The popular Douglas DC-3 is a fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft that made its maiden flight on December 17, 1935. Fast, reliable, and easy to maintain, the DC-3 revolutionized air transport in the 1940s, and its lasting effects on the airline industry during and after World War II made it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made.
Originally developed as a larger, improved 14-bed sleeper version of the Douglas DC-2, the DC-3 was delivered to American Airlines in 1940 but was “re-purposed” by the US military during World War II and earned the nickname “Normandy landing’s plane,” when it enjoyed its moment of glory in June 1944.
But it was after the war when the DC-3 really earned its wings. It popularized air travel because it had good range, could operate from short runways, and it could cross the continental United States, making transcontinental and worldwide flights a reality. In fact, most major airlines acquired the DC-3 after the war and American Airlines is, today, considered the first airliner that made money while carrying passengers alone.
While over 16,000 were built, with the last DC-3 rolling out the factory floors in the early 1950s, the DC-3 remained a significant part of air transport systems well into the 1970s. Today, there are less than 150 DC-3 aircraft in flightworthy condition worldwide, including one specially modified version, fully restored by a group of dedicated enthusiasts and now flying under the colors of one of the watch industry’s most aviation-centric watchmakers.
Starting March of this year, the Breitling DC-3 will begin a grand round-the-world tour in several stages that will encompass the Middle East, India, South-East Asia, North America, and Europe. This World Tour will begin and end in Switzerland, starting from Geneva in March and ending at the Breitling Sion Airshow 2017 in September.
Now, Breitling has used aircraft to promote their brand before but never to introduce a particular model. Thus, the Swiss watchmaker is using the 77th birthday of the legendary DC-3 to introduce a 500-piece limited edition of its famous Navitimer chronograph, the DC-3 World Tour Navitimer.
Powered by the Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, this 46 mm steel Navitimer 01 looks for all intents and purposes like a “standard issue” Navitimer 01 Limited Edition but is made more charming than usual by an engraving of the Breitling DC-3 World Tour logo on its caseback (eschewing the 01’s sapphire caseback) and its use of a brown leather strap to mark this limited edition of a limited edition.
Breitling has used aircraft to promote their brand before but never to introduce a particular model. Thus, the Swiss watchmaker is using the 77th birthday of the legendary DC-3 to introduce a 500-piece limited edition of its famous Navitimer chronograph, the DC-3 World Tour Navitimer.
Alas, interested enthusiasts will have to wait until the world tour is over in September as all 500 units of the DC-3 World Tour Navitimer will be on-board the Breitling DC-3 in its worldwide flying roadshow. The upside being it ensures that the future owner of this limited edition Navitimer is getting a real piece of aviation history, as well as an official certificate signed by the Captain of the Breitling DC-3. Looks like it clear skies ahead.
