markings. The sapphire crystal is cambered and glareproofed on both sides. Inside is Breitling’s caliber 73 SuperQuartz™, thermocompensated quartz movement, with a fast-action timezone change. Chronograph functions indications include 1/10th second, 60 minutes, 12 hours — with split times by fly-back hand.

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New York Jets Flight Crew, Mark Sanchez and Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert

Earlier this month, at Breitling's Flagship boutique in Manhattan, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (who is a Breilting brand ambassador) attended a special event to kick off the NFL season. Guests were treated to football-inspired cuisine, photo opportunities with Mark Sanchez and members of the New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders, as well as the latest timepieces from Breitling.

"With Breitling's flagship boutique in the heart of Manhattan, the synergy between New York Jet Mark Sanchez and our brand is a complete fit," said Thierry Prissert, President of Breitling USA.

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