Mark Your Calendars: Time Capsule – The Breitling Heritage Exhibition
Breitling, the iconic watchmaker with a legacy spanning 140 years, invites you to experience its storied history through “Time Capsule: The Breitling Heritage Exhibition.” This remarkable showcase, now on a global tour, will visit 55 locations across four continents, providing a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of watchmaking innovation firsthand.
Founded in 1884, Breitling has been a pioneer in the world of horology, renowned for its groundbreaking contributions. From inventing the modern chronograph to equipping the first pilot’s watch with a circular slide rule, and from sending the first Swiss wristwatch into space to developing the first dive chronograph, Breitling has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. The brand’s achievements also include the co-development of the first automatic chronograph movement, introducing the first international emergency beacon in a watch, and being the first to achieve 100% COSC certification for its movements. Today, Breitling continues to innovate with the introduction of the first traceable watch and a range of manufacture movements designed and assembled at the Breitling Chronometrie.
In celebration of its 140th anniversary, Breitling proudly presents “140 Years of Firsts.” The Time Capsule exhibition, a centerpiece of this celebration, brings together the most significant watches from Breitling’s history, showcasing pieces that have played a pioneering role in horological advancements.
Exhibition Tour and Highlights
The Time Capsule exhibition will visit selected Breitling boutiques across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia (including the Middle East). Each stop will feature a collection of Breitling’s most iconic timepieces, aligned with their modern-day counterparts.
“We’ve launched Time Capsule to honor our heritage and celebrate our breakthroughs,” said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “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.”
The exhibition kits are already on tour, set to be showcased for one to two weeks in each boutique, running from May 27 to December 6, 2024.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
- Gaston Breitling’s Mono-Pusher (1915): The first chronograph to separate functions from the crown, a significant innovation in watch design.
- Willy Breitling’s Populaires (1937): A line inspired by the Kodak Brownie camera, making chronographs accessible by mass-producing them at an affordable price.
- Cocktail Watches (1940s): Elaborate women’s watches handcrafted in gold and gemstones, showcasing Breitling’s craftsmanship and influencing modern women’s lines.
- The First Smartwatch (1942): The Chronomat, equipped with a circular slide rule, served as an analog calculator, paving the way for future innovations like the Navitimer.
- The Navitimer (1952): Featuring a circular slide rule, this revolutionary pilot’s watch became the world’s first wrist-worn flight computer, adored by aviators and style icons.
- The Cosmonaute (1962): A Navitimer with a 24-hour display, requested by astronaut Scott Carpenter for space missions, becoming the first Swiss wristwatch in space.
- The Chrono-Matic (1969): Developed through a top-secret consortium, this movement was the first to combine a chronograph with an automatic caliber.
- The Emergency (1995): The first watch with a miniature international distress beacon, aiding in rescue operations and potentially saving lives.
Exhibition Experience
Time Capsule offers an immersive, walk-in experience open to all. The exhibition is displayed in vintage-inspired steamer-trunk displays, tailored to each boutique. Guests can explore the watches and delve deeper into Breitling’s history by scanning QR codes for detailed information about each timepiece. For a more in-depth experience, scheduling an appointment is recommended.
Don’t miss this extraordinary journey through time and innovation. Time Capsule: The Breitling Heritage Exhibition is a tribute to the brand’s enduring legacy and a celebration of its continued commitment to excellence in watchmaking.