Breitling 2020 collection boasts the finest watches of its 136-year history

Locked at home in the comfort of our loungewear during one of the world’s worst health crises may not be the best place to show off a new Breitling timepiece, but it is the perfect time to dream about the latest heritage-inspired collection.

Showcasing its newest Air, Land and Sea brand universes, Breitling CEO Georges Kern presented the inspiring collection through its inaugural summit webcast.

"Since the late 50s, Breitling has launched groundbreaking watches for life in and on the water whether for diving, swimming or surfing," he explained. "Breitling continues to be inspired by its remarkable heritage, but we are keenly aware of the world we’re living in.

"We are in a global crisis model. The impact of the virus outbreak is a global one affecting literally every country in the world, nearly every industry and many people around the globe.

"We keep doing everything we can within our sphere of influence to bring normality back to our lives."

While supporting the global efforts to contain COVID-19’s spread, one normality to indulge in is dreaming about the luxury Swiss watchmaker’s Autumn 2020 novelties.

Breitling in the sky

With 136 years of rich heritage behind it, Breitling is a pioneer in innovation and design. Despite being founded in 1884, it embraced femininity through timeless wristwatches created for women.

"Contrary to what you might have heard over the years, the history of the wristwatch is feminine," Georges explained. "While there may be some disagreements, there is no question that in the early part of the 20th century, wristwatches had become a popular accessory for fashionable women in Paris and New York.

"Today, Breitling is an inclusive watch brand for man or woman of purpose, action and style."

Combining its iconic aviation history and contemporary simplicity, Breitling’s new Navitimer 35 oozes practicality and luxury. The elegant timepiece has remained one of the world’s most highly regarded mechanical chronographs for more than 65 years.

Breitling, which announced its newest partnership with actress and philanthropist Yao Chen, released six models including a luxury version with diamonds and an 18-karat gold bracelet.

"Navitimer Automatic 35 is a stylish and elegant answer to women’s desire for a more feminine and refined version of this icon," the CEO said. "These time and date watches are the perfect companion to every elegant and sophisticated woman, regardless of where her adventures might take her."

Breitling in the sea

From the sky to the ocean, nothing is off limits for the heritage watchmaker.

Breitling partnered with Kelly Slater, Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore to form its powerful surfer squad to showcase its cool and informal surfing range.

The original Superocean of 1957 was one of the early diver watches and became one of Breitling’s most iconic models, inspiring its newest creation – the Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition.

A black ceramic bezel ring and dial featuring a graduation of colours at every hour marker, the addition adds a bohemian-chic feel to the Swiss brand.

"We made a point of retaining key elements of the original Superocean from 1957 such as the bezel and the oversized indexes but we’ve given it a contemporary twist," Georges said.

Perhaps one of the most eye-catching creations is the Superocean Heritage 57 Rainbow, limited to 250 pieces.

Breitling on land

The icon of the brand has been brought back to life, albeit with a modern twist making the star of the 80s cooler than ever.

Specifically developed for pilots of the Italian jet team, the Chronomat was first launched in 1983 as a watch that was sturdy enough for the cockpit but elegant enough to wear on land.

"It made the mechanical chronograph cool again," Georges mused. "The Chronomat became the ultimate sport-chic watch of that period – an icon of style and confidence that made the chronograph cool again.

"We’re very proud to announce we have reworked the Chronomat collection as Breitling’s new all-purpose sports watch."

True to its heritage, the 2020 model embraces its iconic case architecture, the original rider tabs and the rouleaux bracelet demonstrating modernity, versatility and confidence all the while powered by Breitling’s in-house B01 caliber.

The Breitling CEO explained a Chronomat is only a Chronomat with four key elements – its original symmetrical case and round crown, famous rouleaux bracelet, the bezel with interchangeable rider tabs, and tachymeter on the inner bezel (which was traditionally used in racing).

"The Chronomat has always been an all-purpose watch and we decided to continue that story," Georges says. "Our watches are at the very heart of what we do.

"They have been designed and produced by a brand that is uniquely positioned in the watch industry. The ones in our current collection are the finest we have ever made."