Breitling is a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its precision chronographs, aviation heritage, and robust tool watches. Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, the brand initially focused on producing reliable chronograph instruments for industrial and scientific use. By the mid-20th century, Breitling had firmly established itself as the go-to brand for pilots, becoming synonymous with the golden age of aviation.
The launch of the Navitimer in 1952 was a defining moment for Breitling. Equipped with a circular slide rule for airborne navigation, the Navitimer became an essential tool for pilots and is still one of the brand’s most iconic models. Other key collections include the Chronomat, introduced in 1942 with a rotating slide rule bezel, and the Superocean, a professional dive watch that debuted in 1957 and remains a cornerstone of the brand’s aquatic offerings.
Breitling also played a pioneering role in chronograph technology. In 1969, the brand collaborated with Heuer, Hamilton, and Dubois Dépraz to develop the Chrono-Matic, one of the first automatic chronograph movements. This spirit of innovation continues today through the development of in-house calibers such as the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01.
In recent years, under the leadership of Georges Kern, Breitling has undergone a strategic transformation — modernizing its brand identity, reviving historic designs, and placing greater emphasis on sustainability and lifestyle partnerships. From air and sea to land, Breitling now positions itself as a casual-luxury watchmaker with strong vintage-inspired aesthetics and modern mechanical performance.
Whether it’s a Navitimer on a pilot’s wrist, a Superocean beneath the waves, or a Premier model worn in urban settings, Breitling remains a symbol of reliability, adventure, and timeless Swiss engineering.