Not sure how many of you might know CAPT Jim "Guido" DiMatteo…but you all now have a friend with Breitling. Not sure what the "corporate model" is for "specialty watches"….but you never know until you ask. See below.
BREITLING ANNOUNCES NEW U.S.A. AVIATION CONSULTANT
Wilton, Conn. (January 14, 2014) – Breitling, the Swiss watch manufacturer, announces the appointment of Jim DiMatteo as Breitling U.S.A. Aviation Consultant.
“Breitling has a long history in the world of aviation and as we plan for 2014 and beyond, Jim’s experience as a naval aviator and air show executive will help us navigate many opportunities, and give us greater visibility in the skies above the United States,” said Thierry Prissert, Breitling U.S.A. President.
“I am truly honored to support the Breitling team as they increase their participation in marquis aviation events throughout the United States. For nearly 130 years, Breitling has been one of the most preeminent timepiece brands in the world and I am very excited and privileged to consult with them as they showcase their elite brand with aviation activities in America,” said Captain Jim “Guido” DiMatteo U.S. Navy (Retired).
Jim will continue his affiliation with EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, serving as Vice President of Flight Operations, Features and Attractions. He also serves as the first and only U.S. Race Director for the International Red Bull Air Races. Jim’s military career spanned 25 years in which he logged over 5,000 flying hours in five different fighter jet aircraft and was promoted to Commanding Officer of the TopGun Adversary Squadrons on both coasts. Following his time with the Adversary Squadrons, he worked for the Commander of the Naval Air Forces where he led the foundation that organized the 100thAnniversary of Naval Aviation celebration.
With deeply-rooted ties to the world of aviation, Breitling commands their own fleet of aircrafts including the Breitling Jet Team, the largest civilian jet team in the world consisting of seven L-39 C Albatros Jets based in Dijon, France. In addition to the Jet Team, Breitling also flies one of the last airworthy Super Constellations in the world. The rest of the Breitling fleet includes a DC-3, the Breitling Angels, as well as Yves “Jetman” Rossy, who dazzled crowds in the U.S. this summer over the skies at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.
Breitling’s affiliation with aviation dates back to the early 1930’s when they manufactured on- board chronographs for aircraft cockpits. These instruments enjoyed great success in the various armed forces, including the Royal Air Force, which used them in World War II propeller-driven fighter planes. This solid connection to aviation continued, and in 1952,
Breitling launched its legendary Navitimer timepiece, featuring a circular slide rule in conjunction with the pilot’s association, the AOPA. It is still a favored timepiece for pilots today and is the oldest mechanical chronograph still in production. In 1962, Scott Carpenter wore a Navitimer on his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7, becoming the first space-going wrist chronograph. Other favorites among pilots are the Aerospace watch, which was launched in 1985, and the innovative Emergency timepiece with a built-in transmitter that was originally introduced in 1995 and was recently updated to a new version that will launch in 2014 and is the world’s first wristwatch with a dual frequency locator beacon.
ABOUT BREITLING: Léon Breitling founded the company in 1884 in St. Imier,
Switzerland. Breitling is the world’s only major watch brand to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements, the ultimate token of precision. With its manufacture of the Caliber 01, Breitling has created the most reliable and accurate of all self-winding chronograph movements, its quality guaranteed by an unprecedented five-year warranty offered on all pieces equipped with the in-house movement. The chronographs are produced entirely by Breitling in their own workshops, and are chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This amazing accomplishment has further established Breitling as the absolute benchmark in the field of mechanical chronographs. Breitling is one of very few companies to produce, develop and manufacture their own mechanical chronograph movement in-house. This family business is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.
Breitling U.S.A. Aviation Consultant Jim DiMatteo in Front of an F-5
CONTACT FOR HIGH-RES IMAGES AND MORE INFORMATION:
Breitling USA / Lisa Roman / lisa.roman@breitlingusa.com / +1(203) 834-8347 Centigrade for Breitling / Hilary Waks /hilary.waks@centigrade.com / +1 (305) 332-7313
BREITLING ANNOUNCES NEW U.S.A. AVIATION CONSULTANT
Wilton, Conn. (January 14, 2014) – Breitling, the Swiss watch manufacturer, announces the appointment of Jim DiMatteo as Breitling U.S.A. Aviation Consultant.
“Breitling has a long history in the world of aviation and as we plan for 2014 and beyond, Jim’s experience as a naval aviator and air show executive will help us navigate many opportunities, and give us greater visibility in the skies above the United States,” said Thierry Prissert, Breitling U.S.A. President.
“I am truly honored to support the Breitling team as they increase their participation in marquis aviation events throughout the United States. For nearly 130 years, Breitling has been one of the most preeminent timepiece brands in the world and I am very excited and privileged to consult with them as they showcase their elite brand with aviation activities in America,” said Captain Jim “Guido” DiMatteo U.S. Navy (Retired).
Jim will continue his affiliation with EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, serving as Vice President of Flight Operations, Features and Attractions. He also serves as the first and only U.S. Race Director for the International Red Bull Air Races. Jim’s military career spanned 25 years in which he logged over 5,000 flying hours in five different fighter jet aircraft and was promoted to Commanding Officer of the TopGun Adversary Squadrons on both coasts. Following his time with the Adversary Squadrons, he worked for the Commander of the Naval Air Forces where he led the foundation that organized the 100thAnniversary of Naval Aviation celebration.
With deeply-rooted ties to the world of aviation, Breitling commands their own fleet of aircrafts including the Breitling Jet Team, the largest civilian jet team in the world consisting of seven L-39 C Albatros Jets based in Dijon, France. In addition to the Jet Team, Breitling also flies one of the last airworthy Super Constellations in the world. The rest of the Breitling fleet includes a DC-3, the Breitling Angels, as well as Yves “Jetman” Rossy, who dazzled crowds in the U.S. this summer over the skies at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.
Breitling’s affiliation with aviation dates back to the early 1930’s when they manufactured on- board chronographs for aircraft cockpits. These instruments enjoyed great success in the various armed forces, including the Royal Air Force, which used them in World War II propeller-driven fighter planes. This solid connection to aviation continued, and in 1952,
Breitling launched its legendary Navitimer timepiece, featuring a circular slide rule in conjunction with the pilot’s association, the AOPA. It is still a favored timepiece for pilots today and is the oldest mechanical chronograph still in production. In 1962, Scott Carpenter wore a Navitimer on his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7, becoming the first space-going wrist chronograph. Other favorites among pilots are the Aerospace watch, which was launched in 1985, and the innovative Emergency timepiece with a built-in transmitter that was originally introduced in 1995 and was recently updated to a new version that will launch in 2014 and is the world’s first wristwatch with a dual frequency locator beacon.
ABOUT BREITLING: Léon Breitling founded the company in 1884 in St. Imier,
Switzerland. Breitling is the world’s only major watch brand to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements, the ultimate token of precision. With its manufacture of the Caliber 01, Breitling has created the most reliable and accurate of all self-winding chronograph movements, its quality guaranteed by an unprecedented five-year warranty offered on all pieces equipped with the in-house movement. The chronographs are produced entirely by Breitling in their own workshops, and are chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This amazing accomplishment has further established Breitling as the absolute benchmark in the field of mechanical chronographs. Breitling is one of very few companies to produce, develop and manufacture their own mechanical chronograph movement in-house. This family business is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.
Breitling U.S.A. Aviation Consultant Jim DiMatteo in Front of an F-5
CONTACT FOR HIGH-RES IMAGES AND MORE INFORMATION:
Breitling USA / Lisa Roman / lisa.roman@breitlingusa.com / +1(203) 834-8347 Centigrade for Breitling / Hilary Waks /hilary.waks@centigrade.com / +1 (305) 332-7313