The US Honor Flight Network is an organisation that was specifically created in order to lend support to the veteran soldiers of the USA. Honouring former military heroes by offering them increased access to relevant memorial sites, the charity is especially active around old soldiers who served in the Second World War; although other terminally ill soldiers are also viewed as a foremost priority. Dedicated to allowing veterans to experience a last precious moment in Washington D.C, Honor Flight have been continually performing this service since 2005. According to relevant statistics, approximately 640 such old soldiers die every day, and so Honor Flight strives to ensure that these veterans receive the proper thanks that they deserve.
Swiss luxury watch maker Breitling has always maintained strong ties with the US military, although their status alongside the aviation industry typically receives far more media attention, and this partnership has resulted in a limited edition timepiece being used to raise funds for Honor Flight. One of these wristwatches has been auctioned online, whilst others are set to go on sale to benefit Honor Flight amid more widespread circles. 55 of these watches are being produced for Honor Flight, with the first being already sold at auction on October 30th. This unique package came resplendent in a display box signed by various members of Honor Flight, and also several of the particular veterans to appear in the celebrated Honor Flight: One Last Mission film.
The Honor Flight watch has been heavily influenced by the time honoured series of Breitling Navitimer watches. The version uses a 44mm case with a matched steel bracelet to create a stylish timepiece that is made instantly distinctive by a deep blue dial. Detailed in white, this dial also proudly displays the Honor Flight logo; a feature which is also finely engraved onto the special edition caseback of this model. The Navitimer has frequently been used by Breitling to commemorate some of the most important moments in its own personal background, such as the Breitling Navitimer Blue Sky limited edition released in remembrance of the Navitimer’s 60th anniversary, or the limited edition Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute that pays homage to the famous voyage of the Aurora 7 capsule. It is therefore testament to Breitling’s commitment to the Honor Flight cause that they are utilising the Navitimer for such an endeavour.
The Breitling Navitimer first garnered widespread acclaim due to impressive demand from practising pilots in the 1950s. This popularity largely resulted from the revolutionary slide bezel that these timepieces used when carrying out integral flight calculations. Despite the Navitimer’s appeal only waxing in the years after the Second World War, meaning that none were likely to be in circulation during the war years themselves, there are few wristwatches more suitable to honour the decorated veterans of this conflict.  A enormous range of Navitimer watches are available here to own at Banks Lyon, representing the full storied history of this iconic timepiece, so be sure to contact our professional team on 01524 38 48 58 if you would like any further information.
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