1884
Léon Breitling founds the workshop in Saint-Imier
Swiss Jura, 24 years old. Specialty: wrist and pocket chronographs for
professionals. Takes advantage of the Jura's industrial watchmaking cluster.
1915
First chronograph with an independent pusher
Breitling introduces a pusher separated from the crown — a technical innovation that
defines the modern chronograph. Before that, chronometer functions were operated from the crown.
1934
Patent · dual-pusher system
Start/stop on one, reset on the other. It is the standard architecture of ALL modern
chronographs. Breitling patented the principle.
1952
Navitimer · aviation chronograph with slide-rule bezel
Iconic piece: bezel with a circular slide rule for speed, distance, fuel-consumption
calculations. Adopted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Defines the
"Breitling = pilot" identity for 70 years.
1979
⚡ Bankruptcy · the quartz crisis era
Willy Breitling (founder's grandson) goes bankrupt. Quartz kills the mechanical
chronograph category. Ernest Schneider buys the rights for a symbolic sum. The brand
nearly disappears.
1982 – 2010
Schneider era · modified Valjoux 7750 chronograph
Breitling repositions as a high-quality niche chronograph brand. Uses the Valjoux
7750 (later ETA 7750) in almost every model. Oversize cases, loaded dials, aggressive
aviation marketing. Becomes profitable again but aesthetically falls behind the trends of
the 2000s.
2009
Opening of Breitling Chronométrie in La Chaux-de-Fonds
They build a dedicated manufacture for chronograph movements. It is the technical
investment that will allow the in-house B01 launch three years later.
2012
★ B01 Calibre · first real in-house chronograph
After 100 years using other people's movements, Breitling launches the B01:
designed AND manufactured in Grenchen / La Chaux-de-Fonds. Column wheel, vertical clutch,
70h, COSC. It is Breitling's true in-house calibre. Still active today in Navitimer,
Superocean Chronograph, Premier B01.
2017
CVC buys Breitling · enter Georges Kern
The CVC fund buys the brand. Georges Kern (ex-IWC) takes the CEO role and leads the
rebrand: smaller cases, clean dials, reactivation of Top Time + Superocean Heritage, new
women's categories.
2020
B20 Calibre · first "manufacture" with Kenissi
Breitling partners with Kenissi (the manufacture shared with Tudor / Chanel) to
create the B20: automatic three-hand + variants with modules (GMT, large date).
The B20 is physically manufactured by Kenissi in Le Locle, not by Breitling. It appears
in the Superocean Heritage line until 2024.
March 25, 2025
★ B31 Calibre · debut in the Top Time B31 38 mm
Breitling unveils the B31, its second three-hand "manufacture" movement. This
time without Kenissi: the new partner is Sellita AMT (Sellita's Manufacture
division) in La Chaux-de-Fonds. 4 years of development, 78h reserve, free-sprung balance,
COSC. Replaces the B20 in the Superocean Heritage line during 2025-26.
2025 – 2026
Expansion · Superocean Heritage B31 (40/42/44) + Top Time B31
2026 catalogue: Top Time B31 38 mm in several panda variants (leather or
bracelet, USD 5,600-6,150) + Superocean Heritage B31 in 40/42/44 mm (USD
6,500-8,250). The B20 with Kenissi enters a gradual discontinuation.