Breitling

Breitling SA. was founded in Saint-Imier, Bernese Jura by Léon Breitling in 1884. Given its deep and rich history Breitling established itself as the chronograph authority of the swiss watchmaking world. Breitlings most iconic models, and best sellers all belong to The Chronomat collection line, released in 1941.During the 1940's Breitling introduced the "slide rule bezel" specifically made for pilots, most associated with the Navitimer a model launched in 1952 giving its wearer the ability to gauge flight time and fuel consumption from a simple look at the wrist. Breitling soon become known as the wristwatch for professionals. After Léon's death in 1914 the family-owned business passed to his son, Gaston whom in 1979 sold the business to Ernst Schneider. Breitling remained family-owned until April 2017, where Theodore Schneider, Ernst son, sold majority stake in Breitling to CVC Capital Partners, the following year Theodore sold the remainder of his stake in Breitling to CVC Capital Partners.