If you're a pilot or involved in the flight industry then you sure know what Breitling means: precision and quality. If you're an adventurer you might also know them for being the first to have their watches into cosmos and at very high altitudes.

The company started in 1884 and was founded by Leon Breitling (a 24 years old watchmaker) in St. Imier Switzerland. Since the beginning the goal was no less than a high quality watch that can be used for a scientific or technical purpose.

Gaston Breitling takes over the firm in 1914 because of its father demise and in 1915 creates the first wristwatch with a chronograph. Pilots immediately adopt this watch that can help them in their work. In 1931 following the improvements made by Willy Breitling the company the second return-to-zero push piece allowing consecutive measurement of short time.

Breitling's history and evolution is closely related with the aviation industry. The first move into this sector was in 1936 when Breitling becomes the official supplier to the Royal Air Force. The watch that made history in the industry is the NAVITIMER which was equipped with the “navigation computer” capable of handling all computations called by a flight plan.

Another watch of great importance to the Breitling brand is the 1984 CHRONOMAT that had the “Frecce Tricolori” bezel. This watch was designed in close cooperation with the elite flight team and it quickly became the best-selling line in Breitling collection (and still is). Some choose to buy a Breitling replica watch instead.

Recognition from the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute was obtained in 1999 for the accurate time keeping. This was a world’s first among the watch brands. It is interesting to know that Breitling has a team of jet planes used for public shows and demonstrations. Needless to say all pilots use Breitling watches.