MTF[PuristS]
13383
Breitling: So called 'Inventor' of early horologic patents, chronographs and timers...
Nov 30, 2016,01:49 AM
The following history may have modern parallels and give clues to the modern "fit" of Breitling in any potential investor's portfolio:
Leon Breitling was an assistant clerk in the Patents Office and "credited" with an early horologic patent..... (no comment).
Scion of an established family in Neuchâtel mountains, he established a shop in 1884 focused on chronographs and timers for science & engineering, sports and the emerging interest in automobiles and aviation. In 1892, he decided to change his assembly workshop into a real Manufacture and move to La Chaux-de-Fonds. The Breitling Montbrillant company was born.
During the Belle Epoque, the Breitling Chronograph Collection was established as the standard reference for competitive sports, motoring and aviation pioneers e.g. Chronographe Tachometer Vitesse with tachometer scale in 1902.
The first separate chronograph push-piece in 1915 by Gaston Breitling (son of Leon) established the modern standard for chronograph function button separate from the winding crown.
In 1923, Breitling separated the start/stop function from the reset mechanism to allow addition of multiple short timings as a totaliser, thus useful in sports, science and aviation timing.
In 1931, the first aviation dashboard Breitling chronograph instrument was launched: aluminium case, precise movement, solid construction, black dial and white luminous numerals/hands established the standard for aviation use.
In 1934, Willy Breitling (grandson of Leon) patented the second separate push piece for the modern look of chronographs with a stop/start button and a reset button separate from the crown.
In 1937, Breitling introduced aviation dashboard chronographs with pushers parallel with dials for easier activation and supplied "various' airforces including the RAF. It also created wristwatch chronographs for pilots.
In 1942, Breitling introduced the first slude-rule wristwatch in the Chronomat after a patent from 1940 that allowed mathematical calculations and telemeter/tachometer/pulsometer functions.
In 1952, Breitling introduced logarithm scaled wristwatch in the Navitimer allowing complexed air navigation calculations.
Through the 1950s, Breitling ws the official timer of bicycle and automobile races.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Breitling became the standard dashboard instrument on commercial airliners (propellar and jet powered) to become "Official Supplier to World Aviation" e.g. Boeing 707, DC-8 and Caravelle.
In 1962, Breitling became first wristwatch chronograph in Space with a Navitimer with special 24-H scale on the wrist of Scott Carpenter in Aurora 7 mirrion.
In 1965, not one but two Breitling wristwatches (Navitimer and Top Time) were on James Bond's wrist in 'Thunderball' (Sean Connery) but not at the same time!
In 1966, F1 Champion Jim Clark wore a Breitling Top Time.
In 1969, Breitling launched the world's first automatic winding wristwatch chronograph beating collaborators Dubois Dépraz, Heuer-Leonidas and Hamilton-Büren with the "Chrono-Matic” Caliber 11.
In 1979, Breitling was revived by Ernest Schneider, an electronics specialist and private pilot.
In 1984, for the centenary, Breitling launched the Chronomat chronograph with electronic multifunctions developed with Frecce Tricolore aerobatics team. This led to the Aerospace (1985) and Emergency (1995) models now firmly esconced in aviation history.
In 1999, Breitling went "all chronometer" sending all its production for COSC testing and becoming the ONLY major watch brand that tested all its watches that way. It was second largest COSC receipient annually after Rolex. To achieve this, Theodore Schneider (son of Ernest) established Breitling Chronometrie in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
In 2001, Breitling introduced the SuperQuartz crystal that is the zenith of quartz oscillators.
Conclusion:
Breitling would suit a portfolio that needs a strong patrimony in chronographs, science and aviation.
This may rule out Richemont and LVMH because of cannabalism.
What does that leave? Precisely.....
Regards,
MTF