931
Breitling
Ref. E56321
Emergency Orbiter 3
An unusual, commemorative and rare limited edition titanium quartz multi-function wristwatch with antenna compartments, bracelet, warranty and presentation case, numbered 1,352 of a limited edition of 1,999 pieces, commemorating the successful journey of Breitling Orbiter 3 as the first balloon to fly around the world non-stop
- Estimate
- HK$24,000 - 40,000€2,800 - 4,700$3,100 - 5,100
HK$27,940
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breitling
- Year
- Circa 2002
- Reference No
- E56321
- Case No
- 79’450 and 1352/1999
- Model Name
- Emergency Orbiter 3
- Material
- Titanium
- Calibre
- Quartz
- Bracelet/Strap
- Titanium Breitling bracelet, max length 200mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Titanium Breitling deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 43mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Breitling warranty stamped The Hour Glass Singapore dated 15th February 2002, limited edition certificate, attestation, instruction manual, product literature, newspaper article on the Orbiter 3 in 2002, B-shaped swatch of Mylar from the skin of the Orbiter 3, product videotape, a book “The Greatest Adventure” by Piccard Bertrand and Brian Jones, radio receiver and presentation case.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
After investing over $7 million in research and development, the Emergency debuted in 1995, featuring two antenna compartments on the case back. This innovative watch was designed to activate the locator beacon once the antenna was uncoiled, sending a unique SOS signal on the official aviation emergency frequency of 121.5 MHz, thus aiding rescuers in locating a downed pilot.
The story of this watch is particularly notable thanks to two adventurers, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, who wore Emergencies during their historic journey. On March 1, 1999, they launched a high-tech helium balloon “Breitling Orbiter 3” from Switzerland with the ambitious goal of circumnavigating the globe on air currents, nonstop. They completed the journey 20 days later with their Emergency antennae safely stowed. This limited edition of 1999 pieces commemorates that remarkable feat and comes packaged with a signed and numbered certificate, along with a B-shaped swatch of shiny Mylar from the skin of the globe-circling balloon.
Included in the complete set of accessories is a videotape detailing the watch and a book co-authored by Piccard and Jones, with a personal message from Bertrand Piccard in the opening pages.
Breitling recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of this significant event, highlighting the collection as a testament to Breitling's steadfast dedication to producing not just functional tools but also potentially life-saving instruments.
The story of this watch is particularly notable thanks to two adventurers, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, who wore Emergencies during their historic journey. On March 1, 1999, they launched a high-tech helium balloon “Breitling Orbiter 3” from Switzerland with the ambitious goal of circumnavigating the globe on air currents, nonstop. They completed the journey 20 days later with their Emergency antennae safely stowed. This limited edition of 1999 pieces commemorates that remarkable feat and comes packaged with a signed and numbered certificate, along with a B-shaped swatch of shiny Mylar from the skin of the globe-circling balloon.
Included in the complete set of accessories is a videotape detailing the watch and a book co-authored by Piccard and Jones, with a personal message from Bertrand Piccard in the opening pages.
Breitling recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of this significant event, highlighting the collection as a testament to Breitling's steadfast dedication to producing not just functional tools but also potentially life-saving instruments.
Breitling
Swiss | 1884The firm started by Leon Breitling in 1884 is best known for its technical aviation and oceanic watches. Today, all models are outfitted with certified chronometer movements, used for accurate timing. Early aviation pioneers in specialized chronograph timepieces, Breitling introduced the circular slide rule to watches in the 1940s for use by pilots. The firm’s most iconic chronograph, the Navitimer, was introduced in 1954 and continues to be manufactured today. Another key model is the Duograph, a split-seconds chronograph that was Breitling's most prestigious wristwatch during the 1940s through '60s. Their watches are built on their reputation for precision and sturdiness.
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