Among several other planned celebrations, Breitling has announced a special timepiece to commemorate the 100th anniversary of naval aviation – the Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf.

The Limited Edition Airwolf was officially unveiled in January 2011 at the grand opening of Breitling’s flagship boutique in Manhattan. For long a favourite of aviation professionals, the commemorative Airwolf features functions used by pilots: 1/100th of a second chronograph with split times, alarm, countdown, second time zone with independent alarm, UTC and perpetual calendar. The NVG-compatible display backlighting system enables night-time read-off and a turbine-shaped caseback serves as a resonance chamber for the alarm.

There will be 500 pieces produced, with 50 given to the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation, of which Breitling is a Silver National Sponsor. For each additional watch sold, $100 will be donated back to the Foundation. Pictured below is number 460 of the 500.

The first piece produced will make a special journey around the globe with naval aviators throughout 2011, and will arrive back in time for the closing event in Washington, D.C. on December 3, 2011. The timepiece’s travels will be documented and a log of the journey will be presented along with the watch at December’s ceremony.

The Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf forms part of Breitling’s year-long salute to the 100th anniversary of naval aviation, which will include events and celebrations that tie in with the watchmaker’s long-time aviation partnerships. The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation is a non-profit that honours and raises awareness for naval aviation; Breitling was selected to be one of a small group of sponsors for the organisation’s celebrations.

The Naval Centennial Limited Edition Airwolf will be sold at Breitling’s flagship Manhattan boutique and through its network of authorised retailers with a retail price of US$4,500.