In the world of luxury Swiss watchmaking, Breitling has long been one of the leading brands and is well known for its expert craftsmanship and stunning timepiece designs. It’s a reputation it has earned over time, and is steeped in rich history that dates all the way back to 1884, but today, Breitling remains one of the most highly-sought after watchmaking brands in the world, with its watches seen as much as a status symbol as a mark of luxury.
Headquartered in Grenchen, Switzerland, the brand is one of the few independent large-scale Swiss watch brands and all of its watch movements go through a rigorous testing process at the hands of the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) in order to conform their impressive accuracy and receive the prestigious ‘Chronometer’ certification. And it’s this dedication to accuracy across its timepieces that has seen Breitling to give other leading luxury Swiss watch brands a run for their money.
Breitling’s legacy
Founded by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, from the outset, Breitling’s focus was on producing high-precision timepieces, primarily for professionals for whom time is of the essence, and in particular, for those in aviation – including pilots and astronauts.
Succeeded by his son Gaston Breitling, who followed in his trailblazing footsteps, the brand went on to create two notable innovations that shaped the chronograph as we know it today, with Gaston himself creating and bringing to market one of the first chronograph wristwatches with an independent pusher at 2 o’clock, allowing for the measurement of time intervals with the greatest possible level of accuracy, and the chronograph movement continues to be an integral feature in many of the world’s finest timepieces across the most esteemed brands.
Finding your perfect fit
If you’re shopping for your first ever Breitling watch – whether to wear or to purchase as an investment piece to add to your collection – the sheer amount of choice the brand has to offer could easily leave you feeling overwhelmed. That said, Breitling has always been a brand to focus on quality rather than quantity, so whilst there are plenty of options, you can be sure that they are of only the highest possible quality and that no watch is an underperformer that is simply there to bulk out the range.
There have been several noteworthy collections over the years, and you can find an overview of Breitling models online without much searching. The Navitimer arguably being the most iconic. Characterised by a distinct circular slide rule bezel, it was especially designed to help aviators to make complex calculations and is a symbol of aeronautical history and functionality.
The Chronomat, meanwhile, is another collection inspired by aviation and its robust design has made it a favourite amongst those in the field, as well as outside of it. Another prime example of precision engineering, it doesn’t compromise on the aesthetics, either, and is a stylish and sophisticated choice that is most certainly worth your consideration.
From high in the sky to deep in the ocean, the Superocean was actually designed for the diving enthusiast and functions up to impressive depths of 2,000 metres. And continuing on the sea theme, the Transocean was inspired by the elegance of mid-20th century transatlantic travel. Both collections exude classic, timeless design, too, so you can be sure you’re getting the best of both worlds.
Features to look for
One of the best ways to begin narrowing down your options is to make a shortlist of those that suit your lifestyle in terms of functionality, then go and take a look at the available collections in real life and see how you feel about the aesthetics.
The cases and materials range from stainless steel and titanium to gold, so knowing which metal you prefer is a good start. Do bear in mind though, that your choice will impact to some degree on its durability, too – so if the most robust possible timepiece is your priority then look for a model that is particularly built to withstand the elements as well as general wear and tear. For example, if you plan to wear it in water or put it at risk of getting wet, then water resistance is essential.
But beyond that, there are some key considerations you’ll want to make before making your final choice, and some stand-out features to look out for.
Breitling is known for its precise movements, all of which are made in house. But these can vary from ETA movements to Caliber BXX, the latter being particularly coveted due to their enhanced precision – so opt for a model with one of these for the best possible performance.
The dials and functions are also important – for example, an illuminated dial and hands will help you to see your watch in the dark. Chronographs on offer range from chronographs and world time functions to moon phases, so decide what’s most important to you and go from there.
