Swiss Luxury watchmaker Breitling will be the Official Timekeeper to Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE.

The new partnership was made by the airline during New York Fashion Week.

To celebrate the partnership, Breitling has introduced the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition timepiece in black steel. The model, which has been co-designed by Etihad Airways and Breitling, is limited to 500 pieces and is the watchmaker’s first featuring the Arabic language.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As one of the world’s most innovative and punctual airlines, we are proud to mark the launch of this great partnership between two leading brands who are world-renowned for style, quality and precision.

"To mark our collaboration with Breitling as Etihad’s Official Timekeeper, we have introduced the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition, reflecting our Arabian heritage, age-old traditions and focus on the future. We are confident it will be popular among customers and watch collectors."

Speaking at the launch event in New York, Tim Sayler, Breitling’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: "Etihad Airways and Breitling are united by a passion for aviation, as well as by their steadfast commitment to quality and precision.”

Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition

The Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition prominently displays time, the days of the week and the date. The day of the week is indicated at the 12 o’clock position while the date is ideally placed at 6 o’clock. Powered by the Breitling Calibre 45, this automatic wristwatch has a bidirectional rotor winding with over 40 hours of power reserve.

The black steel dial is revealed through the double anti-reflective sapphire glass. The 41mm steel case features a solid screwed back and is presented on a black leather strap. The model features numerals in a striking gold colour with matching gold hands.

The Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition is a COSC-certified chronometer produced in a series limited to 500 pieces. The model will be exclusively available in Etihad's home of Abu Dhabi before being released in the wider market and across the globe.

Building on an aviation heritage

Among Willy Breitling’s many celebrated achievements was the establishment of the Huit Aviation Department in 1938. He was aware of the strict requirements for military and civil aviation, and the department’s name – the French word for ‘eight’ – was chosen to recall the eight days of power reserve offered by onboard clocks and other dashboard instruments.

The Huit Aviation Department was also responsible for the development of Breitling’s wrist chronographs for aviation use. The timing of the foundation of the Huit Aviation Department was fortuitous: its products immediately attracted the attention of military aviators, and as the Second World War approached, the Department received a large order from the Royal Air Force for onboard chronographs destined for its legendary fighter planes.

The Navitimer 8 collection honours Willy Breitling and his Huit Aviation Department. Breitling’s Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition continues the company’s proud pilots’ watch heritage and is a stunning celebration of Breitling’s partnership with Etihad Airways.