Breitling
Instruments for aviation
Breitling helped develop the operating logic of the modern chronograph and equipped cockpits for decades. The Navitimer, with its slide-rule bezel, remains the symbol of that heritage.
The evolution of Breitling
In 1884 Léon Breitling founded a workshop for counting and timing instruments in Saint-Imier. In 1915 came the first chronograph pusher separate from the crown, and in 1934 the second pusher for the reset function — the operating logic still in use today.
In 1952 the Navitimer appeared, with its circular slide rule, adopted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as its official watch. In 1962 a Cosmonaute with a 24-hour display accompanied Scott Carpenter into space.
In 1969 Breitling took part in developing the Chronomatic calibre with micro-rotor, one of the first automatic chronograph movements. The quartz crisis ended the old company history in 1979.
Ernest Schneider carried the brand forward from 1979, and the Chronomat followed in 1984. Since 2017, under new leadership, the house has pursued a leaner, more historically grounded line.
- Founded
- 1884 in Saint-Imier
- Founder
- Léon Breitling
- Headquarters
- Grenchen, Switzerland
- Signature
- Slide-rule bezel, chronographs
- Milestone
- Navitimer, 1952
- Certification
- COSC for all mechanical movements
What matters with Breitling
- 01
Vintage Navitimers and early Chronomat references are sought after in the collector market, while modern serial models offer an accessible entry level.
- 02
Chronographs with the manufacture calibre B01 are technically desirable and easy to service, which shows in resale demand.
- 03
For vintage models, the bezel insert, slide-rule printing and original hands are the critical points to check.
Breitling at Predeluxe
Questions about Breitling?
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We purchase Breitling — discreetly, verified and at fair market terms.
Send us a few details about your watch. You will typically receive an initial assessment from our experts in Zurich and Dubai within 24 hours.