In the world of aviation, precision and reliability is key for any timekeeping pieces, that is why Swiss watchmakers, Breitling, is the timepiece of choice for pilots across the globe. Starting their journey in 1884, the Breitling name was pioneered by Leon, Gaston and Willy Breitling with the intention to craft an innovative timepiece that could measure, divide and master time.
In this article, we discover the exciting relationship between Breitling and air travel, the innovative mechanics under the dials and some of the exquisite and revolutionary timepieces offered from Breitling.
Breitling Takes to the Skies
Breitling have come a long way from their beginnings in St. Imier, a watch making town in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. From creating one of the earliest chronograph pocket watches to the first independent chronograph pusher, these Swiss horologists quickly rose in popularity for their mechanical advances in elegant designs.
The choice to form a relationship with aviation was set in the brand’s focus on creating precision timekeeping instruments. Identifying as a key market, the Breitling’s soon became the leading supplier of onboard chronographs.
Today, their headquarters can be found in Grenchen, Switzerland, whilst their primary production facility for mechanical movements is in Chaux-de-Fonds.
Related : The History of Breitling Watches
1938: Huit Aviation
Shortly after the Breitling invention of the Modern chronograph in 1933, Willy Breitling introduced Breitling to the skies. Employed by the British War Office, Willy was under instruction to equip the Royal Airforce. This pivotal moment led to the formation of the HUIT Aviation department, solidifying Breitling’s presence in the aviation scene and dominance as a leading luxury swiss watch.
“HUIT” comes from the french word for “eight”, and aptly named the department to highlight the eight-day power reserve for the clocks in the cockpits of fighter planes.
During World War II, the demand for rugged but innovative flight instruments soared. Their resistance to shocks and temperature fluctuations made them ideal for in-battle use and ensured durability.
1952: The introduction of the Navitimer
After the war, Breitling’s HUIT department continued to further develop their aviation-focused timepieces, pushing boundaries and experimenting with new technologies. Enter, the first Breitling Navitimer.
Setting out to develop a wrist-worn chronograph that could allow pilots to perform the most necessary flight calculations like distance travelled, fuel consumption, rate of climb and average speed.
Willy Breitling took the opportunity to adapt the Breitling’s Chronomat circular slide rule to turn the timepiece into an airborne command centre. The Navitimer took the world by storm, catching the attention well beyond pilots, but even to musicians like Miles Davis and Formula 1 drivers Jim Clark and Graham Hill.
1953: Introducing the Avi Co-Pilot
Whilst the Navitimer sought high-profile for the likes of pilots, a year later, Breitling developed another chronograph that was solely focused on legibility. The 1953 ref. 765 AVI pilot’s watch. Known as the “co-pilot”, this chronograph was designed to be a trustworthy companion to all pilots at all levels. It featured a clean and easy-to-read dial with large, luminescent numerals and a leather strap.
Setting a new readability for those in the skies, the ref. 765 AVI Co-Pilot merged Breitling’s rich chronograph heritage with functional innovation, becoming an emblem of horological ingenuity.
1983: Chronomat First Technical Renaissance
The legendary Freccee Tricolori aerobatics team have captivated audience worldwide with breathtaking displays of skills and precision, that is why, for their timepiece, it was important to secure a reliable and innovative watchmaker who has experience in aviation. Thus, Breitling became the official watch.
The timepiece itself featured an all-steel construction and a rotating bezel with four raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks. Complemented with a Rouleaux bracelet that could be worn on or off duty, the Frecce Tricolori became very popular amongst the team, and a year later was widely released to the public as the Chronomat.
Breitling and the Royal Airforce
Breitling and the Royal Air Force (RAF) share a proud heritage rooted in aviation excellence. In 2018, Breitling became an official partner of the RAF, marking the centenary of the service.
The partnership celebrates a long-standing connection, as Breitling’s precision instruments have historically supported military aviators. The collaboration honours both organisations’ commitment to performance, innovation, and courage in the skies. Special edition timepieces, such as the Avenger Royal Air Force, reflect this bond, blending technical mastery with military heritage.
Through this partnership, Breitling pays tribute to the RAF’s legacy and continues to reinforce its strong ties to aviation history.
Related : Two New Breitling Avenger Models Are Ready For Take Off
Breitling's Space Chronograph
Another key area of Breitling’s aviation timeline includes their aerospace relationship. In 1962, they shifted their sights from the skies to the stars when astronaut Scott Carpenter commissioned a custom Navitimer for space travel.
On May 24th, 1962, Carpenter wore his bespoke Navitimer Cosmonaute during the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, where he orbited the Earth three times.
The custom Navitimer Cosmonaute featured a recalibration to zero gravity, a wider bezel for gloved hands and a stretch-material bracelet to fit over Carpenter’s spacesuit. One crucial change was the swap to a 24-hour dial, so Carpenter could monitor the day to night shift easily from his watch.
Breitling Watches today
Today, the brand stands strong in the world of exquisite and innovative Swiss timepieces. Constantly innovating to contain the utmost advanced technology in their watches, and also stylish for everyday wear. The practicality of Breitlings are complemented with the resonate styles of the 1960’s and 1970’s in collections like the Avenger and the Super Ocean.
Navitimer
The Navitimer still stands strong as one of the most popular and identifiable timepieces in Breitling history. What began as a tool for charting pilots now proudly sits on the wrists of those plotting their personal journeys through life.
The Navitimer BO1 Chronograph 46 is a great choice for those looking to blend the history of Breitling with the modern refinements. Still sporting the iconic slide rule and domed crystal, this timepiece creates the illusion of a streamlined profile. Sophisticated with an heir of ingenuity thanks to the subdials and the AOPA wings at the 12 o’clock position.
AVI
Inspired by the original Classic AVI’s crafted by the experts at the Breitling HUIT Aviation department in the 1930s, the AVI’s of today celebrates the heritage of early pilots and four legendary planes. The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, The De Havilland Mosquito, The Vought F4U Corsair and the North American P-51 Mustang.
Echoing the robust designs of the originals, the Classic AVI chronograph 42 P-51 Mustang is a perfect example of honouring heritage. Inspired by the P-51 Mustang, this timepiece is designed to withstand the rigors of a vintage cockpit.
Breitling Watches at Michael Spiers
Over the years, Breitling have made an impressive evolution. Their desire to pioneer the best of Swiss technology and provide an exceptional-high quality timepiece inspires those who adorn them. From the extremes of the skies to the sophisticated look of an evening, these timepieces are a ideal accessory to every adventure you undergo.
At Michael Spiers, we are proud to be a retailer of Breitling timepieces in our Plymouth showroom, where our expert, James, can help you to find the timepiece that suits you.
Whether you are looking for something to match your on-the-go lifetstyle, or a timepiece that is more refined for special occasions, we can help you to find the perfect watch.
