Breitling
Grenchen, Switzerland · Est. 1884
Founded by Léon Breitling
Founded in Saint-Imier in 1884 by Léon Breitling, the brand built its reputation supplying instrument watches to the aviation industry, including the iconic Navitimer with its slide-rule bezel introduced in 1952. Breitling relaunched under CEO Georges Kern in 2017 with a more accessible positioning and now operates as an independent brand following a buyout from the Swatch Group.
- Founded
- 1884
- Headquarters
- Grenchen, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Navitimer — Iconic pilot's chronograph with circular slide rule bezel, first introduced in 1952 for the AOPA.
- Superocean — Professional dive watch collection with models rated to depths up to 2000m.
- Chronomat — Versatile all-purpose chronograph originally developed in 1984 with the Italian Air Force aerobatic team.
- Avenger — Military-inspired pilot's watch with robust construction and high legibility.
Timeline
- 1884 — Founded by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland
- 1915 — Introduced one of the first wrist-worn chronographs with independent pushpiece
- 1952 — Launched the Navitimer with its aviation slide rule bezel
- 1962 — Scott Carpenter wore the Navitimer Cosmonaute in space aboard Aurora 7
- 1979 — Ernest Schneider acquired the brand after factory closure
- 2017 — CVC Capital Partners acquired 80% of the company for $870 million
- 2022 — Partners Group took over majority ownership
- 2023 — Acquired Universal Genève
- 2025 — Private equity owners CVC and Partners Group wrote down valuation to roughly half of 2022 peak amid sales decline to CHF 1.1B.
- 2025 — Became NFL official timepiece partner. Launched first in-house time-only movement.
- 2026 — CEO Georges Kern announced House of Brands strategy uniting Breitling, Universal Geneve, and Gallet. Universal Geneve revival confirmed.
- 2026 — Named official watch partner of Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breitling
- What is Breitling known for?
- Breitling is renowned for its aviation chronographs, particularly the Navitimer, and for equipping all its mechanical and quartz movements with COSC chronometer certification.
- Who owns Breitling?
- Since 2022, Breitling is majority-owned by Partners Group, a Swiss private equity firm, with CEO Georges Kern leading the brand.
- Does Breitling make its own movements?
- Breitling produces in-house calibres including the B01 chronograph movement, while also using movements from ETA and Sellita.