The Breitling Airline Capsule collection was released back in January but we had to wait till Baselworld in March to get hands on with some physical watches and it was well worth the wait…
The Collection comprises 3 special edition Navitimers in collaboration with 3 iconic Airlines, Swiss Air, Pan Am and TWA, celebrating their history in aviation and the ‘Golden Era’ of the 1960s and 70s which definitely comes through in the retro design of each piece.
The vintage inspiration for which I previously covered here .

It has been a couple of weeks now since Basel and although the new 1959 Navitimer Re-Issue stole the show and in turn a lot of the attention I am sorely tempted by the Airline Collection, especially with how they appeal to my passion for the more retro vintage Breitling watches that I collect from the 60s and 70s.
It has taken this long though to finally settle on which of the 3 is my favourite…

If you have deep enough pockets and can’t decide which you prefer then you could opt to just buy all 3 but they are sold separately so lets take a look at them individually…

Swiss Air

The former national airline of Breitlings home country the Swiss Air Edition features a ‘Reverse Panda’ Black dial, Red slide rule highlights and hands. The crystal case back features the Swiss Air logo.
An initial front runner for me due to its direct similarities to one of my favourite vintage pieces the Chronomat 7808.

Pan Am

Possibly the most iconic of all airlines particularly with vintage watch enthusiasts. Pan American World Airways was the largest international air carrier in the US from 1927 until it ceased operations in the early 1990s. Pan Am still remains in the hearts and minds of many for its everlasting link to the excitement of air travel with its immediately recognizable Blue Globe logo that also adorns the case back of this edition.

TWA

Trans World Airlines was a major American airline with its famous futurist Terminal at JFK Airport designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1962. The commemorative watch features a Silver dial with Anthracite sub dials and the common theme of Red highlights that runs through the Airline collection. The TWA differs slightly to the other 2 pieces by having Gold markers on the dial, a possible nod to the golden yellow Globe design back drop of the TWA logo that appears on the case back.

The technical specifications of all 3 watches are the same. With the B01 automatic chronograph movement inside and a pleasing 43mm case size. Strap options shown in the initial release photos put the Swiss Air on Black leather vintage inspired strap, Pan Am on stainless steel mesh bracelet and the TWA on Brown leather vintage inspired strap.

Sapphire crystal case backs with the Airline logos.

This Special Edition collection is not numbered though as confirmed by Breitling CEO Georges Kern they will be ‘produced for a limited time and consequently in a limited volume’.

The new concept of Breitling to produce these Capsule Collections helps to generate interest in the story telling of their rich history, not only in watch making but as with this specific collection the deep routed connection to aviation with technical instruments as well as the iconic Pilot watches they supplied.

I found the release of the Airline Collection particularly exciting as it was a noticeable jump by Breitling to further explore their heritage and this time in a more eye catching and vintage inspired way, leading nicely into the greatly anticipated Baselworld release of the 1959 Navitimer taking the vintage inspiration to the ultimate level.
For someone that has always loved Breitling watches I haven’t actually purchased a modern Breitling for many years (plenty of vintage though). I already now find myself in the first quarter of 2019 with two very different Navitimers on order and watching in anticipation for whats to come and trust me it is going to be amazing stuff.

So which Airline Edition to choose?…
Ultimately its going to come down to either your favourite colour combo or your favourite Airline.
As a vintage watch guy your heart is always going to sway towards the allure of Pan Am, though initially the Blue was very striking (now I have seen in real life it works very well) and it was only pictured on steel mesh bracelet, a look that although vintage in nature does not really appeal to me.
Don’t worry Breitling have come to the rescue since Basel with strap variations, no Blue strap, but the Pan Am is now also shown on the Brown leather vintage style strap and its a stunner!

Pan Am Edition on Brown strap (I added the matching Blue stitching for extra customization).

Final thoughts…
Inevitably there will be one specific Navitimer on most peoples wish lists this year but also inevitably the demand is going to out strip the supply (if it already hasn’t). So don’t be disheartened if you miss out as I feel the Airline Editions offer a very cool alternative whilst still giving you that vintage kick you are looking for all be it a more retro vibe.
The Airline Capsule Collection is a seriously desirable set of watches in their own right and I know many have been struggling to decide between the 3 (first world problems, I know).

Landing in April so available very soon at a starting price of £6,530.

For further info and specs visit the Breitling website.

All the Best
S