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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz multifunction wristwatch

Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3 Limited Edition

Partially verified

This Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3, reference J56321, is a limited edition of 20 pieces created to commemorate the 1999 First Non-Stop Around-the-World Balloon Flight. The watch is constructed in 18K white gold with a brushed three-body case measuring 43 mm in diameter and 16 mm in thickness. It features a graduated bi-directional revolving bezel and micro antennas positioned between the lugs at 12 and 6 o'clock designed for broadcasting on the 121.5 MHz aviation emergency frequency. The watch is powered by a Caliber 68 quartz movement and includes a blue dial with luminous Arabic numerals, indices, an Orbiter 3 logo, and apertures for digital displays. Functions include a chronograph, perpetual calendar, world time, and alarm. The watch is paired with an 18K white gold link bracelet and accompanied by a comprehensive presentation suitcase containing original accessories, test equipment, and documentation.

The Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3 wristwatch displayed in its presentation suitcase with accompanying memorabilia.
The Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3 wristwatch displayed in its presentation suitcase with accompanying memorabilia. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz multifunction wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Breitling
Reference
J56321
Catalogue / lot identifier
550
Source-reported date
1999
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
79968

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in an 18K white gold three-body case, featuring a brushed finish and a diameter of 43 mm. The case is equipped with a graduated bi-directional revolving bezel and a case back secured by four screws, which also includes a button for testing the integrated emergency transmitter.

The dial is blue and features luminous Arabic numerals and indexes. It displays the Orbiter 3 commemorative logo and includes specific apertures for the watch's digital displays, which facilitate the operation of the chronograph, perpetual calendar, and world time indications. Luminous white hands ensure legibility.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, brushed, graduated bi-directional revolving bezel”
  • “case back with 4 screws and test button to test the emergency function”
  • “Blue with luminous Arabic numerals and indexes, Orbiter 3 logo, apertures for the digital displays.”

Technical Specifications and Features

The timepiece is driven by the Breitling Caliber 68 quartz movement. A defining technical feature is the integration of micro antennas between the lugs at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, designed specifically to operate on the 121.5 MHz aviation emergency frequency.

This multifunction instrument offers several complications beyond standard timekeeping, including a chronograph, a perpetual calendar displaying the date, day, month, and year, a world time indication, and an alarm function. The quartz movement is designed for standardization in this model.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 68, with quartz standardization.”
  • “micro antennas between the lugs at 12 and 6”
  • “digital display for the chronograph, perpetual calendar with date, day, month and year, world time indication, alarm, micro antenna with aviation emergency frequency 121.5 MHz”

Provenance and Presentation

Produced in a limited series of only 20 examples, this watch serves as a commemorative piece marking the 1999 non-stop circumnavigation by balloon. The watch is accompanied by a plastic Breitling suitcase containing the original Chronometer attestation and a Certificate of Authenticity.

The set also includes various accessories such as instructions, specialized tools, a test receiver for the emergency frequency, a VHS film documenting the mission, and other Breitling-branded memorabilia. The watch is presented on an 18K white gold link bracelet secured with a deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made in a limited edition of 20 pieces to commemorate the First Non-Stop Around-the-World Balloon Flight in the "Orbiter 3" in 1999.”
  • “Accompanied by a plastic Breitling suitcase containing the Chronometer attestation, instructions, Certificate of Authenticity, tools, test receiver, 65 minute VHS "Breitling Emergency" and Breitling memorabilia.”

Open research questions

  • What is the current technical status of the 121.5 MHz emergency transmitter system?
  • Are there any specific service limitations for the Caliber 68 movement given its age?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3 Limited Edition
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreitling, Genève“Breitling, Genève”
ModelEmergency Orbiter 3“Emergency" No. 79968, Ref. J56321”
Case Material18K white gold“18K white gold”
Case Diameter43 mm“DIAM. 43 mm.”
MovementCaliber 68 Quartz“Cal. 68, with quartz standardization.”
EditionLimited to 20 pieces“Made in a limited edition of 20 pieces”
Emergency Function121.5 MHz transmitter“micro antenna with aviation emergency frequency 121.5 MHz”

Visible details

  • Blue dial with Orbiter 3 logo
  • Micro antennas protruding between the 12 and 6 o'clock lugs
  • Graduated bi-directional rotating bezel
  • Digital display apertures integrated into the dial

Research qualifications

  • The exact condition of the battery and transmitter function is not verified
  • The auction house recommends an overhaul for the movement

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

BREITLING EMERGENCY ORBITER 3, WHITE GOLD Breitling, Genève, "Emergency" No. 79968, Ref. J56321. Made in a limited edition of 20 pieces to commemorate the First Non-Stop Around-the-World Balloon Flight in the "Orbiter 3" in 1999. Fine and extremely rare, water-resistant, 18K white gold aviator's quartz Chronometer wristwatch with digital display for the chronograph, perpetual calendar with date, day, month and year, world time indication, alarm, micro antenna with aviation emergency frequency 121.5 MHz, and an 18K white gold link Breitling bracelet with deployant clasp. Accompanied by a plastic Breitling suitcase containing the Chronometer attestation, instructions, Certificate of Authenticity, tools, test receiver, 65 minute VHS "Breitling Emergency" and Breitling memorabilia.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 697e9d605c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.