Breitling - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Breitling

    Swiss • 1884

    The 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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931

Ref. E56321
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

Circa 2002
43mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$24,000 - 40,000 
€2,800-4,700
$3,100-5,100

Sold for HK$27,940

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024