In 1884, the legendary watchmaker Breitling was born. Fast forward to 1999, and history was made when daring pilots Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones touched down in the Egyptian desert aboard the Breitling Orbiter 3 (Figures 6-9). Their achievement? The first-ever non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in a hot air balloon, setting an unparalleled record for exploration and innovation.
To celebrate the brand’s 140th anniversary and mark 25 years since this groundbreaking flight, Breitling has unveiled the Aerospace B70 Orbiter timepiece (Figures 1-5). This exclusive edition pays homage to the adventure with its striking 43mm titanium alloy case and vibrant orange dial—a nod to the iconic capsule of the Breitling Orbiter 3.
At its heart lies the cutting-edge Breitling B70 movement, meticulously crafted in-house and COSC-certified as a Swiss Official Chronometer. This powerhouse offers both analog and digital displays, boasting an accuracy tenfold that of a standard quartz watch. Its multifunctional design includes a 1/100 second chronograph with split-time and flyback capabilities, a countdown timer, dual alarms, a second time zone display, lap timer functionality, and even a perpetual calendar requiring adjustment just once every four years.
Remarkably, despite being a quartz-driven masterpiece, the transparent case back reveals fragments from the original Breitling Orbiter 3, connecting wearers directly to its storied legacy. Available now, the Aerospace B70 Orbiter comes fitted with either a sleek titanium bracelet or a durable black rubber strap with folding clasp, offering style and substance for modern adventurers.
Jason Meyer 
Avery Miller 
Hazel Russell