THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: BREITLING
MODEL: E56321
YEAR: 2003
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 42.5mm
CASE MATERIAL: TITANIUM
BRACELET MATERIAL: TITANIUM
MOVEMENT: QUARTZ
Breitling’s deep-rooted connection to aviation has shaped some of the most iconic timepieces in horological history. The most famous is undoubtedly the Navitimer, originally developed in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and still the brand’s flagship model today. Four decades later, in 1995, Breitling introduced the Emergency line in collaboration with aerospace and military professionals—the first wristwatch ever equipped with a built-in personal locator beacon (PLB). The watch was designed to serve as a life-saving device in critical situations by transmitting a distress signal on the 121.5 MHz frequency, which was the international air distress frequency monitored by SAR teams worldwide. Loved by watch collectors, the Emergency has also proven its worth in real-life rescue missions—most famously in 2003, when two British pilots were rescued in Antarctica after crashing their helicopter, thanks to their Breitling Emergency watches.
The present example, the Breitling Emergency “Orbiter 3” ref. E56321, was introduced in 1999 to commemorate an extraordinary milestone in aviation history: the first successful non-stop balloon flight around the world. Pilots Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones spent 20 days in the Orbiter 3 balloon, completing the historic journey. The watch features a full titanium case and is powered by the Breitling Caliber 56 SuperQuartz movement, offering a range of functions including a chronograph, countdown timer, second time zone, alarm, and perpetual calendar. It remains in fantastic condition, with only minor scratches seen on the case. The bracelet has no stretch and retains its full links.
Part of a limited release (1999 made), the watch comes with an impressive full set—including its original Breitling carrying case, a commemorative plaque featuring a letter "B" made from the Mylar material of the Orbiter 3, the guarantee, instruction booklet, video tape, and screwdriver. A unique and adventurous watch, ready for its next exploration.