Shop the store through our remote Personal Shopping service – Find Out More
Shop the store through our remote Personal Shopping service – Find Out More
Breitling stands apart from its Swiss watchmaking contemporaries thanks to – under the direction of astute founder Léon Breitling – some of the horology industry’s most significant patents. The first of these was granted for its simplified and easy-to-maintain take on the chronograph, and subsequent accolades were to follow: the first power reserve to last 80 days; a timepiece accurate to two-fifths of a second; the world’s first wrist-strap design. Today, Breitling is synonymous with luxury, excellence and precision, and has become a beacon of accuracy for professionals in the worlds of aviation, exploration and sport – not to mention its starring role in the James Bond classic Thunderball, where its built-in geiger counter helped to save the world.
The Hand of Time
After Léon Breitling’s death in 1914, his son Gaston inherited the family business – and his father’s pioneering spirit. After just one year at Breitling’s helm, Gaston unveiled one of the world’s first wrist chronographs, starring a separate push-piece on the watch’s crown. Like father, like son; in 1934 Gaston’s own child, Willy, patented the world’s first wrist chronograph with two pushers.
Uncharted Territory
For horologists everywhere, no date holds quite the same significance as 1952: the debut of the Breitling Navitimer. A portmanteau of ‘navigation’ and ‘timer’, the Navitimer – equipped with a flight-specific slide rule – is to this day held as a pinnacle of aeronautical engineering. Exclusive to Harrods, 50 of Breitling’s Navitimer 1 Automatic 41 have been made in limited-edition emerald green.
Fuelled by Camaraderie
Surfer, explorer, cinema... United under one message, ‘the strength of the many’, disparate industries find common ground in Breitling's squad concept. David de Rothschild – the youngest Brit to reach both geographical Poles, actor Brad Pitt and Kelly Slater – the most successful surfer of all time – are just three of the myriad trailblazers that have joined forces in Breitling’s extended family.
Breitling at Harrods
Descend the marble staircase in Fine Watches and, on the Lower Ground Floor, you’ll discover a sanctuary. Breitling’s serene space boasts two private rooms and is situated next to the in-house workshop should you wish to personalise your purchase. Need advice? Our in-store experts are here to help. Email us at [email protected] or call using the number below and ext. 2142.
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