On December 17th 1903, the historical flight by the Wright brothers marked the birth of aviation, and would change the world forever. As a privileged partner of the aeronautical world, BREITLING pays tribute to one hundred years of history by issuing the MONTBRILLANT 1903 chronograph.

Kitty Hawk (North Carolina), December 17th 1903, 10:35 hours. The Wright brothers accomplish the first flight of a heavier-than-air powered craft. The feat lasted a mere 12 seconds, covering a distance of 120 feet, but it rewarded the perseverance, the courage and the innovative spirit of all pioneers of flight who had contributed to fulfilling one of humankind’s oldest dreams. Acentury later, aviation has experienced spectacular growth. It has overturned existingnotions of time and distance, shrinking the gaps between continents.

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Meanwhile, BREITLING has asserted itself as a recognized aviation supplier thanks to its ultra-precise and ultra-reliable wrist instruments intended for the most demanding professionals.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of a history that parallels its own, BREITLING has chosen to issue the MONTBRILLANT 1903 special series, a chronograph with a style inspired by the finest products made by the brand in the middle of the 20th century. This aesthetic concern is particularly apparent in details such as the beaded bezel, an exact replica of the one used on the first chronographs equipped with the famous circular slide rule – instruments that were to remain an indispensable tool for pilots for over a quarter of a century, until the advent of electronics.

Designed in a classic mid-century style, the two-tone dial clearly distinguishes the timekeeping zone from the logarithmic scales. It is crafted using the “par épargne” technique, representing a wealth of tradition that BREITLING is careful to preserve. The back of the watch features the
silhouette of Flyer I, the plane flown by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur.

The MONTBRILLANT 1903 is fitted with a highly distinctive brand-exclusive movement. Caliber 35, assembled in the BREITLING CHRONOMÉTRIE workshops, is a selfwinding, 38-jewel, chronometercertified movement with a chronograph mechanism comprising 10-minute totalizer, 1/4 second measurement and Flyback function.

The MONTBRILLANT 1903 is produced in steel, as well as in precious metals in limited series of 100 each in yellow, rose and white gold.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Movement: BREITLING Caliber 35, chronometer-certified, selfwinding, high-frequency (28,800 vph),
38 jewels. 1/4 second chronograph, 10-minute totalizer, Flyback function. Calendar.
Case: steel. Limited series of 100 in 18K yellow, rose or white gold. Resistant to 3 bars. Rotating
bezel with circular slide rule. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed both sides.
Strap/bracelet: leather, sharkskin, crocodile leather / NAVITIMER bracelet.