EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
CollectionsApr 21, 2020
Breitling Isn’t Holding Back Its 2020 Novelties
The Swiss watchmaker showed its three new collections on schedule, digitally.
One of Breitling’s 2020 novelties is this Superocean Heritage Automatic 42 Boutique “Rainbow” Limited Edition timepiece with a steel case, black dial and leather strap ($4,520).
New York—It’s safe to say Breitling has proved itself to be ahead of the curve.
The Swiss watchmaker announced its decision to exit Baselworld after the 2019 edition, before this year’s exodus of major companies upset with the trade show’s rescheduling in light of the coronavirus pandemic, among other issues.
At the time of its departure last year, Breitling said it would host its own summit to showcase new pieces, as it did in October 2018.
While other brands, such as Rolex and Tudor, have debated on how, when and where to present their 2020 offerings, Breitling has seemed to adapt with relative ease, holding a digital summit earlier this month in place of a physical one.
“We need to stay in contact with the watch lovers around the world,” noted CEO Georges Kern in a pre-recorded video.
Kern introduced three new collections, updates to previous Breitling styles.
The first, the Superocean Heritage ’57 capsule collection, is an ode to surfing, and “is a contemporary interpretation of our iconic sea watches of the ‘50s and ‘60s,” said Kern.
Featured on the wrists of contemporary surf icons Kelly Slater, Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore, the new pieces feature some key hallmarks from the original style released in 1957, like oversized indexes and concave bezels.
They’re powered by the in-house Breitling Caliber 10 movement.
The three key styles are available in limited production, though not numbered, priced between $4,380 and $5,690.
A special-edition rainbow version is limited to only 250 pieces and priced at $4,520 for a leather strap (seen at top of article) and $5,025 for a steel bracelet.
The new Navitimer Automatic 35 collection is designed for women and hearkens back to the Breitling watches female pilots wore in the first half of the 20th century, as seen in vintage ads from the watchmaker.
Kern explained of the styles that provided both fashion and function, “Contrary to what you might have heard, over the years the history of the wristwatch is feminine.
“While there may be some disagreement, there’s no question that in the earlier part of the 20th century wristwatches had become a popular accessory for fashionable women in Paris and New York. However, offering elegant horological jewelry wasn’t enough for Breitling at the time.”
The new time-and-date watches are a refined version of the utilitarian Navitimer original, available in six references, each powered by the Breitling Caliber 17 movement.
Some feature mother-of-pearl dials and diamond accents. Three references are available on stainless steel or 18-karat gold bracelets, while the other three come on a variety of leather straps in some unexpected shades like deep blue and burgundy.
The collection starts at $4,310, with the most expensive reference selling for $8,800.
Chinese actress and philanthropist Yao Chen is the face of the new Navitimer 35 campaign.
Breitling dipped into much more recent archives to relaunch its Chronomat collection, which saw cult popularity in the 1980s, in what Kern called a “courageous direction away from thin, quartz watches” that “made the mechanical chronograph cool again.”
The style was created under the reign of Ernest Schneider in honor of Breitling’s 100th anniversary in 1984.
It was a more universal version of a watch created the year prior in collaboration with famed Italian pilot squadron, the Frecce Tricolori. The Chronomat was also beloved by racecar drivers and sailors.
The 2020 Chronomat has been reinvented as an all-purpose sports watch, which pays tribute to the original with a 42 mm reduced case size recalling the symmetrical shape of the ‘80s version, the famous “rouleaux” bracelet with a brushed surface and polished interlinks, interchangeable rider tabs on the bezel that offer countdown features for pilots and count-up for divers, and a tachymeter on the inner bezel to measure average speed.
The Chronomat is available in various dial colors, like blue and green, in stainless steel or gold, as well as a completely gold version.
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori, there are also 250 limited edition pieces featuring the squadron’s logo.
Every watch in the collection features in-house mechanical movement Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, which delivers about a 70-hour battery reserve.
Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron and Adam Driver front the Chronomat campaign.
The Chronomat collections begins retailing at $8,100 and tops off at $20,200.
Breitling’s 2020 novelties are available now on Breitling.com as well as retailers’ ecommerce stores.
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
