Time Capsule: The Breitling Heritage Exhibition is on tour

Breitling timepieces marking key innovations during the brand’s remarkable 140-year history are curated in an exhibition now on tour. The exhibition has 55 stops planned across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia (including the Middle East). Four exhibition kits are already on tour, set to be showcased for one to two weeks in each destination boutique until December 6, 2024.

Since 1884, Breitling has been notching up one first after the other: the founders invented the modern chronograph, incorporated a circular slide rule into the first pilot’s watch, launched the first Swiss wristwatch into space on the arm of Scott Carpenter, and sent the first dive chronograph into the ocean depths. This leading Swiss watchmaker also codeveloped the first automatic chronograph movement, installed the first international emergency beacon in a watch, and initiated the thrust now followed by multiple brands to get its movements 100 per cent COSC certified. Their innovation has no limits, more recently having created the first traceable watch, and designed and assembled many manufacture movements at the Breitling Chronometrie.

Brand achievements to date are celebrated this year with the tagline “140 Years of Firsts,” a testament to Breitling’s continuous innovation and pioneering spirit. The travelling exhibition is part of their anniversary programme, showcasing these ‘firsts’ and their impact on the watchmaking industry. “We’ve launched Time Capsule to honour our heritage and celebrate our breakthroughs,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “Each exhibition is a captivating journey that connects our heritage with the present, allowing guests to witness the evolution and lasting spirit of our brand.”

Exhibition Highlights

Gaston Breitling’s mono-pusher (1915) was the first to separate the chronograph functions from the crown

• Willy Breitling’s Populaires (1937) was inspired by the Kodak Brownie camera. This line was mass-produced at a more accessible price, broadening their appeal.

Cocktail watches handcrafted in gold and gemstones showcase the brand’s historic craftsmanship and inspire its modern women’s collections

• Breitling’s Chronomat (short for Chronograph for Mathematicians) is regarded as the first smartwatch. Revealed in 1942, the Chronomat had a circular slide rule to serve as an analogue calculator.

The Navitimer (1952) featured a circular slide rule that turned it into the world’s first wrist-worn flight computer. It is an iconic pilot’s watch, adopted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

The Cosmonaute (1962) was effectively a Navitimer with a 24-hour display, created at the request of astronaut Scott Carpenter who wanted to be able to distinguish day from night in space. It was the first Swiss wristwatch in space.

• The Chrono-Matic (1969) movement was the first to market that combined a chronograph with an automatic calibre.

The Emergency (1995) was the first watch to contain a miniature international distress beacon, an indispensable safety tool for explorers. Its functionality assists in locating and rescuing people in danger and can be life-saving

The exhibition is a walk-in experience open to all. Visitors can admire the watches and learn more about their history by scanning QR codes for more information. Those eager to experience something more in-depth are invited to contact the customer service team at the relevant boutique to schedule an appointment.