Breitling History – Leon Breitling, Gaston Breitling and Willy Breitling
1884. In founding his workshop in Saint-Imier, in the Swiss Jura, Leon Breitling opts to specialize in the production of chronographs and timers, precision instruments intended for the fields of sport science and industry. 1892. In light of the growing success of his production, Leon Breitling relocates his activities to La Chaux-de-Fonds, a key centre of Swiss and International watchmaking. Breitling chronographs and timers accompany the boom in competitive sports, in the automobile industry, as well as the pioneering aviation feats. 1914. Gaston Breitling sicceds his father Leon. 1915. In presenting one of the first wrist chronographs, Gaston Breitling creates a pushpiece separate from the crown to handle the three chronograph functions (stop, start, reset). This marks the birth of the first independent pushpiece. 1923. Breitling perfects its chronograph control system by separating the “stop/start” functions controlled by a pushpiece at 2 o’clock fromm the “reset” function operated via the crown. This patented innovation makes it possible to add several successive times.
1931. Breitling intriduces a “specialty” which will earn it worldwide fame: onboard chronographs designed for aircraft cockpits. 1932. Gaston’s son Willy Breitling takes the reins of the company. 1934. Breitling files a patent for second independent pushpiece intended exclusively for the reset function. This technical breakthrough sets the final touch to the modern face of the chronograph. 1937. Breitling develops a patented system of controls parallel to the dial for its onboard chronographs, thereby substantially improving their functionality. These accurate, sturdy and efficient instruments prove a great success with the various armed forces, including the Royal Air Force which decides to equip its famous World War II propeller fighter planes with them. 1942. Breitling extends its range of instrument watches by creating the Chronomat, the first timepiece equipped with a circular slide rule.
