Breitling: “140 years of first”

Throughout its history, Breitling has successfully combined tradition and modernity.

The brand has never stopped experimenting in terms of materials and technologies: it increasingly explores the use of ecological materials, while continuing to offer connected watches like the Emergency, capable of sending distress signals.

2024, the anniversary year of 140 years of Breitling creations

This year 2024, Breitling celebrates its 140 years of creations and still promises many surprises and innovations for watch lovers. Discover the various projects implemented by the house to mark the event: 

• A temporary Breitling museum in Zurich called “Then & Now”, which traces the three worlds of the house: air, land and sea, along an immersive journey on three floorses, each offering an exclusive perspective on key dates through interactive display cases, rare vintage models and never-before-seen stories.
• A limited collection of anniversary models equipped with the house's new movement: the B19 caliber; a perpetual calendar capable of operating for a century without making any major adjustments over time. The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar, The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar And The Premier B19 Datora 42 Perpetual Calendar 140 copies will each be available, reflecting the 140 years of the house. 
• Story publications revealing unpublished anecdotes hidden behind their achievements and describing the unexpected advances that have marked the world of watchmaking, each month of this anniversary year.
• An exclusive anniversary certificate will be distributed for each watch purchased during this year, testifying to the authenticity of the product and highlighting a flagship year for the house, with more than a century of creation under its belt.
• A world exhibition “Time capsule” presenting old pieces from the house’s archives, with the aim of promoting its heritage in Breitling boutiques around the world: in Europe, Asia, America, the Middle East and Australia.
• The release of a commemorative book: "140 years in 140 stories" cDesigned for amateurs and enthusiasts, it traces the history of the house, from its creation to its rise to become one of the watch brands the most important of the 21st century. 

History and evolution of Breitling over time

From the very beginning, Léon Breitling distinguished itself by creating high-precision chronographs for scientists and athletes. However, it was during the 1930s that the brand really took off with the introduction of the first aviation watches, such as the legendary Navitimer, equipped with an integrated slide rule for pilots. This revolutionary instrument will notably contribute to establishing Breitling's reputation in aeronautics.

From year to year, Breitling has continued to innovate in watchmaking technology, notably with the invention of the first self-winding chronograph in 1969. The house has also focused on developing in-house manufactured movements, starting in 2009 with the house’s iconic B01 caliber, known for its reliability and precision certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). Featuring a 70-hour power reserve, this caliber occupies a prominent place in collections such as Chronomat And Navitimer.

This caliber repeatedly inspired new creations, which are distinguished by additional features: the B04 caliber (2012) equipped with an added GMT complication allows for a second time zone in addition to the chronograph function, the B05 caliber (2015), equipped with the Unitime function, displays the time in several time zones and finally the B03 caliber (2017), presents a "split-seconds" chronograph complication, also called flyback, allowing several events to be timed simultaneously. 

However, Breitling does not limit itself to the production of in-house calibers, the house also extends its know-how by working in collaboration with other manufactures: the caliber B20 (2017), with Tudor, automatic, which has three hands and the caliber B21 (2021) with Kenissi. This tourbillon caliber was introduced in the Premier collection.

Breitling's iconic collections

• Chronomat
  Launched in 1984, the Chronomat is a symbol of renewal for Breitling, having celebrated 100 years of Breitling and marked the return of the mechanical chronograph. It stands out with its notched bezel and robust pushers, in addition to its high-precision performance. With its multiple variations, it is both a sporty and elegant watch.

• Navitimer
  Arguably the brand's most iconic collection, the Navitimer was launched in 1952 and remains a must-have for aviation enthusiasts. Its recognizable design with a circular slide rule makes it as functional as it is elegant. 

• Avenger
  Created in 2001, the Avenger collection is aimed at modern adventurers in search of performance. With its imposing dimensions and resolutely masculine look, the Avenger is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions while offering easy and fast reading in all situations, becoming very popular among fans of aeronautical and military activities.

• Top Time
  Launched in the 1960s, the Top Time quickly became a symbol of self-expression for a dynamic generation thanks to its elegant and unconventional dial design. 

• First
  Inspired by the 1940s, the Premier collection embodies the heritage of the house, a perfect marriage between elegance, functionality and quality, combined with high-precision mechanical movements, it is the perfect watch to be worn daily.