Breitling

Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, Breitling’s early days were marked by innovation linked to the world of precision chronographs - a product offering we still associate with the brand today. The namesake founder pioneered the pulsograph (an invention used by doctors to measure a patient’s pulse) in addition to chronographs accurate to within two-fifths of a second.

Gaston, the son’s founder, continued to innovate in the field of chronograph wristwatches: among the first Swiss watchmakers to design an independent start/stop pusher and incorporate the “reset-to-zero” function.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Willy Breitling - who steered the company through the chaos of WWII - redeveloped his grandfather’s logarithmic slide rule for usage in wristwatches. Breaking with convention, he introduced the “Premier” collection: stylish chronographs in a choice of metals intended for “non-professional” use.

Renowned for its diverse range of precision chronometers and for helping popularise the modern “3-6-9” chronograph layout, Breitling is a name most watch collectors invariably associated with the call to adventure.

The brand has a rich history of supplying watches to various civil and military aviation groups, including the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the RAF. To cater to their needs, Breitling pioneered several functional innovations: in 1940, the brand patented the logarithmic slide rule and then, 29 years later, was part of the consortium which developed the self-winding chronograph.

Navitimer Ref. 806, Chronomat B01, Top Time “Triumph,” Premier “Datora” AB2510