Watches are the quintessential piece of jewelry for men. Whether
it’s a $10 Wal-Mart watch or a Rolex, a watch shows that a man values his and
other people’s time. Time rules over all our earthly doings. Our work, play
time, sleep, and so on is all scheduled to be at certain times of the day which
makes us look at the time constantly. Why not give yourself something nice to
look at on a daily basis? Something you would be proud to wear, something
that’s unique. Not all of us can afford to buy an expensive time piece but we
can dream, here are 5 watches to get your thoughts moving. Note:
Many of these watches are extremely valuable and expensive. While not wearing
them, I would recommend protecting them by storage in a luxury jewelry safe,
which you can learn
more about here.
Breitling Cockpit B50
Watch – $6,600+
Being a fighter pilot is already ridiculous enough, which
would mean most pilots would need a ridiculous watch. This watch has both an
analog and digital display. Its inner workings where developed specifically for
the aviator, featuring a tachometer, a bidirectional compass scale bezel, a
rechargeable battery, and a “chrono flight” mode that records flight times and
memorizesthe time that you depart and
arrive along with the date when these moments take place.
Rado Hyperchrome
Touch Dual Timer Watch – $3,000+
This watch took something that the “smart watch” movement
did and made it for the businessman. Every function of this watch is
manipulated by touch. You can set the time for two different time zones just by
touching the face and swap in between the two by using multiple fingers at the
same time. Not only that, it’s gorgeous. The watches case is a grey high tech
ceramic that’s tough to reproduce consistently.
MB &F HM6 Space
Pirate Watch - $230,000
This time piece makes you wish you were a space pirate. Its
odd design is inspired by Japanese sci-fi cartoons from the 70’s and features a
biomorphic design. Its titanium case houses 475 different components, 68 jewels
and a complex network of gears, turbines, and rotors that keep the Hour and
minute spheres moving underneath four of the watches 10 domes sapphire
crystals. The strap itself seems basic but is actually made of premier
calfskin. Most people will be too pre-occupied to notice it though because they
will be staring at the spherical abomination on top your wrist.
Patek Philippe World
Time Moon Watch - $48,000
Have you ever wondered what phase the moon is currently in? This
watch will tell you. It features a moon phase display made of two thin glass
disks, which combine to show a large image of the moon in its current phase. It
also blends old and new by using the company’s world time
mechanism that made its debut in the 1930’s. It also comes with a hand
stitched alligator strap.
Omega Seamaster Aqua
Terra Goldfinger Watch - $115,000
Ever wanted to be more like James
Bond? Then this watch is for you. This luxurious time piece was created to
celebrate the films 50’s anniversary and features a Co-Axial calibre 8501
movement. It’s covered in 18k gold. From the bracelet, to the dial and hands
themselves. There’s also a 007 counter
weight that perfectly honors the iconic film.
Cassandra Stevens writes for Casoro Custom Safes, she enjoys
vintage jewelry and riding horses in her spare time.
While USA and Russia were racing to get the first man in space, there was another race in place.
The Wristwatch Space Race.
Buzz Aldrin in the Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon
Think for a moment what watch brand comes to mind when envisioning the first watch in space.
Probably Omega. Omega has the same effect when one thinks of the Olympics.
You may draw a mental reference to the highly publicized image of an Omega Speedmaster around the wrist of Buzz Aldrin sitting in his lunar module during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. ( Link to Space Exploration on Omega's Website)
Before you think I am disregarding Omega's influence in space let me begin by saying that without a doubt the Omega Speedmaster was the professional moon watch chosen by NASA for its ability to withstand the adverse conditions in space. It was the only watch NASA approved for EVA.
Omega was the first watch worn on the moon, but there is a watch movement still on the moon. It is no longer working of course, but it was meant to continue humming for a year after the Apollo 11 Mission. I use the term "humming" not "ticking", because the watch movement placed on the Sea of Tranquility was a Bulova Accutron within a NASA lunar instrument. The Bulova Accutron did not behave as well on the instrument panel of the lunar module and so Neil Armsrtong left his Omega Seamaster on board as a backup.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the moon on, July 21st, 1969 and the Omega Speedmaster only became the official NASA watch as of March 1st, 1965 “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions”, but their was quite a bit of space travel beforehand, particularly the Mercury Missions and the Soviet Vostok Programme. .
Bulova Accutron Movement in Space
I suppose you can say the Bulova Accutrons were the first clocks in space. An Accutron was installed onto the instrument panel of the Vanguard I. It was the very first Electronic Watch, and thus was quite prevalent on a Satellite. I found no mention of any clocks on the Sputniks or Explorers aside from beep intervals. (I would love any additional information on this.)
Mercury Seven Scott Carpenter Wearing an Accutron
In the late 1950's, before either USA or Russia sent a man to space, the very new NASA asked Bulova to incorporate Accutron technology into their space equipment. NASA was established on July 29th, 1958 with President Eisenhower the National Aeronautics and Space Act in response to the Sputnik crisis.
At that time the CEO of Bulova was Omar Bradley, a five star highly decorated retired general who served in both World War II and the Korean War. Omar Bradley was a former classmate of President Eisenhower.
For this new accelerated era in space exploration efforts, new advanced technology was deemed necessary. Since Accutron had come up with the most precise way of timekeeping to date, Accutron was chosen as the timekeepers on the instrument panel of space crafts.
Accutron was the world's first electronic watch, later obviated by the Quartz Watch. 1977 was the final year for Accutron 214's. Accutron's are highly collectable.
The watch boasted an accuracy of two seconds a day or one minute a month. The Accutron 214 did not tick, but hum. Its basic principal was that of a tuning fork, which was electrically excited and vibrated at 360 Hz. This type of accuracy provided by the Accutron was critical in space flight. The Accutron Clocks were installed as Space Craft Panel clocks.
Max Hetzel: Max Hetzel, an engineer born in Basel Switzerland, and employed by Bulova as a development engineer between the years of 1950-1959 ,developed the Accutron. 20 patents later, in 1959, he became chief of R & D. Although Max Hetzel was born in Switzerland, he was not into watchmaking per se, but rather into electronics. He started young building radios at age 12. He felt mechanical watches were outdated and new more technologically advanced timekeepers were more prevalent for the electronic era.
His ideas did not sit very well with the Swiss - a country were mechanical watch making is a huge industry.
He moved to the USA and become an Ameican Citizen. \His success at Bulova resulted in NASA asking Bulova to incorporate all its new Accutron technology in its NASA space equipment and in 1967 his Accutrons were the only clocks on board Air Force One.
In 1969, Max Hetzel became the CEO of OMEGA's subsidiary Elresor SA. He wanted to develop a better movement than his own previous Accutron patent. The result of his efforts was the Swissonic, which ,as a result of patent conflicts with Accutron, was never marketed. Funny thin was Max Hetzel ,the creator of Accutron, was actually working for Omega on its Megasonic Program when his Accutron movement was placed on the moon.
Yuri Gagarin - Vostok 1 - Sturmanskie Wrist Watch
The precision of Accutron's and the resilience of Omega were excellent aspects of space worthiness, but both brands were not the first in space.
Sturmanskie
The first watch in space was neither an Omega or Accutron, but rather a Russian made Sturmanskie Timepiece. On the 12th of April 1961,on board the Vostok 1, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first man to enter space and the first man to orbit the earth. Strapped around his wrist was a Russian Made Sturmanskie Timepiece.
The Sturmanskie's 17 jewel movement was housed within a shock absorbent chrome plated two piece case measuring 33mm in diameter and 12mm in height. This particular watch had a stainless steel screw in case back instead of a stainless steel snap on case back as with the earlier Sturmanskie models. Yuri Gagarin's model was highly finished with Geneva striping. In addition the implementation of gaskets increased water resistance. The watch functioned perfectly in conditions of zero gravity.
The watch was based on a French design, the Lip R26. To manufacture the Sturmanskie, the 1st Moscow Watch Factory originally purchased the machinery from the French. Due to the watches precision, resilience and reliability in adverse conditions, it was a formality to provide all new graduates from the Orenberg Flight School with a Sturmanskie.
Apollo 14
Alan Shepard - 1st Mercury Mission MR-3 Freedom 7 - No Wristwatch on Record
On 5th of May 1961, the first Mercury Mission, the USA sent Alan Shepard into space as a pilot of the Freedom 7. He became the first American in Space. Alan Shepard chose not to wear a watch on that mission. He did wear an Omega Speedmaster ,as did Stuart Roosa and Edgar Mitchell, almost ten years later on his Apollo 14 Mission to the moon on February 5, 1972. In the Apollo 14 mission, the Omega Speedmasters were worn on the outside of the spacesuit on a specialized velcro NASA black nylon strap as per the specifications of NASA. It has been speculated that Ed Mitchel - who spent 9 hours and 17 minutes working on the surface of the moon, was wearing a Rolex Pepsi GMT Master on his right wrist and his Omega Speedmaster on his left. So it could be that a Rolex GMT Master accompanied the Omega Speedmaster on the longest moon walk.
Gus Grissom - MR-4 Liberty Bell 7- No Wristwatch on Record:
On July 21st, 1961 Virgil "Gus" Grissom piloted the MR-4 spacecraft Liberty Bell 7 for a suborbital flight lasting 15 minutes and 37 seconds becoming the Second American in Space. Gus Grissom returned to earth with a splash and due to the premature opening of the Liberty Bell 7's hatch, the spacecraft took on water and was sinking fast. Gus Grissom managed to exit the space craft. After failed efforts by the rescue helicopter to lift The Liberty Bell 7 it sunk to a depth of 4.6 km. It was later recovered on July 20th, 1999. Besides for the pressure valve strapped to his wrist, he wore no watch on his wrist. The Mercury Spacesuits had mirrors on the inside of both wrists and on the chest, for instrument panel read out. Gus liked watches though and owned a 24-hour Le-Coultre stainless steel military anti magnetic, shockproof, water resistant wristwatch baring a black 24 hour face, which he wore on special occasions down here on earth.
On March 23rd, 1965 Gus Grissom became the first astronaut to fly into space twice as the Command Pilot of Gemini 3, which he called Molly Brown. (From the Musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown). On this mission he took with him two engraved wristwatches for his sons Scott and Mark. (I could not find any info on the brand of these two watches). Gus Grissom tragically lost his life on January 27, 1967 during an Apollo 1 simulation ahead of the scheduled February 21st launch date.
Tag Heuer Carrera SpaceX 1887 Chronograph circa 2012
John Glenn MA-6 Friendship 7 - Tag Heuer StopWatch on Elastic Band:
Tag Heuer also has its moments of space fame and joined in the race pretty early on. On February 20th, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth and the third American up in space on the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. Around his wrist was a Tag Heuer Stop Watch. With his statement, "The Clock is Running", he orbited the earth three times. The flight took 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds. The Tag Heuer was fashioned with elastic bands to fit over the space suit. NASA chose Tag Heuer as the watch of chose able to withstand the intense G-forces of lift off.
To celebrate Tag Heuer's 50th anniversary the first watch company in space, Tag Heuer unveiled the 43mm Tag Heuer Carrera SpaceX 1887 Chronograph, which will is available for $5,800 USD in a limited edition of 2012 pieces. (above image)
Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute - Left Wrist
Scott Carpenter MA-7 Aurora 7 - Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaut
On May 24th, 1962 Breitling joined the Wristwatch Space Race becoming the first wristwatch chronograph to enter space. Scott carpenter (who was photographed in a French magazine wearing an Accutron), the second American to orbit the earth and the 4th person in space, opted for a Breitling while orbiting the earth in his Aurora 7 capsule no less than three times. In 1961 Scott Carpenter actually approached Breitling to make him a watch with a 24 hour dial - since a 12 hour dial will be useless in space where there is no night and day. A Breitling 24-hour Navitimer Cosmonaute (astronaut in French) was delivered three days before he was scheduled to leave on his Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. To celebrate 50 years of the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, earlier this year Breitling unveiled a manual winding in-house Navitimer Cosmonaute limited to 1962 pieces. In recognition of Scott Carpenter's wristwatch - which incidentally has never been located since the famed mission - this certified chronometer chronograph sports a 24 hour display, Fahrenheit / Celsius degree conversion scale, bi-directional rotating bezel, handy circular slide rule and a 70 hour power reserve. Engraved on the case back is the Insignia of the Aurora 7.
Towards the end of 1962, a telling sign for the Wristwatch Space Race was Bulova's highly publicized modified wristwatch strap for the X-15 pilots. All the newspaper clips from that time specifically stated these straps were for Bulova's electronic wristwatches.
Since NASA only made the Omega Speedmaster “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions” on the 1st of March 1965, in 1962 the wristwatch space race was still on.
Wally Schirra sporting an Omega Speedmaster
Wally Schirra - MA-8 Sigma 7 - Omega Speedmaster:
On October 3, 1962 Wally Schirra ,one of the original Mercury Seven forged the way for Omega up in Space. Wally Schirra, the fifth American in Space wore an Omega Speedmaster piloting the Mercury-Atlas 8 on a 6 orbit mission lasting 9 hours, 13 seconds and 11 seconds. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historical event Omega this month unveiled at BaselWorld 2012 a “First Omega in Space” Speedmaster 1962. This Omega Speedmaster is powered by a Caliber 1861, which is based on a manual winding Lemania 1871 Chronograph movement. (Automatics do not work where there is no gravity). Engraved on the case back is Omega's original seahorse logo and the words, “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”. This watch is not a limited edition and will appear in stores around October 2012. Wally Schirra passed away on May 3rd, 2007.
"So I used my wrist watch for time," Gordon Cooper Faith 7
Accutron Astronaut seen on Gordon Cooper's Wrist Prior to Faith 7
Gordon Cooper - MA-9 Faith 7 - Omega Chronograph & Bulova Accutron Astronaut:
The final Mercury Mission on May 15th, 1963, sent Gordon Cooper into space for 34 hours,19 minutes and 49 seconds orbiting the earth 22 times. He piloted the Mercury-Atlas 9 or Faith 7 and slept some. This particular mission emphasized the need for instruments not reliant on the instrument panel. The X-1 pilots like Chuck Yaeger of Rolex wristwatch fame and the first pilot to break the speed of sound, joked that the Mercury Astronauts had no need to "pilot" the spacecraft, as the crafts were designed for fully automatic control. He described the Mercury 7 as "Spam in a Can". He was proven quite wrong ,though,when due to technical problems Gordon Coopers Space capsule lost power. The situation became dicey when CO2 levels and temperature levels rose. Gordon Cooper mastered the controls and using his celestial knowledge was able to calculate the correct pitch for re-entry into the earths atmosphere. Making even a slight miscalculation would have been grave. A sharp angle into the atmosphere would result in destructive g-forces, a too shallow trajectory would cause the tiny capsule to bounce off the atmosphere and head back into space. Amazingly Cooper used the capsule window to draw lines determining the precise orientation before firing the reentry rockets.
So I used my wrist watch for time," he later recalled, "my eyeballs out the window for altitude. Then I fired my retrorockets at the right time and landed right by the carrier." (via Wikipedia)
Gordon Cooper's Bulova Accutron Astronaut
So which wrist watch did he use? In actual fact Gordon Cooper was wearing two wristwatches: An Omega Chronograph and a Bulova Accutron. As to which watch he used for reentry calculation - well the Omega Speedmaster enthusiasts will say an Omega Speedmaster and the Bulova Accutron collectors will say the Accutron. Although the majority are on the side of the Omega Speedmaster - Most of the consensus rests on the fact that Gordon Cooper brought the Bulova Accutron along on Faith 7 to double check the timing of the Omega Speedmaster. Gordon Cooper used the Omega Speedmaster to monitor the firing sequence of the retro rockets for atmospheric reentry.
Upon returning, NASA presented Gordon Cooper with a Timex Wristwatch as a welcome back gift. This watch cropped up at a Heritage Auction in 2009 together with a letter written by Gordon Cooper himself, acknowledging the authenticity of the watch.
With the return of Gordon Cooper in the Faith 7 the Mercury Era had ended and NASA had their sites set on the Gemini and Apollo Missions. Every component and aspect of the Mercury Missions were analyzed by a crew of newly appointed NASA engineers. New equipment and instruments including wristwatches worn by the astronauts were chosen for rigorous testing.
Gemini & Apollo Missions - Omega Speedmaster Professional:
The astronauts approached Deke Slayton, Operations Director at NASA and one of the Original Mercury 7, to find and provide an official wristwatch for training and in-flight use.
Deke Slayton took this request very seriously and sent an internal memo to the engineers:
Ed Mitchell Omega Speedmaster Apollo 14
A requirement exists for a highly durable and accurate chronograph to be used by Gemini and Apollo flight crews as an essential adjunct, or as a backup for spacecraft timing devices and for accomplishing time critical operations and experimental tests. In order to select a chronograph which best meets our overall requirements, it is necessary to accomplish a comparative evaluation of the better quality "off the shelf" chronographs under realistic operational conditions. The evaluation will take place during such flight crew training programs as the Gemini Mission Simulators, during spacecraft and other flight equipment testing in the altitude chambers, egress and recovery exercises, planetarium reviews, and during the first two manned Gemini flights. The evaluation will be of the basic "off the shelf" items; however, an analysis will also be made of any additional features and/or modifications that may be required. It is highly desirable that we commence with this evaluation at an early date so that a standard flight crew chronograph can be obtained prior to the longer duration Gemini flights and the Apollo flights. The evaluation items should be available during the preflight training for the first two manned Gemini flight crews, which are now in progress. On this basis, quotations from various chronograph manufacturers meeting the specifications as listed in analogue 1, Statement of Specifications, should be reviewed by this organization by October 21, 1964. Immediately subsequent to this date, it is our intent to purchase locally at least one of each brand that meets, or very nearly meets, these specifications. Off the shelf chronographs which very nearly meet the specifications may be considered if they, in other regards, surpass the overall specifications. The manufacturer in this case may choose to reply to the request for quotations, however, NASA-MSC will make the determination as to whether or not the chronograph will be subsequently evaluated. It is estimated that a total of twelve chronographs are required for evaluation purposes.
James Ragan - engineer - suggested a list of manufacturers: .Elgin, Benrus,Hamilton, Mido, Lucien Piccard
OMEGA, Bulova, Rolex, Longines, Gruen Four Brands responded, providing NASA with two watches each for testing.
The testing included:
"The tests which ensued were designed literally to test the watches to destruction. The watches were subjected to temperatures ranging from 71° to 93° centigrade over a two day period, after which they were frozen to -18° centigrade. They were placed in a vacuumed chamber heated to 93° centigrade, and then subjected to a test where they were heated to 70° centigrade and then immediately frozen to -18° centigrade – not once but fifteen times in rapid succession! When this had been completed, it was time to subject the watches to 40 g shocks in six different directions, then submit them to high and low pressures, an atmosphere of 93% humidity, a highly corrosive 100% oxygen environment, noise to 130 decibels and finally vibrated with average accelerations of 8.8 g. In the end only one watch had survived: the Speedmaster. Interestingly, after each test the watch would settle to an average rate which was largely within the NASA imposed limits of five seconds per day during normal use."
Source: Official Omega Website
Omega did not even know that their Speedmaster was the one that qualified for man missions to space until the release of the Gemini IV mission photographs. After finding out, Omega renamed the Omega Speedmaster to Omega Speedmaster Professional. The name stands until today.
American Made Bulova was not impressed - how could NASA choose the Swiss Brand Omega over the American Brand Bulova. Apparently there was an investigation and the Omega Speedmaster was found to display the most integrity in space. However, I cannot deny there is much internet and forum murmurings on how Omega became the Official NASA watch, but until sound proof is found - rumors will be rumors.
It may seem strange that Omega did not know their Omega Speedmaster had become the chosen timepiece for the NASA astronauts- but judging from a snip it (left) from the Leader Times Kittanning, PA - May 20th, 1963 - "American Astronauts are prohibited from endorsing commercial products"
From the article however its apparent the Russians had a different take. Russian Astronaut, Gherman Titov" appeared in a Magazine endorsing a Russian-made wristwatch (probably a Sturmanskie). Gherman Titov was a highly decorated astronaut who on August 6th, 1961 who on Vostok 2 became the second person to orbit the earth and the fourth person up in space and the first to Orbit the earth multiple times (17).
The Soviets took advertisements to a new level whereby hundreds of products endorsed the Soviet Space program.
On June 16th, 1963 - on board the Vostok 6, the first women in space, Valentina Tereshkova wore a Sturmanskie timepiece.
Strela Chronograph
Alexey Arkhipovich Leonov - Voskhod 2 - Strela
The watch worn during the first spacewalk performed on March 18th, 1965 by Russian cosmonaut Alexey Arkhipovich Leonov during the Voskhod-2 was a Strela. He was in space for 12 minutes and 9 seconds. The Strela was actually based on the Venus Caliber 175 movement designed by horological genius Andre Frey of Fabrique d'Ebauches Vénus S.A (now Minerva). The Strela had a Column Wheel Chronograph and two sub dials: A 45 minute totalizer and a constant seconds sub dial. In addition a central chronograph hand tracked seconds. The case material was a humble chrome plated base metal. These watches were only available to the Soviet Air Force.The Strela was often said to be the Russian version of the Omega Speedmaster.
In space exploration years that followed, cosmonauts wore a variety of different brands since Russia was not as stringent as NASA in terms of watch regulations. Often cosmonauts were spotted with, Sturmanskie, Sekonda and OKEAH. Other movements like the Poljot 3133 based on the Valjoux 7734-Russians purchased the machinery from the Swiss in 1974, replaced the Strela. For more info Click here for an intriguing component by component detail of the Pojot 3133 and Valjoux 7734 similarities and differences.
After Quartz erupted on stage Digital watches were a common site around the wrists of cosmonauts.
Gemini IV Mission Photographs Shows Newly Issued Omega Speedmaster
On June 3rd, 1965 Ed White wore an Omega Speedmaster 105.003 secured with velcro and a long nylon strap to the outside of the left-side sleeve of his G4C spacesuit, during the first American Space Walk.
In 1994, after two years of intense testing at the Yuri Gagarin Russian State Scientific-Research Test Center of Cosmonauts Training in Star City, Fortis watches have become the official timepiece issued to cosmonauts. The first crew to embark on a mission with a Fortis on their wrist was the EUROMIR crew. Now all Russian cosmonauts at the Gagarin Center are presented with a Fortis.
NASA has increased their list of acceptable watches to include the following:
Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.00
Omega Speedmaster Professional X-33
Casio G-Shock DW-5600C
Casio G-Shock DW-5600E
Casio G-Shock DW-5900
Casio G-Shock DW-6900
Timex IRONMAN Triathlon Data Link
(This list is from 2008 - there may be some model changes)
The latest watch in space to make space history:
' Felix Baumgartner - Stratosphere Free Fall - Zenith Stratos Flyback Striking 10th:
On October 14th, 2012, Zenith Ambassador, Felix Baumgartner became the first human to break the sound barrier during an 833mph free fall of 128,100 feet from the stratosphere, strapped to his wrist ,outside his spacesuit, was a Zenith Stratos Flyback Striking 10th. The Zenith Stratos was specially designed to withstand the immense velocity during the fall. The 30 mm specially reinforced stainless steel case housing an exceptional 326-component El Primero Automatic movement as well as the Striking 10 and Flyback Function.This watch is the first watch to cross the sound barrier in a near space environment.
Watch Felix
The latest model of Breitling's chronograph version of its highly successful Superocean Collection is now available in Abyss red. Available but limited. to 2000 pieces. The unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel in striking red rubber enables a diver crucial knowledge of dive time.
As with all good diving watches, Breilting has added critical safety features to the bezel:
Unidirectional or one-way rotating bezel, which ensures the diver will not turn the bezel the wrong way and confuse diving time.
The rotating bezel is highly prominent due to its red color with bold white numerals and indices making read out in murky conditions a breeze.
The bezel is created with internal indents allowing the bezel to ratchet when turning enabling it to catch thereby, aligning the pointer precisely to
where the minute hand is pointing.
The outer edges of the bezel is notched allowing a diver to turn the bezel even while wearing gloves or underwater.
The bezel is easy to turn.
Now here is where I can use those pesky syllogisms ,ancient as Aristotle himself , one has to learn in college wondering when one will ever have the chance to actually put it to good use. Here it goes:
All Breitlings are Chronometers.
All Superocean Chronographs are Breitlings
All Superocean Chronographs are Chronometers
What I am getting at is - when one buys a Breitling one is assured the movement has undergone all the rigorous testing criteria required by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres or COSC to be deemed a Chroneometer. Read more info about Chronometers.
The dial of the watch is highly suited for diving. The sapphire crystal is extra thick; the hour markers and over sized hands are coated in luminescence (glow-in-the-dark); the crystal is treated on both sides with a glare proof substance; the crown is screw-locked with two gaskets (increasing water resistance); back is screwed in and safety push pieces are only activated when unlocked. I don't see any mention of an Helium valve which is a good idea when scuba diving.
The movement is a highly efficient automatic Caliber 13, which utilizes an ETA Valjoux 7750 base movement housed in a 44 mm steel case and capable of a 42 hour power reserve.
1/4th second chronograph, as well as a 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers are distinctly placed on the dial. A date aperture is located at the 3 'o'clock position. The watch is also available with various rubber and leather straps. The watch weighs in at 136.50 grams, which may be a tad heavy for some, but no surprise there, Breitling watches are known for their heftiness, which some people find quite appealing. (I know! I've asked!).
Take to the skies with a Breitling Chronospace Breitling Jet Team, you will be in good company. After all the Breitling Jet Team, for who this watch is dedicated, is the largest civilian aerobatic team flying on jets. If you are fortunate enough, you may see the Breitling Sponsored jet team barreling across the sky in seven L-39C Albatross airplanes painted in monochrome black and gray, equipped with white smoke generators. The pilots are ex French Air Force fighter pilots with the exception of the leader and founder Jacques Bothelin - a civilian aerobatic pilot. The Breitling Jet Team home base is Dijon, France.
Just watching the heart stopping jaw dropping antics of the aerobatic team who reach speeds of 700km/h, one can be assured only the best equipment is used to maximize efficiency, endurance and functionality in extreme conditions. The best equipment includes one of the latest professional instruments - a Breitling Chronospace Jet Team Limited to 1000 pieces. The timepiece is clear and handsome depicting upon its 48mm stratus silver dial, one of the L-39C Albatross jets as well as the new Breitling Jet Team logo. The Chronospace timepiece utilizes cutting edge electronics equipped with a full range of functions designed specifically for the needs of elite pilots like the extreme pilots of the Breitling Jet Team. These functions include:
1/100th of a second chronograph with split times
alarm
dual timezone display with independent alarm
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
analog and LCD 12/24 hour back lit countdown with a Night Vision Goggles (NVG)-compatible display back lighting system
Perpetual Calender which accounts for different month lenghths and leap years.
Battery end of life indicator
The watch is powered by a Breitling Caliber 78 SuperQuartz (thermocompensated quartz) Movement. The SuperQuartz provides movements ten times that of a standard quartz, and is one of the only electronic movement able to meet the requirements of the COSC making the timepiece a certified chronometer.
The durable steel case weighs in at 200grams and has a water resistance of 5 bars/50 meters/165 feet. A bidirectional rotating pinion bezel, which is a slide rule. The slide rule is a mechanical calculator pilots use for dead reckoning as well as converting time, distance, speed, and temperature values, compass errors and calculating fuel use. Although GPS eliminates much need for mechanically calculating this information, most aircrafts are equipped with this device for back up purposes. In addition, flight schools require its students to know how to use the slide rule. The circular slide rule is activated by rotating the star shaped bezel. There are Km/miles/nautical miles conversion scale on inner bezel. Scratch Resistant sapphire crystal treated with anti-glare on both sides ensures protection to the dial contributing to the maximum read out ability. A double case back is specially designed with a resonance chamber allowing for amplification of sound signals up to a level of 90 decibels. The exquisite hand woven mesh stainless steel aero bracelet - up to 9 inches - adds a rugged elegance to the timepiece. This watch is available at the WATCHERY for a limited time only.
Breitling, the makers of exceptional timekeeping instruments particularly in aviation, hosts and partakes in countless airshows and air competition, where pilots perform death defying acts, pushing the limits of speed and gravity.
Now Breitling wants you to enjoy the heart stopping adrenaline rush first hand. Of course you will need either a smart phone or a touch pad for a small fee, or free of charge on your IPhone, IPod touch and IPad. The Game known as "Breitling Reno Air Races" is a enjoyable prelude to the Breitling Sponsored National Championship Air Races, where low flying aircraft navigate 7 to 10 pylons, making sure they remain to the outside of the pylons and above the minimum altitude in accordance with the rules. The Breitling Reno Air races take place from September 14th to 18th, 2011 in Reno, Nevada, but you don't have to wait that long to feel the rush of air beneath your wings.
Breitling's debut app on iOS, "Breitling Reno Air Races.", developed by Revo Solutions and Bulkypix, is cleverly designed to replicate a genuine real life Breitling Reno Air Races Contest. The graphics are brilliant , a play on our perceptions as to what is real and what is not. Click on the Vid and see for yourself. But watch out - if you have a weak stomach - take precautions, because with this new game, you are in for the ride of your life.
Characteristics - as per Breitling.Com
Epic races with rare intensity
Incredible fully 3D graphics
Ultra-exact copy of Renos ground and race circuits
Optimized gyroscopic and touch controls
3 play options: Quick Play, Single Race and Multiplayer
WiFi and 3G multi-player function for up to 8 players
Several Classifications of planes and circuits
Customizable planes: name, style and colors
Tutorial to learn to fly in a race
Openfient compatible
This game in all its thrilling glory, is available, free of charge and exclusively on iOS platforms.
In honor of the Bentley Boys, Breitling has unveiled two winning timepieces. The Bentley Barnato and the Bentley Barnato Racing chronographs. The watches carry the name of the most famous and triumphant of the Bentley Boys -Woolf "Babe" Barnato, heir to his father, Barney Barnato's fortune.
Barnato used part of his multi-million dollar fortune to pursue his passion for the race track. In the 1920's Barnato was a member of an elite circle of wealthy British motorists ,the Bentley Boys , who would only be seen in W.O. Bentley's. The highest point was from 1927 to 1930 when the group won four consecutive victories at the 24 hours of Le Man. The latter three were won by Barnato himself, the only races he ever entered, making him the only Le Mans driver with a perfect wins to start ratio.
Barnato is closely tied to the history of Bentley. So inspired by the 1924 Le Mans win by John Duff and Frank Clement, Barnato dug into his multi million dollar fortune and agreed to finance Bentley's business becoming a majority shareholder and chairman in 1925.
Breitling has a long standing relationship with Bentley, affixing Breitling impeccable time keeper to every Bentley and presenting a long line of Breitling for Bentley timepieces such as the Breitling for Bentley Flying B and Mark IV. The new Breitling Barnato Collection makes its namesake proud. The dial represents a passion for racing, three sub dials emblazoned on the white dial represents the shape of a steering wheel clutched while careening around hairpin bends. The raised knurled motif of the bezel brings to mind the dials on the control panel of Bentley's racing cars of the 1920's. (inset - 1929 " Blower Bentley")
Via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, an attractive oscillating weight, powers the COSC movement, which is equipped with an innovative "30 second chronograph" function. The oscillating weight is fashioned after wheel rims of the new Bentley Continental GT.
The Breitling Bentley Barnato timepiece represents the "golden age of sports".
Breitling has unveiled the Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf in commemoration of 100 years of naval aviation. The timepiece is crafted with the critical precision of aviation in mind, featuring 1/100th of a second chronograph with split times, alarm countdown, second time zone with independent alarm and perpetual time calender. In addition, the watch sports a Night Vision Goggles (NVG)-compatible display back lighting system, UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and a turbine shaped case back, which serves as a resonance chamber for the alarm. The watch is powered by a ETA Superquartz multifunction movement and is equipped with a rotating navigational bezel.
Only 500 pieces will be produced, and 50 will be donated to the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation of which Breitling is a Silver National Sponsor. Of the remaining 45o watches sold, $100 per watch will be donated to the Foundation. The Foundation Seal features clearly on the dial. Watch 1/500 will be embarking on a special journey around the world throughout 2011 accompanied by naval aviators who will put this professional aviator watch to good use. The watch will return on December 3rdm 2011 for a closing event in Washington, D.C. The Breitling Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf will be presented at the ceremonies along with a complete log of its journeys.
This timepiece represents Breitling's part in celebrating 100 years of naval aviation as well as numerous events which will commemorateBreitling's close tie to aviation. The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is non-profit organization which raises awareness of naval aviation. Breitling has been chosen as one of the sponsors for the foundationsfestivities.
The Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf will be available soon. If you are an avid naval aviation fan, you can find this watch at Breitling’s flagship Manhattan boutique and other watch dealers for $4,500.00.
Bvlgari BB23GLD Bvlgari-Bvlgari Black Dial Leather Women's Watch
The current time on my watch is 4:30pm. The current time in Spain - last stop before I hit the shores of the USA. My journey was marked with seeing close relatives for the first time in 15 years, and perusing watch boutiques at airport Duty- Free counters.
Cartier has a strong airport presence with Cartier Roadster Watches, Tanks, Pashas and the Santos Collections. Breitling, Omega, Bvlgari and Rolex are also quite prevalent. Swatch watches take up center stage and its position in the airport terminals are framed by towering pillers displaying the latest swatch models. Swatch Watches saved the watch industry and I have the utmost regard for them.
Cartier Roadster Silver Dial White Gold and Leather Women's Watch
As I was peering at the Breitling watches, I asked a lovely lady behind a watch counter if she had ever sold the Breitling Emergency watch at the airport. She looked at me with utter disdain.
"No!" she said shaking her head, "What if someone presses the emergency button in here, it would be mayham."
A sudden image of an emergency distress call specifically designed for civil aviation confusing air traffic control entered my mind. She had a point.
The Breitling Emergency broadcasts on the 151.5 MHz distress frequency. However, as of February 2009, the Cospas-Sarsat which operates a satellite constellation that relays distress alerts to search and rescue authorities through a worldwide ground communications network, stopped monitoring the 121.5/243 Mhz frequency's. Breitling has no plans to change the 121.5 MHz frequencies on its Breitling Emergencies as aviation will still monitor the 121.5 MHz frequency especially during a rescue attempt.
After perusing the terminals with my over sized carry on luggage banging against my legs, I sat down and decided to read a perfectly respectable paperback novel. Watches had left my mind for a moment that is until I glanced at a gentleman wearing a Longines Master Collection Retrograde. I closed my book and looked at the watch in all its glory.
With travel, one sees thousands of people and one notices their watches. In addition, watches are crucial during air travel. Cellphones cannot be turned on in the airplane and thus of no use when one wants to know the time.
