Going Big: NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins The Breitling Team
The Milwaukee Bucks’ astounding power-forward joins such stars as Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Misty Copeland, Kelly Slater and Adam Driver, as a Breitling brand ambassador. And, frankly, we think it’s a slam-dunk. Especially when he’s wearing the right Breitling watch.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
With the NBA All-Star Weekend coming in a few days, we’ve got to celebrate the news that NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest addition to the Breitling Squad. It’s two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo’s sixth consecutive All-Star nod, and we’re wondering what watch he’ll wear to the event? At an inch under 7 feet, the man they call the “Greek Freak” tends to make normal-sized objects look tiny, so we looked at Breitling’s plus-sized offerings to offer some unsolicited suggestions.
Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 P-51 Mustang
Antetokounmpo is no stranger to brand collaboration, and he brings some new-jack recognition to the esteemed watchmaker. (In 2019, his Nike Zoom Freak 1 became the biggest basketball signature shoe launch in that brand’s history). So it’s likely a win-win pairing for both parties.
Born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian parents, Antetokounmpo took a global route to get to the NBA. And Breitling, famous for its aviation links, is just as worldly, and airborne. This is why our number one watch pick for him is the Breitling Super AVI tribute to the P-51 Mustang. Launched late last year as part of a series inspired by the original 1953 “Co-Pilot” Ref. 765 AVI, the design of this 46mm timepiece has a lot of heritage appeal. Like Antetokounmpo, it is a future legend.
The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 American Airlines
“Giannis’ willpower, dedication, unwavering vision, and desire to give back make him an inspiration,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “Plus, he’s just one of the coolest, most down-to-earth guys you’ll ever meet.”
As one of the league’s youngest A-listers, Antetokounmpo is also a style influencer. While his looks aren’t as adventurous as “tunnel fit” faves like league colleagues Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul, Antetokounmpo has been making best-dressed lists since he was drafted in 2013.
An equally eye-catching yet timeless watch pairing for him might be a Breitling Navitimer. One of our favourite recent iterations of this classic is The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 American Airlines. Its bold red-and-blue dial catches the eye, but its functionality and power are what make it an all-star. Driven by an automatic manufacture Caliber 01 movement, this column-wheel chronograph features a vertical clutch with quarter-second, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. It also comes with a signature slide rule and rotating bezel, and a 70-hour power supply.
The Super Avenger Chronograph 48 Night Mission
Although he is a big man, Antetokounmpo is known for his gravity-defying shot-blocking. Likewise, the Super Avenger Chronograph is the largest watch in the Breitling family (measuring in at 48mm) but feels lighter than air because of its DLC-treated titanium case.
While his stats speak for themselves, part of Antetokounmpo’s mythical magic is that an almost 7-foot tall giant can move so effortlessly. On the Night Mission model, the blue dial and a blue military leather strap gracefully balance the outsized Arabic numerals, rugged bezel and the special grip pattern on the crown and chronograph pushers.
Pricing & Availability
The Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 P-51 Mustang in steel lists for $10,000; the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 American Airlines limited edition is priced at $9,350 on a steel mesh bracelet and $8,650 on a leather strap; the Super Avenger Chronograph 48 Night Mission goes for $6,250.
For more information, visit Breitling’s website.
(Images © Breitling)
Of Bikes, Boards, and Breitling: The New Superocean Collection Debuts in Biarritz
By Mike Espindle
, Executive Editor
On an impossibly sunny day in southwestern France, an intrepid group of watch journalists, professional riders and guides, and other helmeted Breitling fans...
Breitling Summit: The Navitimer Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary with a Host of New Dial Colors
By Mike Espindle
, Executive Editor
In a somewhat unexpected departure, Breitling celebrates the seventieth anniversary of its iconic pilot timepiece with bold color themes that are as much...
Triumph Of Design: Breitling & Triumph’s First Collaborative Offerings Are Born To Ride
By Mike Espindle
, Executive Editor
The debut efforts of the collaboration between the watchmaker and motorcycle manufacturer yield some impressive watch/bike hybrid news that will get your...