Rossy has developed his own set of wings, and though he hasn’t quite mastered an unaided takeoff yet, he has managed to fly for a whopping 18 minutes at one time and has even created a simple throttle which helps direct his flight path.
There’s a lot of behind the scenes technical and mechanical know-how to get a project as unusual as a human rocket off the ground. It’s no surprise that Breitling—well known for their history with aeronautical pioneers and, of course, the Breitling Jet Team, that the famous watch brand would have a hand in helping the latest advances in aeronautics get off the ground.
In fact, this is not the Jetman’s first flight with the Breitling. Just last year he shared the skies with the Breitling Jet Team, following the aerobatics of the planes with his own take on the stunts. Rossy’s flight over Brazil was a solo affair (apart from the helicopter drop off), but the Jetman was still accompanied by the trademark set of Breitling wings on his jetpack.

It’s no wonder that Breitling would team up with Rossy. Not only does the brand have a longstanding relationship with aeronautical advances (in fact, the watch built its reputation off of crafting quality watches for pilots), both flight and watches require an incredible attention to detail and mathematics for accuracy.
What’s next for the Jetman? Will he be making tours of locations with oversized statues? Stonehenge would make a great locale, or the Leshan Giant Buddha statue in China. I vote for Mount Rushmore—after all: Teddy Roosevelt was the first American President to fly a plane!
Whatever the locale, Yves “Jetman” Rossy will certainly have his name down in the history books, wearing his bright yellow jumpsuit and Breitling’s wings.

Breitling for Bentley Supersports timepiece design presents a virtual “dashboard-style” dial that will, as the lyrics of song “Born to be Wild” says it best, “Get your motor runnin’; Head out on the highway; Lookin’ for adventure;…Racin’ with the wind…”; leave you feeling like you were born to be wild. Breitling for Bentley Supersports has a Royal Ebony dial accentuated with ringed counters and inner bezels available in vibrant colors of blue, orange or white. It bears Bentleys’ doubled wing B signature emblem (at 12 o’clock) – its mark of distinction. It is the super chronograph that commemorates the Bentley Continental Supersports ISR donned the fastest and most powerful car ever made by the British manufacturer and is also the holder of the world ice speed record, at a breathtaking speed of 205.48 mph.

The Breitling for Bentley Supersports sporty chassis houses Breitling Calibre 26B movement, self-winding chronograph movement chronometer, which is certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), high-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), 38 jewels, center 60 minute totalizer, 12 hour totalizer and calendar.

It has a 49 mm diameter steel case with a cambered sapphire crystal, which is glare-proof on both sides. The wrist strap is available in Barenia leather, Bentley leather, crocodile leather or rubber/Speed. Its instrumentation includes a rotating bezel that activates the variable tachometer – Breitlings’ exclusive feature that measures average speed of time elapsed; and it is embellished with a distinctive knurled motif found on Bentley dashboard controls.

Breitling and Bentley are brands sharing a commitment to always manufacture instruments built with precision and performance. It is this shared heritage of excellence that attracted the two to partner and develop an exceptional collection of chronographs in 2003. 2003 also marked Bentley’s glorious return to the winners circle when its cars won at Le Mans. Bentleys’ cars won 2 car races in amazing style, taking the first two places in the ranking. Breitling partnered with Bentley and issued a limited edition chronograph which sold out in exceptional speed; these wins lead to the Breitling for Bentley collections. Breitling for Bentley series unifies these two worlds of sophistication and proficiency – British chic and Swiss tradition.

The Breitling for Bentley Supersports collection is available in three colors (orange, white and blue) and has a limited edition of 1000-piece per color. The fact that Breitling for Bentley Supersports collections have sold out so quickly in the past, is an advisable suggestion for connoisseurs interested in this collection put the pedal to the metal to purchase one of these distinctive timepieces before they are gone.

Zodiac is a brand that many adventurists hold in high regard. Similar to Breitling, Zodiac embodies the features anyone rugged would find useful in a watch. With price points at an attainable $700-900, Zodiac watches are the best choice for timepieces that can survive just about anything.

Faces of Zodiac's Collection of Rugged Watches

The popular Racer collection of Swiss-made Zodiac watches features a variety of chronographs with exposed lugs, oversized faces, and stopwatch pushers that resemble the pedals of a car. Popular in racing circuits, the Zodiac Racer offers 7 different styles of ion-plated grey, black or silver stainless steel and titanium cases contained by either rubber or stainless steel wrist bands.

Made with similar materials, rugged styling, and with surprisingly fewer standard features, the Breitling Colt Chronograph (below, right) and the Breitling SuperOcean Heritage Chronograph range from $3850-$5650. Neither Brietling uses titanium or any precious metal and neither chronographs are standard so if you find those features useful for whatever you do, you’d have to pay extra for it.

(L) Breitling Colt Chronographe, $3850; (R) SuperOcean Heritage Chronographe, $5650

Zodiac’s Special Ops collection has illuminating LED backlight around the dial and behind each accent so you can even see your watch in the dark, perfect for those Swiss-timed stealth missions. Besides the price, the only stark difference between the Zodiac and the Breitling is certification. Breitling’s self-winding movement is officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, which is the French acronym for the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. Breitling is also water-resistant up to 660 feet. Zodiac’s Diver collection features 16 styles that all get 20 ATM or better.

Now if you’re after something a bit more stylish, Emporio Armani timepieces offer the name brand, some decent features all at a price below Zodiac. The Emporio Armani Sportivo watch offers 20 different styles ranging from ion-plated stainless steel to an array of colors matched with silicone or steel bands. Two silicone-banded models are water-resistant up to 20 ATM–yes, the same 660 feet Breitlings get. From $300-475 the Sportivo Emporio Armani watches rely more on the brand’s namesake than anything else and is more fashion-focused. While the silicone bands and designs are sports-inspired, the Sportivo line only offers two models that have water-resistance that many adventurists look for and none of them have chronographs.

Sportivo handles 660 feet depth and flaunts the Armani label too.

Of the three sports watches, Zodiac combines fashion and function with chronographs fitted with unique pushers, LED backlighting, rugged appeal and a water resistance that can take you beyond all human limits. The Breitling does the same thing, but is water resistant up to 660 feet and is COSC-certified. But all that comes at a hefty $5000 price tag and again, you’ll have to pay extra for the chronograph that comes on all but a few Zodiacs. COSC-certified or not, the Swiss-made Zodiac is the best buy that boasts it’s own unique style and rugged construction that can take it as you take on the elements.

Breitling Airwolf Naval Centennial Limited Edition #1

The bidding ends on February 29 and the highest bidder will be presented with the watch by astronaut Mark Kelly – who wore it into space on Space Shuttle Endeavor’s final mission in May – along with the Official Aviators’ Flight Log Book that accompanied each aviator on each individual flight.

Mark Kelly wearing Airwolf #1

During the last year, the Breitling Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf #1 has been worn by a host of illustrious and accomplished aviators:

• Mark Kelly – US Astronaut married to US Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Kelly wore Airwolf #1 while commanding his final mission, and the final mission of space shuttle Endeavor, in May 2011.

• Jaques Bothelin – Leader of the Breitling Jet Team that flew an 18-day East Mediterranean Tour over five countries in June/July.

Breitling Jet Team Formation

• Charlie Brown – Well-known British Warbird Pilot.

• Lee Proudfoot – British Professional Formation Display Pilot and member of the Old Flying Machine Company who spent seven years “Bush” flying for the British Antarctic Survey as chief pilot.

• Keith Skilling – B777 Captain at Air New Zealand and Warbird Display Pilot.

• Thom Richards – Former USAF General who fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

• Matthias Dolderer – German “Flying Bulls” Pilot, won 8th place in the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship.

• Major Dietmar Springer – of the Austrian Air Force.

• Francesco Fornabaio – Italian Freestyle Aerobatic Pilot.

• Ernst Frei – Chief Pilot and Operations Director for Super Constellation Flyers in Switzerland.

• Oliver Masurel – French World Aerobatic Champion.

• Flying Blue Angel #1, Capt. Greg McWherter – former TOPGUN instructor and Commander of the “World Famous Golden Dragons.”

Capt. Greg McWherter

The proceeds from the auction will benefit the “Breitling Scholars” program to the National Flight Academy, “whose programs use immersive learning techniques to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education through aviation-inspired scenarios and simulation.” According to Breitling, the program has enjoyed outstanding success – not just academically, but also behaviorally – boasting 80 percent reduction in dropouts, 90 percent reduction in truancy and 100 percent reduction in disciplinary problems. The “Breitling Scholars” program sends 100 students annually to attend a simulated aircraft carrier simulation camp in Pensacola, Fla.

Per the NFA website: “The National Flight Academy is designed to address the serious concerns of declining Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills and standards in our country. The Academy’s mission is to inspire students who subsequently return to their parent schools and seek out the more challenging courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.”

Students Learning at NFA

“I am excited to have inaugurated the journey of this timepiece and appreciate the good it will do to support STEM education in our nation’s middle and high school,” said Kelly.

As of February 25 at 4PM, the bid was up to $48,500.

“The National Flight Academy is overwhelmed by the generosity of Breitling to allow the rich historical relevance of the #1 Airwolf watch to benefit the most modern learning program in the nation,” said NFA President, Gerry Hoewing. “The money raised from this auction will enable students from all over the world to improve performance in science, technology, engineering and math.”

Of the other 499 pieces produced, 50 will be given to the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation of which Breitling is a Silver National Sponser. The remaining pieces have been on sale since last year and the numbers are dwindling – the Breitling Boutique in Manhattan has only a few left. Priced at $4,500 each, $100 also gets donated back to the Foundation.

National Aviation Centennial Seal

When one hears the words “replica luxury watch” the first thing the generally pops into mind is a comical image of a shady guy in a trench coat trying to sell a replica Rolex on the street.  But it is not necessarily a laughing matter; these illegal copies of authentic watches cause an estimated one billion dollars of losses each year to the watch industry. The Swiss Customs Service estimates that up to 40 million counterfeit watches are put into circulation every year. So with each purchase of a counterfeit watch, consumers are not only hurting the legitimate watch industry, but also slowing the global economy, as well as participating in criminal activities.

The most common fakes are made to resemble watches made by Rolex and Brietling, big names in the luxury watch industry. But there is also a huge replica watch market for the popular brands Chanel and Gucci. About half of these counterfeits are made in China and sold to tourists. However, a fair amount are made in America and moved across the country to be sold out of car trunks along with fake purses and wallets. Many websites online actually boast the authentic look of their fake watches, and insist their product is better and more reliable than other replicas.

There are two main types of counterfeits on the market, one is by trademark violation and the other is by design violation. A trademark violation watch will copy the brand name or symbols of a legitimate watch. It also includes any false claims like “Water/Shock Resistant” or claiming to be made of gold, silver, or any other precious metals. Oftentimes, replica watches will have a few legitimate parts, such a leather straps or gold buckles to fool potential customers. A design violation is when a counterfeit is designed to look like an original, such as using the same model as a Rolex or Audemars.  Both of these types of counterfeits are illegal and production can result in jail time.

A fakeRolex, or Folex

As Valentine’s Day approaches, and many feel their purses tightening, the temptation to wow your significant other with what they think is a genuine Chanel or Bvlgari watch is probably quite hard to resist. The risk factor, however, is not truly worth the gain. Especially if your girlfriend finds out that Gucci watch she has been showing off is a fake! Best to stick with a modest but classy watch for Valentine’s this year.

Known for their support of extreme aviation and diving, Breitling watches of Switzerland has a long-standing relationship as the official timekeeping partner of Bentley Motors. In February 2012, Breitling released the limited edition Bentley GMT “V8″ Chronograph inspired by Bentley’s new Continental GT V8 luxury coupe.

The 2013 Continental GT represents a step toward environmental consciousness for Bentley. The new 2013 model features a powerful V8 engine, trimmed down from the 2012 Continental’s behemoth W12 engine. The change results in 40 percent improved fuel economy and 40 percent less carbon dioxide emissions. Keep in mind that these figures are in comparison with the 2012 Continental’s 11 miles per gallon city and 19 highway. Although the official EPA rating have yet to be released, the 2013 Bentley Continental is unlikely to see a fuel efficiency above 26 mpg, although that is a significant improvement for a high performance automobile.

Breitling’s timepiece counterpart is infinitely more environment friendly, just as stylish and less expensive. The new Breitling chronograph features striking red and black styling that reflects the red detailing on the Bentley 2013 Continental GT V8. Breitling will produce only 250 of the limited edition chronographs, retailing for $10,590 each. The watch has all the engineering sophistication expected from Breitling. Increased precision on the new watch is due to a sweep seconds hand that makes a complete rotation every half-minute, thereby allowing accurate timekeeping to an eighth of a second. A marriage of British concept and Swiss technology, the Breitling Bentley GMT “V8″ is truly an international timepiece with multiple time zone display features. The Breitling Bentley GMT “V8″ watch features:

• Royal ebony dial
• Rubber bracelet
• Metallic red finish on the inner bezel
• Glare-proof sapphire crystal
• Rotating bezel inscribed with the names of 24 major cities
• Water resistant to 328 feet
• Self-winding chronograph movement certified by the COSC (the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute)
• Additional hour hand (red triangle) making one complete rotation every 24 hours
• 49 mm steel case
• Calendar display

Breitling and Bentley form a unique partnership based on more than their shared winged B logo. Of BfB’s (Breitling for Bentley) new limited edition, Breitling says, “Embodying the perfect combination of technique and aesthetics, it is designed to appeal to connoisseurs and to all those with a love of rare and exclusive watches.” The Breitling for Bentley collection features 13 exclusive timepieces including the Bentley Bernato Racing watch, the Bentely Motors T chronograph and Mark VI Complications 19.

With the end of the Football season, teams, coaches, players, and management look back on the highs and lows of the season. For Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, his season would not have been complete without help from his teammates. To show his appreciation, Rice gave fullback Vonta Leach and the Ravens offensive linemen Breitling watches as a thank you for the season.

Rice had a banner year with the Ravens, with a career high 1,364 rushing yards that came up just short of the NFL rushing title. Rice did lead the league in yards from scrimmage, piling up 2,068. Rice’s 15 touchdowns was a Ravens franchise record.

Ravens running back Ray Rice gave teammates Breitling Watches as a thank you for a great season.

It would be very difficult for any football player to rack up such impressive numbers without a solid team around him, and Rice was aware of that. The gift of Breitling watches, which retail between $4,00-$15,000, was Rice’s way of giving a big thank you to fullback Leach and the offensive line.

The gift was appreciated by Rice’s teammates. Matt Birk, Ravens center, said of his Breitling, “It’s like no watch I’ve ever had before. It actually has hands on it…I really have never owned a watch before.” Birk went on to say that Rice makes the offensive line look better than they are, and is appreciative of his generosity.

Breitling is a luxury Swiss watch brand that has been making watches since 1884. Watches are offered in three categories: Diving, Aviation, and Luxury. Some of Breitling’s sponsorships have included the first circumnavigation of the globe by balloon and the first jet pack flights by Yves Rossy. Breitling sponsors the Reno Air Race.

As the NFL looks ahead toward the 2012 season, several members of the Baltimore Ravens have Breitling watches as a reminder of this past season, thanks to the generous gift of their teammate Ray Rice.

The Breitling Watch Ray Rice gave his teammates.

The Breitling Jet Team preparing for their aerial maneuvers .

At the end of 2011, luxury watchmaker Breitling and its Jet Team just finished a tour around the East Mediterranean. The group of jet pilots were in the air around eastern Europe to promote Breitling and show off their skills in the skies.

The jets representing Breitling are the biggest contingent of a professional civilian jet aerobatic team. They finished their tour in which they flew over five countries in Dijon, France. The team consisted of seven jets with this tour lasting just over 18 days.

The Jet Team was flying over scenic areas around the Southern and Eastern region of the Mediterranean. In two countries, Beirut and Amman, entire airfields were shut down for the aerial displays by the gymnasts of the sky. Regardless of country or time of day, citizens came out in full force to see the Breitling Jet Team, even crowding rooftops and city streets to watch the jets perform.

There were many highlights on the tour for the Breitling Jet Team. They flew 1000 feet below sea level in Jordan over the dead sea. In Greece, the jets took a quick fly over the Acropolis. Later, in Turkey, the team put on a show over the Golden Horn. The Breitling Jet Team took their time, savoring the flights over the iconic places of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The team flies in L-390 Albatros jet air crafts. They finished their tour of the East Mediterranean on December 6, 2012 and are set to have maintenance on their jets during the rest of the winter to prepare for the upcoming 2012 season.

Of course, Breitling is not only in the Jet aerobatics business. Their main draw is their absolutely astonishing watches. The watch manufacturer has been around since 1884 and have been dubbed the unofficial inventor of the modern chronograph. Leon Breitling, the founder of Breitling watches, wanted to devote himself to an industry that was just about to expand into the American mainstream. In 1915, Breitling came out with the first independent chronograph pushpiece.

Picture of the Chrono Bentley Watch from Breitling

The line of Breitling watches has evolved into an international success. The watch manufacturer also prides itself on its close ties with the aviation industry. As seen above, the correlation between aviation and Breitling is as stark as ever. The Jet Team represents Breitling’s passion for the skies as well and spectacular luxury watches.

The Breitling Extreme 800 is scheduled for summer 2012.

Known for their highly functional and durable timepieces, Breitling is not only famous for its extreme precision. A primarily athletics-aimed company, the watch making brand has accompanied a number of extreme sports members in their energetic pursuits. This year, pilot and extreme record guru Herbert Nitsch will take the Breitling test to a new level – 800 feet below sea level, to be exact.

In June of 2007, Nitsch, or “The Flying Fish,” freedove a record 700 feet into the Aegean Sea off the Greek island of Spetses. Though this surpassed the efforts of his adventurous competitors, Nitsch is currently in preparation to take another plunge with his Breitling with the goal to break his own record. After a handful of successful trial runs with equipment as high-tech and reliable as Breitling watches themselves, Nitsch is scheduled to dive again this summer, this time off the island of Santorini, to officially claim 2012’s Breitling Extreme 800 for the second year in a row.

Originally founded in 1884 by Leon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the private company is currently headquartered in Grenolen. Since 2000, the company has focused on the production of certified chronometers, due to their high functionality in extreme conditions. Sounding somewhat of a misnomer, the watches are famous for their complications, meaning they frequently feature qualities beyond the simple display of hours, minutes, and seconds. This ambitious style is used because the Breitling pieces are typically created with a targeted clientele in mind—the manufacturer generates watches for diving, aviation, as well as traditional luxury, and many end up in conditions as intense as the drive of their owners.

Herbert Nitsch dives for Breitling

With names like Navimeter and SuperOcean, it’s no secret that Breitling watches are built to withstand excessive environments. The Navimeter offers aviation functions, the SuperOcean is capable of enduring the utmost amounts of water and pressure, and extreme luxury options like the Breitling for Bentley can offer highly complex movements, gold cases and bracelets, and diamonds on the bezel. The watch was even a competitor with Omega to launch to the moon, but Breitling instead remained experts of the sea, sky, and sports car.

Perhaps most impressive is the Emergency. This incredible timepiece is intended for civil as well as military pilots, but is also available to the public on the condition that buyers sign an agreement to compensate in the event of a rescue service. The Breitling Emergency features a radio transmitter which broadcasts on distress frequencies, and has even been reported to save lives.

Whatever the feat, the extreme events associated with this brand make Breitling watches a reliable and trustworthy choice, for highway cruisers and freedivers alike.