Guest
Guest
 |  Subject: Breitling History Lesson  Thu Feb 11, 2010 11:39 am | |
| Courtesy of watchswiss.com
History of Breitling
Breitling was founded by Louis Breitling in 1884 in St Imier with the specific purpose to develop chronographs and counters for scientific and industrial applications. The late 19th century witnessed a number of unique industrial developments such as the automobile and the aeroplane. Breitling recognised that these new machines would need timing instruments and soon became a manufacturer of high quality timing instruments. Rapid expansion led to a move to the Swiss town of La-Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892 to accommodate growth.
 In 1915 Breitling developed their first wristwatch chronograph and went on to make several significant developments in this area. In 1923 they were the first watch manufacturer to introduce an independent push piece for the chronograph, enabling the start and return-to-zero function (previously performed by the winding-crown). Then in 1934 Breitling added a second push piece to the chronograph enabling either cumulative or incremental time recording. These developments made the Breitling watch a favourite amongst pilots.
In 1936 Breitling was chosen to supply the Royal Air Force with time keeping equipment. In the 40’s Breitling became the US Air Force official pilots watch whilst also supplying the American armed forces. By the 50’s Breitling had cemented their position in the aviation industry and was supplying cockpit clocks for most of the international airlines.
Over the years, Breitling launched a number of classic watches. 1942 saw the launch of the Chronomat, the first chronograph to be fitted with a circular slide rule. In 1952, the Navitimer was launched, a wrist watch equipped with a so called “navigation computer” that allowed pilots to calculate flight plans. This watch became an instant favourite amongst pilots. In 1962, the Cosmonaute was released providing a 24 hour chronograph. This watch was worn by Scott Carpenter when he flew America’s second ever manned orbital flight in the Aurora 7. In 1969, Breitling was part of a consortium of watch manufacturers that developed the first automatic chronograph, a major break through at the time.
1979 saw the end of an era for Breitling, with the death of Will Breitling. The company was subsequently bought by Ernest Schneider launching a new era for Breitling. Schneider introduced watch lines for other professions such as yachting and diving, whilst continuing to focus on building high quality, high precision watches for the aviation industry. A number of now classic watches were introduced under Schneider’s leadership such as the new Chronomat (1984), the Aerospace (1985), the Emergency (1995) and the B-1 (1998).
Today Breitling is one of the leaders in the Swiss watch industry for product development, continually launching innovative new high precision models.
|  | | What makes Breitling Watches Unique
Breitling declares their watches to be “instruments for professionals”. With a strong focus on the aviation industry, Breitling have developed a number of watch models that have been highly appreciated by pilots and astronauts throughout the history of aviation and aeronautics.
Breitling evokes the spirit, adventure and fashion of the early days of flight, and for those with a love of aviation this is the watch of choice. For those who just appreciate high precision watches with specialised functionality, Breitling is hard to pass by.
|
 |
|
Anomaly
Senior Associate
Posts : 7125
Join date : 2009-11-13
Age : 60
Location : Tampa, Florida
| | Subject: Re: Breitling History Lesson Thu Feb 11, 2010 11:43 am | |
| Great stuff man!
Many say that since they aren't owned by the same people any more it detracts from their heritage; with Breitling, I have to vehemently disagree.
Other companies, I get it. ____________________________________  | |
|
Guest
Guest
| | Subject: Re: Breitling History Lesson Thu Feb 11, 2010 11:52 am | |
| I hope to one day purchase a vintage Breitling. I'd love to see the difference between one made 50 years ago compared to my Super Ocean. I can only comment on the one I own and in my opinion it is a marvelous timepiece! It will never leave my collection. |
|
AtomicTom
Senior Consigliere
Posts : 19931
Join date : 2009-08-25
Age : 53
Location : New Jersey
| | Subject: Re: Breitling History Lesson Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:27 pm | |
| Excellent lesson Duff !  Thanks ! Breitling REALLY does have a GREAT history. They have a ton of "firsts" in the industry like the Independent push piece for chronographs. I was also impressed how Breitlings were used by the U.S. and Royal Airforces. Not to mention how airlines used Breitling cockpit clocks too !  VERY cool stuff Duff ! ____________________________________  | |
|
Guest
Guest
| | Subject: Re: Breitling History Lesson Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:34 pm | |
| Not to rain on the parade but that history is a wee bit shaded. They bought the NAME but not the machines or stock - those were sold off mostly with O&W buying the Navitimer stocks (parts, blanks, etc.) from both Breitlings liquidation and the suppliers that still had parts in the pipeline. That does not alter the quality or style of their current offerings but it is offensive to me that companies misrepresent their history. Doxa does it and I have jumped on them and pointed out the history and Breitling is not immune from scrutiny. Sorry. |
|
Guest
Guest
| |
Guest
Guest
| |
Sponsored content
| | Subject: Re: Breitling History Lesson | |
| |
|
