Swiss watch company Breitling is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) with the release of a special limited edition timepiece, a scholarship program aimed at expanding the aviation community, and special events focused on sharing the passion of aviation with people across the USA throughout the year.
The partnership between AOPA and Breitling spans over 60 years, when AOPA selected the Breitling Navitimer as the official watch of AOPA in 1954. The Navitimer features a circular slide rule that enables it to perform all necessary navigation-related calculations, according to officials. Today, the Breitling Navitimer remains a favorite of pilots and is the world’s oldest mechanical chronograph in production, officials add.
At AOPA’s Homecoming Fly-In Oct. 4, Breitling launched a special edition timepiece in honor of AOPA’s 75th anniversary. This limited edition Navitimer features the AOPA logo on the dial, similar to the version launched in 1954. On the caseback, members can have their name and membership number engraved to commemorate the significant anniversary.
Pilots can order their custom timepiece by visiting AOPA.org/Navitimer. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this special commemorative edition watch will go to the Breitling Aviation Scholarship Fund. The AOPA Foundation will administer this scholarship program, which will be available to aviation enthusiasts of all ages. For more information about the Breitling Aviation Scholarship Fund, click here.
“The support from AOPA over the years represents a key part of Breitling’s aviation heritage,” says Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert. “As the largest aviation organization of its kind, members are a diverse community of pilots, and Breitling is thrilled to be recognizing this significant anniversary with a special edition timepiece that is commemorative for members and contributes to such a worthy cause.”
“We are delighted that Breitling has revived a very special aviation tradition in honor of AOPA’s 75th anniversary,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “This is a truly unique timepiece that reflects on our proud history and general aviation while ensuring a strong future by supporting flight training scholarships to help create the next generation of pilots.”