In the 1950s and 1960s, Breitling shared the finest hours in the amazing saga of the conquest of the skies. The famous Navitimer, launched in 1952, rapidly established itself as the cult watch among pilots and other devotees of aviation. The brand supplied onboard chronographs for the propeller planes and subsequently the jet planes of numerous aircraft manufacturers and airlines, thus becoming the “official supplier to world aviation”. In 1958, building upon the reputation for excellence acquired by its instruments for professionals, Breitling launched a new model named Transocean. “Men who have faith in the mighty liners of the sky will trust the Transocean, for behind every Breitling wristwatch lies the experience of aviation precision” – ran the slogan. This high-performance shock-resistant, antimagnetic and super-watertight model was also distinguished by its extremely precise chronometer-certified selfwinding movement. Endowed with an understated and refined design, it soon became a great success and proudly accompanied the boom in transatlantic travel, in an era when the famous Boeing 707, DC-8 and Caravelle aircraft – three symbols of speed, comfort and security – were bringing continents closer together than ever.
The new Transocean
Breitling pays tribute to this landmark model in its brand history by launching a new collection also inspired by the spirit of great journeys and luxury long-haul aircraft. While the pure lines of today’s Transocean are strongly reminiscent of the finest classic chronographs of the 1950s and 1960s, the new model reinterprets them in a resolutely contemporary style. The elegant case is distinguished by its perfectly understated design, magnified by a smooth, slender bezel with a beveled profile and streamlined lugs molding the wrist. The epitome of simplicity. The classic round pushpieces, a nod to the first waterresistant pushpieces, lend a subtle vintage touch, while the large “baton” type straight-line hands, highlighted by a luminescent substance, convey a more modern aura. A prime example of clarity and readability, the dial features meticulously refined details such as applied hour-markers, counters that are finely recessed and “snailed” (decorated with a spiral motif), and an 18K gold rendering of the initial B that served for many years as the brand emblem.
At the heart of this model lies an exceptional “engine” also designed to keep precise and reliable time throughout the longest journeys, since the Transocean is equipped with Caliber 01, a high-performance selfwinding chronograph movement entirely developed and produced within the Breitling workshop and chronometer certified like all the brand’s movements. A model of discreet luxury, fine craftsmanship and technical perfection, the new Transocean is 100% Swiss made, as indeed are all chronographs and wrist instruments bearing the Breitling signature.
A limited edition epitomizing refined luxury
As a prelude to the launch of the series-produced models, Breitling offers collectors and enthusiasts of milestone watches a special edition of this new first-class chronograph. Issued in worldwide series of 2,000 in steel and 200 in red gold, the Transocean Chronograph Limited is equipped with a polished case and bezel and carries the individual number engraved on the case middle. It is available with two dial variations – Mercury Silver or black – and comes fitted with a choice of leather or crocodile leather strap, or a woven steel bracelet. Contrary to future models in the series, to be endowed with solid casebacks, this limited-edition model water-resistant to 100 meters (330 ft) boasts a transparent back serving to reveal the 100% Breitling-made chronograph caliber with its column wheel and its distinctive architecture. An open window on excellence.
