Breitling is boldly respected as an aeronautical semblance of aged engineering, and superbly envisioned Swiss time manufacturing. Practical purpose empowered by imperishable quality has made Breitling a world renowned watch maker. If Cartier symbolizes elegance for the 21st century gentleman, then Breitling epitomizes power. Established in Grenchen, Switzerland in 1884, these timepieces were designed void of senescence to aid pilots, and cosmonauts during any and all points of travel. Large faces appropriately complement various analog dials, and mechanical features such as the flyback function, split-second, moon phase, and date display to name a few.

In case you were pessimistically opposed to the robust concept of a Breitling, appreciate that the effective radio transmitter beacon within the Breitling “Emergency” has proficiently saved pilots stranded in the most perilous realms of the globe. Consider that, when even your envied Sky Moon Tourbillon Patek Phillipe would simply tick away your minutes with million dollar precision! Although Breitlings are worn simply as high-end status symbols by most, after all things are considered, the brand is a symbol of brilliantly targeted innovation. The heart and soul of the timeless watch powers forward into the future, as the chosen timepiece for many businessmen, travelers, and figurative pillars of society. At the pinnacle of this flight are The Breitling Jet Team, arguably the purest exemplification of how and why this brand was originally inspired.

The Breitling Jet Team are the worlds first aerobatic civilian showcase of precision-formation flying. Seven L-39 Albatros jets sporting the colors of the Breitling brand are flown by the expert pilots: Jacques Bothelin (team founder and leader), Bernard Charbonnel, Christophe Deketelaere, Philippe Laloix, Patrick Marchand, François Ponsont and Frédéric Schwebel. They come from various backgrounds, comprising thousands of hours of flight experience. Performing three basic flight routines throughout Europe and the Middle East, they have been able to carve a distinct admiration out of the passionate loyalty previously garnered only by patriotic military flight teams such as the U.S.A.F Thunderbirds, Italian Frecce Tricolori, and Russian Knights (to name a few).

“Clear sky”,  requires a ceiling of 1,500 m (5,000 feet), and enables performance of all the vertical figures. “Reduced ceiling” is a variation requiring a ceiling of 1,000 m (3,300 feet), which limits vertical figures. “Low ceiling” streams the team across the horizontal plane, while performing palm sweating crossovers. Disregarding the FA-18, it is conceivable that with the similar colors, and expert flying, one could easily mistake Patrouille Breitling for America’s premier U.S.M.C. Blue Angels.

Like the Blue Angels, the Breitling Jet Team typifies confidence and reason. The Angels supporting U.S. Marine and Naval recruiting, and Patrouille Breitling pushing for watch sales. Within the vast scope of global marketing principles, and diverse advertising initiatives, Breitling valiantly stands out as a premier company that has successfully maintained it’s image, without compromising brand integrity. A watch for the elite individual who confidently navigates through the predicaments and adventures of life, Breitling is truly impressive. Hopefully they will sacrifice some John Travolta billboards, and allocate marketing funds for the Jet Team to visit the states. Until then, travel well, and enjoy the show on your next worldy trip to France, where upcoming tour dates take place in Darois, Palvas Les Flots, St. Tropez, and Toulon.

Use your instruments professionally, gents…

A.M.C.