Breitling brand ambassadors Charlize Theron and Misty Copeland took centre stage at a glamorous launch party and performance in New York City on September 6 to celebrate the debut of two new lines in the iconic Breitling Navitimer collection: 36 mm and 32 mm.
Oscar-winning actor and producer Charlize Theron and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland lent considerable star power to the event, along with fellow Breitling ambassadors basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and champion snowboarder Chloe Kim. The event, held at the Classic Car Club Manhattan, was moderated by journalist and co-founder of the media company The Meteor, Cindi Leive. Some of the foremost figures from international fashion media, influencers, and watch collectors were also in attendance.
The evening included the debut screening of the campaign film NAVITIMER – FOR THE JOURNEY, which stars Charlize Theron. In it, she shares the personal path she took from remote South Africa to the international A-list. Her NAVITIMER – FOR THE JOURNEY campaign is part of an intimate series in which Breitling’s brand ambassadors tell their stories in their own words. It features the Navitimer Squad, made up of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Misty Copeland, aviation pioneer Bertrand Piccard—and now Charlize Theron, the face of the new Navitimer 36 and 32.
“We are delighted to welcome Charlize, Misty, and other members of the Breitling Navitimer Squad to help us celebrate the two new lines in our flagship collection,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “They have generously contributed to the Navitimer journey by sharing their stories with us. What began in 1952 as a tool for pilots has gone on to mean something profound to every single person who has had this timepiece along on their personal journey.”
The event included stunning modern ballet performances by the ABT Studio Company dancers accompanied by jazz drummer Eric Harland, evoking Charlize Theron’s past as a ballet dancer. The performance culminated in a presentation of Theron’s campaign film. “My journey has always been about being up for any challenge,” says Theron. “I travelled from South Africa to Los Angeles when I was quite young, and both that physical journey and the journey of being open-minded and ready for new experiences has served me well personally and professionally.”
Theron and Copeland introduced the two new stars of the Breitling Navitimer lineup, the 36 and 32. Along with the watches’ smaller dimensions and the iconic beaded bezel that the Navitimer is known for, they feature pops of pastel, mother of pearl, and traceable precious materials, giving them a jewelry-like appeal. Both versions are made using “better diamonds”, which are lab-grown and sourced from accredited producers, and “better gold,” traceable to artisanal and small-scale mines that meet the Swiss Better Gold Association’s criteria for social and environmental impact.