BREITLING | Baselworld 2013 New Watch Report

BREITLING

The Blue Impulse models and the 10th anniversary Bentley are not to be missed.

The highly popular, high-spec "Avenger" series is completely revamped.

With a product philosophy of "a wrist-worn instrument for professionals," the company relentlessly pursues and evolves the ideals of function and design.Breitling. 2013 was truly a year of abundance, with a lineup befitting the description, enlivening Basel.

Text by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

The "Breitling for Bentley" marks its 10th anniversary this year.

At the revamped Basel Fair 2013, "Breitling" captivated watch buyers and fans from around the world with an overwhelming number of new models. While it is regrettable that we cannot introduce all of these attractive models, we would like to highlight the following three as key topics.

The first is the complete renewal of the "Avenger" and "Super Avenger" series, which are perhaps most faithful to the brand's concept, featuring a modern, sharp design that thoroughly pursues robustness, functionality, and precision. The second is the long-awaited return of collaboration models with national air force aerobatic teams, including Japan's proud "Blue Impulse," and the Chronomat series. And the third is that the "Breitling for Bentley" series, born from a partnership with the luxury and sporty premium car brand "Bentley" marks its 10th anniversary.

Avenger II

Chronomat 44 Blue Impulse

Of course, these are not the only newsworthy items. For watch fans who appreciate a sharp aesthetic, the "Blacksteel" models are also not to be missed. These feature a DLC black carbon coating and are each limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide, including the hand-wound "Navitimer Cosmonaute," "Chronomat GMT," "Avenger," "Transocean Unitime Pilot," "Chronospace Automatic," and "Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon."

Beyond new models, 2013 was also a memorable year for Breitling fans, especially those who love pilot's watches. Last May, the "Breitling Jet Team," the world's only privately owned jet aerobatic team, made its first visit to Japan. Furthermore, responding to local wishes, they revisited Fukushima Prefecture in August, after their initial flight was canceled due to unfavorable weather, and performed a spectacular display (for footage from Fukushima, click here).Fukushima report here).

Breitling is a rare brand that consistently exceeds expectations, both in product creation and fan service.