When it comes to wristwatches that inspire dreams of adventure, the Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter takes the cake (or, perhaps more fittingly, the celebratory champagne!). This timepiece isn't just about telling time; it's a tribute to human daring and a testament to cutting-edge technology. So, buckle up, watch enthusiasts and aviation aficionados, as we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of the Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter.
A Legacy Takes Flight: Celebrating the Orbiter 3 Mission
In 1999, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones achieved the seemingly impossible – piloting a hot air balloon on a non-stop journey around the world. Their incredible feat, lasting over 19 days and covering a staggering 45,633 kilometers, cemented their place in aviation history. To commemorate this remarkable accomplishment, Breitling, a brand synonymous with pilot's watches, released the Aerospace B70 Orbiter on the 25th anniversary.
A Modern Marvel: Unveiling the B70 Orbiter's Features
Basic Information on The Arbiter
Brand: Breitling
Model: Aerospace B70 Orbiter
Reference Number: EB70101A1O1E1 and EB70101A1O1S1
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12.95mm
- Case Material: Titanium
- Dial Color: Orange (gradient)
- Indexes: Applied, arabic
- Lume: Super-Luminova on the indexes and hands
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Strap/Bracelet: Titanium bracelet or black rubber with folding clasp
The Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter is more than just a commemorative timepiece; it's a feature-packed tool watch built for the skies. Here's what makes this Breitling soar:
SuperQuartz™ Movement
At the heart of the B70 Orbiter lies a Breitling Manufacture Caliber B70, a COSC-certified chronometer movement known for its exceptional accuracy and reliability. This powerhouse delivers functions like a 1/100th-of-a-second chronograph, a countdown timer, and multiple time zones – perfect for navigating the globe.
Grade 2 Titanium Construction
Built to withstand the rigors of flight, the B70 Orbiter utilizes lightweight yet robust Grade 2 titanium. This not only ensures durability but also provides a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.
The Orbiter Touch
Commemorative Details: A true collector's piece, the B70 Orbiter boasts subtle design cues that pay homage to the Orbiter 3 mission. The smoky orange dial reflects the balloon's gondola, while the Orbiter insignia flanks the central pinion. Additionally, some models even incorporate a fragment of the balloon's material into the caseback, making each watch a unique piece of history.
The Orbiter's Pricing
There are no set numbers or limits on how many Aerospace B70 Orbiters can be made as long as real pieces of the Orbiter 3 balloon are available for use in the caseback. People who are interested can expect to pay $4,700 for the rubber strap or $4,900 for the titanium bracelet.
Read more: 5 Best Watch Winders for Breitling: 2023's Elite Picks!
A Piece of History on Your Wrist
The Breitling Orbiter 3 wasn't your average hot air balloon. This colossal marvel, sponsored by Breitling, was specifically designed to achieve the seemingly impossible – a non-stop, around-the-globe flight.
Built by a team led by renowned balloonist Bertrand Piccard, the Orbiter 3 was a feat of engineering, boasting a massive envelope capable of holding 55,000 cubic meters of helium, a gondola equipped with life support systems, and advanced navigation technology.
From the Skies to Your Wrist
In 1999, after 19 days and 21 hours, Piccard and his co-pilot Brian Jones successfully completed their historic journey, etching their names in aviation history. To commemorate this remarkable achievement, Breitling created the Aerospace B70 Orbiter. This wasn't just a watch; it was a tribute to the Orbiter 3 mission and the human spirit of exploration.
A Tiny Piece, a Big Story
The most unique element of the B70 Orbiter is the inclusion of a small fragment of the actual Orbiter 3 balloon material embedded in the watch's transparent caseback. This seemingly insignificant piece of fabric carries immense weight.
It's a tangible connection to the historic flight, a constant reminder of human ingenuity and daring. Every time you glance at your wrist, you're not just checking the time; you're reliving a pivotal moment in aviation history.
A Timeless Tale: The B70 Orbiter Amongst Vintage Greats
The B70 Orbiter joins a prestigious lineage of pilot's watches. While it offers modern technology, it shares the spirit of exploration and precision embodied by vintage icons like:
Rolex GMT-Master
Renowned for its functionality and iconic design, the Rolex GMT-Master is a legend amongst pilot's watches. The self-winding mechanical movement offers reliable timekeeping, while the rotatable bezel with multiple time zones allows pilots to track a second time zone effortlessly. The Oyster case construction is known for its exceptional water resistance, making this watch a true tool watch.
Specs:
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3185 (or similar) - Self-winding mechanical movement with a 70-hour power reserve
- Functions: Time, date, GMT function with rotatable bezel for tracking a second time zone
- Case: Oystersteel (stainless steel), 40mm diameter (earlier models) or 41mm diameter (current models)
- Water Resistance: 100 meters (10 bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Strap: Oyster bracelet (stainless steel)
Read more: A Full Comparison of Rolex vs Breitling: Which One is Better?
Omega Speedmaster Professional
This legendary chronograph, nicknamed the "Moonwatch," is celebrated for its role in the Apollo missions. The manual-winding movement delivers precise timing, and the chronograph function is ideal for measuring elapsed time during critical maneuvers. While the water resistance is moderate, the Hesalite crystal offers good scratch resistance. The Speedmaster Professional is a timeless icon that embodies both functionality and historical significance.
Specs:
- Movement: Omega Caliber 1861 - Manual-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a 48-hour power reserve
- Functions: Chronograph, time, subdials for elapsed seconds, 30-minute recorder, and 12-hour recorder
- Case: Stainless steel, 42mm diameter
- Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 bar)
- Crystal: Hesalite crystal (acrylic)
- Strap: Nylon strap with a signed buckle (other strap options available)
Read more: Finding the Better Brand: Omega vs Breitling (2023 Deep Review)
Breitling Navitimer
A favorite amongst pilots for decades, the Navitimer is a feature-rich chronograph. The self-winding mechanical movement provides reliable timekeeping, while the chronograph function allows for split-second timing. Most importantly, the iconic slide rule bezel offers a unique tool for performing essential in-flight calculations, making this watch a true pilot's companion.
Specs:
- Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01 (or similar) - Self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a 70-hour power reserve
- Functions: Chronograph, slide rule bezel for performing in-flight calculations, time, date
- Case: Stainless steel, 46mm diameter (varies depending on model)
- Water Resistance: 30 meters (3 bar) to 200 meters (20 bar) depending on the model
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Strap: Leather strap or metal bracelet depending on the model
Bulova Accutron
In its time, the Accutron revolutionized the watch industry with its innovative tuning fork movement. Offering exceptional accuracy that rivaled quartz watches, the Accutron was a game-changer. While not specifically a pilot's watch, its reliability and pioneering technology paved the way for advancements in modern timekeeping.
Specs:
- Movement: Bulova Accutron tuning fork movement - Electronically powered movement known for its high accuracy
- Functions: Time, date (on some models)
- Case: Various materials used, including stainless steel, gold-plated, and plastic
- Water Resistance: Varies depending on the model
- Crystal: Acrylic crystal
Vintage Cartier Santos
An embodiment of elegance and sophistication, the Cartier Santos is a timeless classic. The manual-winding mechanical movement ensures a long-lasting legacy, while the square-shaped case and exposed screws exude a distinct personality. While not designed for the rigors of flight, the Santos complements the B70 Orbiter's modern functionality with its enduring charm.
Specs:
- Movement: Manual-winding mechanical movement (various calibers used)
- Functions: Time
- Case: Stainless steel or yellow gold, square-shaped case
- Water Resistance: Not typically water-resistant
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal (later models) or acrylic crystal (earlier models)
- Strap: Leather strap or metal bracelet
Read more: Unmissable! 5 Best Watch Winders for Cartier to Buy in 2023!
Owning a Piece of History: Finding Your Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter
The Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter is a watch that transcends mere timekeeping. It's a symbol of human achievement and a testament to the enduring allure of flight. While the original production run is complete, watch enthusiasts can find pre-owned B70 Orbiters through reputable dealers.
The Best Watch Winders for the Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter
So, you've snagged yourself a Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter – a watch that honors a historic aviation achievement and features cutting-edge technology. Like any high-tech machine, your B70 Orbiter needs to be taken care of to keep it running well. That's where a watch winder comes in. Trust us—finding the right one for this one-of-a-kind watch is just as important as finding the right friend. Let's look at some of the best ways to keep your B70 Orbiter in great shape!
The Virtuoso™ 6 Watch Winder
VIRTUOSO™ Series 6
Ebony Macassar, silent Mabuchi® tech, touch controls, key lock, supports 99% automatic watches. Perfect for cherished timepieces with smart remote control.
Discover NowBest Deals
Imagine this: you slip your B70 Orbiter onto a luxurious, handcrafted platform that mimics the exact rotations it would experience during an actual flight. That's the magic of the Virtuoso™ 6 Watch Winder. This state-of-the-art marvel boasts customizable programs that replicate real-world scenarios, ensuring your B70 Orbiter's automatic movement stays lubricated and accurate, even when you're not wearing it.
Plus, with its sleek, elegant design, the Virtuoso™ becomes a conversation starter in any room. Don't let your B70 Orbiter become a grounded pilot; give it the first-class treatment it deserves with the Virtuoso™ 6 .
Specs:
- Weight: 8.68 kg/19.1 lbs
- Dimensions: L. 14.6 x W. 11.8 x H. 20.5 inch
- Rotation direction: Alternating, left, right
- Rotations per day: Individual Programmable Rotor
- Power supply: 5V3A
- Exterior Finish: Ebony Macassar wood veneer with high-gloss piano finish
- Interior Finish: Genuine leather
- Safety Lock: Exclusive Key
- Interior Ambient Lights: Yes
- Touch Screen Control: Yes
- Engine: Soundless Japanese Mabuchi® Rotors
The Impresario™ Series 12 Watch Winder
IMPRESARIO™ Series 12
Macassar wood, Fingerprint™ security, programmable rotors, silent Mabuchi® tech, touchscreen settings. Luxurious display for discerning collectors.
Discover NowBest Deals
Maybe you're not a one-watch kind of person. Perhaps your collection boasts a whole squadron of timekeeping marvels. If that's the case, then the Impresario™ Series 12 Watch Winder is your maestro. This powerhouse accommodates up to 12 watches, each on its own customizable program.
So, your B70 Orbiter can have its own unique rotation pattern, while your other automatic beauties receive the TLC they need. The Impresario™ also features a super-silent motor and a variety of luxurious finishes, making it a symphony of functionality and style. Stop juggling multiple winders – let the Impresario™ Series 12 become the conductor of your watch collection.
Specs:
- Weight: 18.55 kg/40.8 lbs
- Dimensions: L. 20.5" x W. 14.2" x H. 27.9" (52.07cm x 36.07cm x 70.86cm)
- Operation by: LCD display
- Rotation direction: Clockwise, Counter-clockwise, or Bi-directional
- Rotations per day: Individual Programmable Rotor
- Power supply: 5V3A
- Exterior Finish: Ebony Macassar wood veneer with high-gloss piano finish
- Interior Finish: Genuine Leather
- Safety Lock: Fingerprint™ Unlock System
- Interior Ambient Lights: Yes
- Touch Screen Control: Yes
- Engine: Japanese Mabuchi® Rotors
Conclusion
The Breitling Aerospace B70 Orbiter is more than just a watch; it's a tribute to how far people have come and how far technology has come. With features like a SuperQuartzTM movement and a Grade 2 titanium case, this watch is a reliable companion for any adventure.
It is an elegant, historical piece that combines one of mankind's greatest achievement. Be it sitting on your wrist or shelf, keep your B70 Orbiter flying with the right protection.
They are the best way to take care of this amazing piece of aviation history. We're sure you know here to look.
