Breitling’s ‘legendary’ event in Dubai
Breitling Dubai
Breitling celebrated the Middle East launch of its new Navitimer 8 collection at a press conference in Dubai, UAE, as part of its international roadshow
Georges Kern, Breitling’s new global CEO, introduced the new models at the event on March 5, 2018, along with the brand’s next chapter, dubbed its ‘legendary future’. The event was part of Breitling’s international Roadshow, which debuted in Shanghai in late January with further stopovers in Zurich, Munich, London, and New York.
Georges Kern, who was named CEO of Breitling in 2017, discussed the brand’s rich heritage and its direction, committing himself to taking Breitling into what he described as “a legendary future.” During the press conference, Kern also announced the opening of a second Breitling Boutique in The Dubai Mall later this year.
The Navitimer 8 family introduces five distinct models that draw heavily on Breitling’s design DNA and the technical features of the first board clocks and pilot’s wristwatches as well as on the Huit Aviation Department’s commitment to quality. The 8 in its name is a nod to the Huit Aviation Department, which was set up in 1938 to produce cockpit instruments as well as classic pilot watches for civilian and military use. At the time, Willy Breitling chose the name “Huit,” the French word for “eight,” as a reference to the eight-day power reserve offered by its storied cockpit instruments.
The new watches resurrect some of the design values of the Huit Aviation Department’s on-board clocks – especially in terms of the dials and bezels – as well as Breitling’s iconic pilot’s watch, Reference 768, with the rotating bezel and distinctive triangular pointer that made it a favourite among pilots. Just as important were the luminous hands against black dials that offered easy readability in any lighting conditions, and which also contributed to Breitling’s aviation heritage. The Navitimer 8 watches recall the uncompromising flair of that earlier era.
It starts with the eye-catching case: with the typical notches on the bezel, its contrasting satin and polished surfaces, and its artfully shaped lugs, which offers – from the very first glance – a compelling blend of sportiness and elegance.
Each Navitimer 8 watch is water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters). Their dials are all visible through sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating on both sides. The chronographs in the family offer power reserves ranging from 40 to more than 70 hours, depending on the model and movement.
