Breitling Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation with Limited Edition Timepiece

Wilton, Conn. (Dec. 13, 2011) – As part of Breitling’s year-long salute to the 100th anniversary of naval aviation, the Swiss watchmaker has produced a special timepiece: the Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf. The first piece of this series has been on a journey that took it across the globe and into space, and will conclude with an auction to benefit the National Flight Academy.

The Limited Edition Airwolf was officially unveiled in January 2011 at the grand opening of Breitling’s flagship boutique in Manhattan. A favorite of aviation professionals, the commemorative timepiece features functions utilized by pilots: 1/100th of a second chronograph with split times, alarm, countdown, 2nd timezone with independent alarm, UTC and perpetual calendar. The NVG-compatible display back-lighting system enables nighttime read-off and a turbine-shaped case back serves as a resonance chamber for the alarm.

Five hundred pieces were produces, with 50 given to the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation, of which Breitling is a Silver National sponsor. For each additional watch sold, $100 will be donated back to the foundation.

The first piece produced (#1) has spent the year traveling around the globe with naval aviators. On its first and most momentous journey, it traveled beyond the earth’s orbit on a historic flight with the space shuttle Endeavor in may. Commander Mark Kelly wore the watch in space during his and the shuttles’s last flight before the retirement.

Breitling will auction the #1 timepiece to benefit the National Flight Academy, whose mission is to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and math through aviation. More information announcing the auction details will be forthcoming.

Throughout the year, Breitling has participated in events and celebrations that tie in with the watchmaker’s long-time affiliation with the world of aviation. The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is a non-profit organization founded to commemorate the Navy’s historical anniversary and honor and raise awareness for naval aviation.

The Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf will be sold at Breitling’s flagship Manhattan boutique and through its network of authorized retailers (retail price $4,500). For more information, please visit www.breitling.com.

About Breitling

Leon Breitling founded the company in 1884 in St. Imier, Switzerland. Breitling is the only watch brand to equip all of its models with chronometer-certified movements – the ultimate token of precision. In 2009, the company introduced a 100 percent in-house movement, the Caliber 01, the most reliable, high-performance self-winding chronograph movement.

King Jewelers is proud to be an authorized retailer for Breitling watches in Nashville, TN and Aventura, FL. For more information regarding pricing and availability of Breitling watches, please email us at info@kings1912.com.