For over 140 years, Breitling has been synonymous with precision, performance, and prestige. Renowned for its deep ties to aviation and technical mastery, Breitling stands among the most revered names in Swiss watchmaking.
This storied brand has continuously evolved, adapting to changing times while remaining rooted in its core values of innovation and excellence. From cockpit instruments to chronographs worn by explorers and adventurers, Breitling has built a legacy that soars above mere timekeeping.
In this article, we travel through the timeline of Breitling Swiss watches and honour the legacy of the expert Swiss watchmakers.
"With passion and enthusiasm, our inventive founder created the useful, functional, reliable and sturdy timepieces we’ve come to know and love today. "
Where Breitling Began: Taking to the Skies, Land and Screen
The journey of Breitling began in 1884 when Léon Breitling established a small workshop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. His vision was simple yet ambitious: to produce precise chronographs for industrial, military, and scientific use. With a passion for accuracy and utility, Léon’s designs quickly gained traction, distinguishing Breitling from other manufacturers of the time.
The Breitling brand quickly became a trusted name in the development of timekeeping instruments, laying the groundwork for the technical watches that would define the brand’s future. Its early commitment to quality and innovation still serves as a cornerstone of the innovators identity.
Built for Aviators
Few watchmakers can claim such an intimate connection with aviation as Breitling. In the 1930s, the brand began supplying precision cockpit instruments to aircraft manufacturers and military forces across the globe. This era established Breitling as the go-to timekeeper for pilots, a relationship that would shape the company’s trajectory for decades.
In 1952, the brand launched the iconic Navitimer, a wristwatch equipped with a circular slide rule designed specifically for aviators. This revolutionary timepiece became a vital tool for navigation and flight calculations and was soon adopted by pilots around the world. Breitling watches were even chosen by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), further enhancing the brand’s standing in the aviation community.
Crafted for The Silver Screen and Beyond
While aviation remains central to its identity, Breitling watches have also attracted explorers, adventurers, and style icons. Other notable wearers have included Sir Malcolm Campbell, who set world land speed records, and astronaut Scott Carpenter, who wore a modified Breitling Navitimer on his 1962 space flight.
Beyond professionals, the Swiss innovators have also captured the attention of celebrities and collectors, with figures such as Austin Butler and Erling Haaland as the latest ambassadors of the brand.
Whether navigating the skies, racing on land, or gracing red carpets, Breitling has consistently appealed to those who value both form and function.
The Functions of Breitling Watches
What truly sets the Breitling timepieces apart is its unwavering focus on functionality. The brand’s chronographs are not merely decorative, they are also engineered to perform under the most demanding conditions. Most Breitling watches feature COSC-certified chronometer movements, ensuring top-tier accuracy.
Key functions found in Breitling timepieces include dual time zones, tachymeters, GMT capabilities, perpetual calendars, and advanced dive functions. The Emergency model, for instance, includes a built-in personal locator beacon, designed for use in life-threatening situations. A testament to Breitling's commitment to practical innovation.
The Era of Innovators 1880s - 1930s
Breitling’s legacy is one of constant innovation. In 1915, Gaston Breitling, son of Léon Breitling, introduced one of the world’s first wrist watch chronographs, featuring a separate push-piece above the crown. He focused on wearability and even eventually created two major innovations that shaped the chronograph as we know it today.
In 1932, the family brand was passed down to Willy Breitling, Gaston’s son. Willy’s generation saw the evolution of the chronograph, and, by 1934, the Swiss watch innovators had patented the second independent chronograph pusher, setting the standard for modern chronograph functionality.
From Purpose to Style 1940’s - 1950s
In the 1940s, under Willy's leadership, the brand transitioned its precision-led aviation instruments into elegant personal wristwatches. The 1940 Premier emerged as a dress chronograph, soon followed by the Duograph split-seconds model in 1944 and the Datora full‑calendar variant in 1945. These pieces married technical mastery with refined aesthetics, signalling a shift “from purpose to style”
Simultaneously, in 1940, the Chronomat introduced a circular slide‑rule bezel, visually balanced and functionally rich tool favoured by pilots, engineers and sportsmen alike. By the 1950s, Breitling had earned admiration not just for its cockpit-grade instruments, but for wristwatches that exuded both sophistication and utility.
Instruments for Professionals 1970's -2010's
From the late 1970s, following Ernst Schneider’s acquisition in 1979, Breitling reaffirmed its devotion to professional-grade timekeeping. Anchored by the “Instruments for Professionals” motto, the brand expanded into multifunction quartz and mechanical tool watches.
Collaboration with elite aviation units like Frecce Tricolori led to innovations such as rider‑tab bezels and robust Chronomat designs in the 1980s.
By the early 20th century, the company had relocated to La Chaux-de-Fonds, further cementing its reputation for excellence in chronometry. Over these decades, the Swiss watch innovator chiselled its reputation as a maker of resilient, professional instruments for adventurers, pilots, explorers and even those on the silver screen like Austin Butler and Charlize Theron.
Breitling Watches today
In more recent years, Breitling developed the SuperQuartz™ movement, which is ten times more accurate than standard quartz. The brand also led the way with the Connected Watch concept, blending traditional craftsmanship with digital technology.
In 2017, Breitling launched the in-house Caliber B01, a self-winding chronograph movement that symbolises the brand’s continued dedication to horological excellence.
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.
More recently, the Endurance Pro 38mm has proved the brands innovation for active-lifestyles once again. The flexible straps offers various colours to suit your style, and the 38mm dial is suitable for both men and women.
Breitling Watches at Michael Spiers
Over the years, the family brand 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.
