Breitling is a Swiss firm founded in 1884 that designs, manufactures and sells highly precise watches and watch components. Switzerland is known throughout the world for its timepieces, but Breitling has distinguished itself by specializing in chronometers that are used by airplane pilots. Its products are priced accordingly.
The least expensive watch made by Breitling, with a rubber strap, can be had for $2,000, but many of the company’s models run for much more than that, into six figures, and its most expensive model is sold for $175,000.
One of Breitling’s most famous innovations was the addition of a 24-hour dial instead of the usual 12-hour dial. It was implemented at the request of American astronaut Scott Carpenter, since day and night do not have the same meaning off-planet, and was used on his 1962 space flight. This model was dubbed the Cosmonaute Navitimer.
Another interesting model developed by Breitling is the Emergency, which can broadcast a distress frequency at 121.5 MHz for 167 kilometers. The feature was proved a success in 2003 when two British pilots who crashed in Antarctica were rescued thanks to the transmitter.
