Willy Breitling

Willy Breitling was a Swiss watchmaker, businessman and the former president of the Swiss luxury wristwatch manufacturer Breitling SA.[1][2][3]

Willy Breitling
Born
Saint-Imier, Switzerland
CitizenshipSwiss
Occupation(s)Businessman and watchmaker
OrganizationBreitling SA

Willy Breitling is credited for the invention and introduction of the first two-pusher chronograph wristwatch in 1934.[4]

Accomplishments
A recent version of the Chronomat model launched in 1940 by Willy Breitling

Amongst Willy Breitling's many pioneering achievements, was the establishment of the Huit Aviation Department in 1938.

Willy Breitling was also responsible for bringing to market the patented model Chronomat in 1940, characterized by a patented rotating slide rule for technicians and scientists.

In 1953, Wily Breitling launched the 'Premier line' and opened a new segment for the company, targeting the high-end market with wristwatches in precious metals and elegant shapes, instead of the rugged pilot and military timepieces the brand was famous for.

In 1936, Willy Breitling introduced an on-board chronograph for airplanes, later used by over 30 airlines and has since supplied the Royal Air Force with cockpit clocks for their aircraft.

Two of the more intricate highlights of the following decade were the introduction of the Duograph line, which was introduced in 1944 and featured a split-second complication, and the Datora collection, which was introduced immediately after the war and is characterized by its calendar and moon phase display.

In the 1950s, celebrating his 25th anniversary as head of the family business, W. Breitling launched the SuperOcean collection.[5]

Personal life

Willy Breitling was the only son of Gaston Breitling and took over the helm of the family business (Breitling SA) after his death in 1927.

References
  1. "Breitling SA: Private Company Information". Bloomberg Businessweek. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  2. Breitling SA historical references
  3. Further reading on Breitling historical relevance in watchmaking
  4. 'GASTON BREITLING SHOWS WHAT HE CAN DO'
  5. "INTO THE FUTURE WITH WILLY BREITLING"

Books
  • Breitling Highlights – by Henning Mützlitz, 2011 ISBN 3868521976 ISBN 9783868521979
  • Breitling: The History of a Great Brand of Watches (1884 – present) ISBN 9780764326707
  • Breitling. Die Geschichte einer großen Uhrenmarke. 1884 bis heute; Author: Benno Richter; ISBN 3766711350
  • Das ZEITGEFÜHL-Uhrenbuch; Author: Gerd-Lothar Reschke; ISBN 3938607610
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