MYRIAD INNOVATIONS
LAST OCTOBER, BREITLING HOSTED ITS BREITLING SUMMIT IN DUBAI, INTRODUCING NEW COLLECTIONS AND THE NEW AVIATION PIONEERS SQUAD. RIGA RAMADHAN REPORTS
Breitling, a brand that has established a global reputation for high precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence since 1884, hosted the latest editio n of its Breitling Summit in Dubai. DAMAN was among a select few medias invited to the special event, which was held at the Co ncrete multi- disciplinary space in Dubai. So, we had a front row seat to watch a curated array of new collections and the latest Breitling Aviation Pioneers Squad.
A Special Commemoration
One of the highlights from the Breitling Summit this time is no ne other than the new Aviator 8 Mosquito. This particular watch honors a WWII era plane which featured a frame made mostly of wood, called the de Havilland Mosquito. Its speed and maneuverability contributed to its incredible success and improbable range of roles,.
“The de Havilland Mosquito is a tr uly unique and iconic piece of aviation history. It was distinguished by incredibly innovative design and an ingenious use of materials. Our
Aviator 8 Mosquito is an aff ectionate reminder of one of the world’s true aviation successes,” explains Georges Kern, Breitling’s CEO, when asked about the stor y behind this collection.
For its new Aviator 8 Mosquito watch, Breitling has drawn on the design of the onboard clocks created by its Huit Aviation Department back in the 1930s and 1940s, and also from its renowned reference 765 AVI, the highly legible watch known as the Co- Pilot. To top it all off, this model is co mpleted with ADLC treatment that provides an even darker tone— which recalls the night fighter variant of the Mosquito— and its striking red and orange accents that recall the roundels and markings featured on the fuselage of the aircraft as well.
Updated Design
Aside to the Aviator 8 Mosquito, another highlight from the Summit was the redesign and relaunch of Breitling’s Avenger collection. Originally debuting back in 2001, the collection has been updated and positio ned in a proud and unique place in the brand’s “Air” universe. As such, the new collection
represents nothing less than the tr ansition of one of Breitling’s boldest collec ¬ tions into the era of modern aviation.
Moreover, the watches in the new Breitling Avenger collection are bold, extremely robust and impressively varied, with case sizes ranging from 43mm to 48mm. They are also available as a chronograph, three- hand “time only” model or with a 24- hour GMT hand. The choice of dial color also wil l appeal to any aviation fan, as will the broad selection of straps and bracelets.
With its strong personality, the Avenger was created as a reliable companion for aerial adventurers who want to a chieve something outstanding and unexpected.
And what better way to release the updated design of this storied line than with the new Aviation Pioneers Squad— still part of the # SquadOnAMission campaign— which is made up of three remarkable individuals who represent different airborne disciplines but together define an incredible new age of adventure in the air. From Scott Kelly to Rocío González Torres and Luke Bannister, these accomplished aviation specialists represent different generations and bring incredibly varied experiences to the Squad.
To elaborate, Scott Kelly spent a year of his life looking down at the Earth from the International Space Station ( ISS). Commandant Rocío González Torres, on the other hand, has logged more than 1,000 hours of flight time in a f ighter jet and is proud to be a role model for girls and young women determined to conquer the skies. Finally, Luke Bannister excels in a whole new aviation discipline; he won his first World Drone Championship at the age of 15 and has been on a winning course e ver since. Above all, it makes perfect sense that the members of the Aviation Pioneers Squad wear watches from the Avenger collection, which perfectly comple ¬ ments the impressive aerial careers of the three Squad members.
Innovative Idea
This October’s Breitling Summit also marked the launch of a partnership with Outerknown, the sustainable apparel brand co- founded by surfing legend and Breitling Surfers Squad member Kelly Slater. In addition to the new Superocean Outerknown watch, the brand also introduced the first Outerknown ECONYL yarn NATO strap collection that crafted from ECONYL yarn, a material created from regenerated nylon waste— one source of which is fishing nets gathered from the oceans.
“The Superocean Outerknown is a fantastic watch, but the enduring story is the innovative strap collection,” Kern exclaims. “It marks another important step in our shared focus on sustainability.” With this spirit of innovation, the brand successfully broadened its focus to take on one of the greatest challenges of all: To help ensure that future generations will have the chance to enjoy healthy oceans— the source of all life on Earth— and clean beaches.
All in all, Breitling truly showcases its unparalleled pioneering status at its own Summit. Redesigning one of its most ico nic collections? Check. Commemorating one of the most iconic planes in the w orld? Check. Focusing even more on sustainability? Also check. One thing for sure, there’s always going to be something to look forward to with Breitling in the future.