Born in 1860 Leon Breitling is often referred to as a Swiss watchmaker, but he was originally from Germany. As a young man, he moved to Switzerland and found work as an apprentice in watchmaking where he learned the skills that saw him establish his own business, in 1884.

In 1889, Breitling received a patent for a groundbreaking new chronograph that was lauded for its superior legibility and ease of use. New innovations followed in the shape of an unprecedented eight-day power reserve, a pulsograph scale for doctors to measure patients’ pulses, and a tachymeter to measure the speed of newly-invented automobiles. Then, in 1915, the company introduced the world’s first chronograph wristwatch with a push-piece above the crown and later, in 1923, the first double chronograph.

During the 1930’s the company established its longstanding partnerships with the aviation and naval worlds which saw their watches, dashboard clocks, and other chronographic instruments employed by a number of militaries throughout World War II.

As a watchmaker, Breitling has stood the tests of time for nearly 150 years, carving out a legacy of impeccable quality and bold design choices.