Léon Breitling started his eponymous brand in 1884 and it has specialised in complicated timepieces and chronographs from the beginning, going on to pioneer the wrist-worn chronograph, which was hugely popular with pilots.
Spirit of innovation
A spate of supplying cockpit clocks to commercial aircraft led to the development of its most iconic watch, the Navitimer, a timepiece with a slide rule for accurate in-air calculations. Their timepieces are used by pilots and chair-born squadrons, as well as by divers - both professionals and those merely dabbling - and collections such as the Navitimer and
Superocean remain as popular a choice now as they were when they were first manufactured.
The brand’s collections centre on air, sea and land pursuits, reflecting its navigational history and combining classic watchmaking with contemporary modern retro design. Breitling is spearheading a movement of inclusive luxury with its relaxed, industrial loft-inspired boutiques.
Breitling has been an early adopter of sustainability protocols, both in its business and its watchmaking. It has introduced the first 100% eco-friendly, foldable, and reusable watch box. Made from upcycled plastic bottles, this new box is part of its efforts to reduce negative environmental impact and it is committed to a circular economy. Breitling is also taking steps to ensure that its timepieces also reflect its aspiration for sustainability using innovative material ECONYL that is repurposed nylon waste from the likes of fishing nets for their watch straps.
Our Partnership
Our partnership with Breitling has gone from strength to strength in recent years, as we work closely with them on amplifying their key launch messaging, supporting on new ambassador releases, collaborating on Exclusive models, and proudly collaborating with them on opening several monoboutiques.
We work closely with Breitling to maximise the impact of their key launches at a national and local level, including joint advertising support for both their new collections, working with them on events and supporting across our social media, email, performance marketing channels, and more. We’ve been honoured to interview many key people from Breitling, including their Head of Sustainability Aurelia Figueroa joining our Calibre Podcast sharing an exclusive insight into becoming carbon neutral.
In 2022, Las Vegas served as the host city to the Concours d'Elegance with no better venue than the Wynn Resort, Las Vegas. To capitalise on the prestigious foot traffic and clients interested in luxury automobiles, our boutique in the Wynn hotel hosted a two-day Breitling event showcasing new merchandise with the support of a watchmaker, elevated hospitality, and special gifts with purchase. The Breitling boutique event hosted 24 appointments for 50 clients and saw over 300 walk-ins throughout the weekend.
We consistently ensure Breitling are supported throughout all of our key fascia campaigns, that run across the breadth of our marketing channels, and for 2024 we collaborated on a special Exclusive Chronomat B01 to celebrate Watches of Switzerland’s Centenary year.
The Watches of Switzerland Group Exclusive Special Editions
2020 saw the Watches of Switzerland Group and Breitling unite for the first time to create an exclusive timepiece in the ‘Watches of Switzerland Group Exclusive Special Edition Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42’. It combined function with style, and was a high performing model, one that is worthy of the legacies of both companies, as well as any watch collector.
2022 saw the launch of the Exclusive 44mm Endurance Pro, presented in a stunning dark green colour with a corresponding green dial and equipped with a green rubber strap. Designed to be durable, the ultra-light Breitlight® case was 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel.
For 2024 we are delighted to be partnering once again on an Exclusive to celebrate Watches of Switzerland’s 100th year – a Breitling Chronomat B01. This 42mm piece is crafted in titanium, a first for this collection this year, and includes the iconic rider tabs, Roleaux bracelet and green dial and anthracite subdials. This exclusive houses the B01 Manufacture Calibre, that can be seen through the open caseback along with a special engraving of ‘One of 100’ and our Centenary years. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, the Breitling Chronomat Titanium perfectly embodies the brand’s entire philosophy and mission, celebrating not only 100 years of Watches of Switzerland but also 140 years of Breitling and watchmaking excellence.
