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.
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The Hand of Time
It's in the Family
The Hand of Time
It's in the Family
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.
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Uncharted Territory
The Navitimer
Uncharted Territory
The Navitimer
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.
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Fuelled by Camaraderie
SQUAD ON A MISSION
Fuelled by Camaraderie
SQUAD ON A MISSION
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.
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Breitling at Harrods
There's More In-Store
Breitling at Harrods
There's More In-Store
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.