Breitling watches have been manufactured since 1884, when Léon Breitling founded the brand. In 1892, a Breitling watch was so sought after that a factory was opened in La Chaux-de-Fonds. For over 130 years they have supplied watches primarily associated with pilots.

In 1979, Ernest Schneider took over the Breitling reins and not only led the brand through the devastating quartz crisis, but also saw the watchmaker flourish with renewed vigor.