Breitling at Michael Spiers

Since 1884, Breitling has established a global reputation for high-precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the brand’s storied association with aviation, Breitling has shared the finest moments in humankind’s conquest of the skies. Renowned for its spirit of innovation, it has also earned a place of privilege in the worlds of science, sport, and technology. Breitling manufactures its own movements inhouse and the quality of every watch is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, made in Switzerland.

In 1884 Léon Breitling had a vision. The innovative features that he developed for his pocket watches earned Breitling a formidable reputation. Léon’s focus was firmly on Chronographs and in 1889, he was granted a patent for a simplified model, which distinguished itself from its competitors. In 1914 his son Gaston took over the family business, introducing one of the world’s first wrist chronographs with a separate push-piece above the watch crown, demonstrating his father’s pioneering spirit and passion for chronographs. The innovations continued when Gaston’s son Willy took over. In 1952 the revolutionary Navitimer was born, popular in the aviation industry. In 1979, Ernest Schneider and his family, became the guardians of the Breitling legacy until 2017. In 1984, Breitling celebrated its 100th anniversary with a completely redesigned Chronomat, which was characterised by its bezel riders and its automatic chronograph caliber. Today, now a part of CVC Capital Partners, Breitling prepares to fly into the future.