History of the Breitling watch brand

Breitling, a public limited company belonging to the watchmaking industry, was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Switzerland. In 1914, the founder's son, Gaston Breitling, took over the company after the death of his father. He ensured that the watch manufactory specialised in the development of the chronograph. In 1923, the first Breitling watch with an independent chronograph pusher was developed. Since 1936, the world-famous watch brand has also been supplying the Royal Air Force with on-board watches for aircraft. The wristwatches manufactured especially for the pilots were distinguished at that time by luminous numerals on a black dial.

In 1942 a Breitling model was officially introduced by the US Army Air Force. The first diving watch became known by the Breitling brand in 1958 under the name "Superocean". In 1979, the then owner Willy Breitling sold the company to the experienced entrepreneur, watchmaker and pilot Ernest Schneider. Another revolutionary step was taken in 2002, when a water meter was manufactured for the first time that could withstand a pressure down to 3000 meters.