I think the admiral who oversees the Top Gun flight school said it best. He described his appreciation for replica U-Boat making a durable, high-end watch that fit the needs and expectations of military pilot professionals. He then quickly added that it sure helped that the pieces were damn sexy. These guys like to look good, and for them a replica breitling bentley watch fits the needs of their lifestyle, but is also in their opinion, a great style piece.

In the United States, omega replica is among the top performing high-end watch brands. Like Rolex for example, Breitling is also a brand known by those who do not consider themselves “watch lovers.” A had an opportunity to visit Breitling at the 2012 Reno National Championship Air Race & Show this year to see how the event’s principle sponsor makes an appearance.

Breitling has been the major sponsor of the Reno Air Races for over a decade. The show is unrivaled in the United States (perhaps the world) because in addition to being an air show, they have air races. The air races are what make the event particularly interesting. Often flying modified vintage war planes, there is a huge “sky track” that planes race for the best time. It is exhilarating to watch over the course of several days and many planes compete in the circuit. Even though there are monetary prizes for the winners, the cost of participating in terms of preparing the planes often exceeds the potential prize money. This is another one of those passion hobbies for extremely dedicated individuals who have money. In other words, a perfect connection for an aviator’s watch brand.

Breitling sets up there with a tent that includes a show and information about Breitling watches. It is surprising to see the number of show attendees walking around that are wearing Breitling timepieces. Each year Breitling produces a limited edition watch for the Reno air races – and they are sold right at the show from the Breitling tent. Of the 50 pieces made for 2012, about 30 were sold at the show. Breitling’s connection to the events are very deep. There is a Breitling stunt plane that entertains the audiences, and well as impressive Breitling branding around the event. It is a cool place to be, and is unlike any other air show that I have been to before.

The limited edition piece for the 2012 aviation event is slightly ironic being a dive watch. It is the Breitling Superocean Chronograph II 44mm Limited Edition Reno National Championship Air Race & Show 2012 timepiece. Special for this model is a red vulcanized rubber bezel inlay, and applied Reno air races logo on the dial. It does not appear as though the marine theme of the watch puts off any buyers. The unsold pieces will be distributed to a handful of Breitling dealers.

There are admittedly a range of good aviation watch choices, Breitling being among them. However, there are some unique products that Breitling sells which the others don’t. For example, Breitling continues to offer a range of high-function, highly accurate Super Quartz movement-based timepieces. In the luxury watch business, quartz is sort of the enemy, but these movements by Swiss ETA are the thermoline models which are accurate to 10 seconds per year. What began with the Breitling Aerospace model continues into a range of pieces coveted by many aviation professionals. Being an independent company, Breitling can really do whatever they like, and I applaud their distinct attention to the needs of actual professionals versus producing exclusively luxury lifestyle products. Have no doubts though, you can easily get a solid gold Breitling with diamond decoration.

Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Reno Air Races and for sure Breitling has some special things planned. Breitling employees operate with a relaxed confidence you see in a brand that does well, but that also has some very good competitors. They aren’t smug, but they are sure of themselves as they continue to enjoy healthy sales and popularity worldwide. I think their honest connection and appreciation among the people who they tend to make timepieces for is a key to that success.