Felix Baumgartner Wears Zenith Stratos Watch for Historic Skydive

Specially developed for Baumgartner’s mission, the El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th chronograph became the first ever watch to break the speed of sound when it accompanied the Austrian skydiver on his momentous feat 24 miles above the New Mexico desert.

The chronograph, which is available for anyone to purchase, comes housed in a 45.5 mm stainless steel case outfitted with a special commemorative case back inscribed with the motto, ‘Learn to love what you have been taught to fear.’

Markers and hands on the dial are inlaid with Super-LumiNova to ensure readability even under the darkest light conditions whilst even under the most drastic changes in pressure, temperature and movement, the watch maintains a consistent 36,00 vibrations per hour, ensuring it remains accurate to the nearest second.

Speaking after the jump, Baumgarnter said, “This project is all about uniqueness, manpower and precision and my Zenith watch perfectly matches the mission.

It is not the first time that Zenith has been the watch brand of choice for adventurers and pioneers. Roald Amundsen’s historic discovery of the South and North poles, and the solo balloon flight of Jean-Louis Étienne over the North Pole, were both undertaken wearing Zenith timepieces.

Zenith was founded by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1865.