Breitling watches – chronometers that took wings
More than 130 years ago in Saint-Imier in the Bernese Jura, Léon Breitling started producing what was then known as 'chronograph bracelets'. This laid the foundation for a fairytale success story.
Breitling also manufactured other high-quality measuring devices, gaining him a reputation as an innovator in the truest sense of the word. With his invention, which despite its clockwork was able to 'stop' time, he created nothing less than the modern chronograph, a feat still appreciated today. From science, the military and industries where accuracy and reliability were crucial – the demand for Breitling's robust and trustworthy devices grew.
In 1936, 22 years after Léon Breitling's death, the company began supplying the British Royal Air Force with watches specially developed for it. These were equipped with black dials and striking luminous numerals.
This success, however, was not enough for Breitling. Numerous innovations such as the Chronomat, a chronograph with an integrated slide rule function, brought the company even more worldwide fame. Eventually, Breitling watches also became the official timepieces of the U.S. Air Force.