A unique experience

To celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2024, Breitling has opened the doors to an exceptional pop-up museum in Zurich. This immersive space brings the brand’s history to life, from the origins of its founder, Léon Breitling, in 1884 to the iconic timepieces that have defined each decade. A unique opportunity to discover—or rediscover—Breitling’s DNA.

In 1884, Léon Breitling established his workshop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, with a clear vision: to create high-precision chronographs for professionals. He laid the foundation for a brand that would become a benchmark in aviation, motorsports, and diving.

More than just an exhibition, the Breitling pop-up museum is an immersive experience that revives the brand’s history. Every watch tells a chapter of this horological adventure, blending technical mastery with timeless aesthetics.

This unique exhibition is only open until May 11, and entry is complimentary. A must-visit for any watch enthusiast!

Scott Carpenter and the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute

On May 24, 1962, Scott Carpenter became the sixth man to travel into space, piloting the Aurora 7 capsule as part of the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. As a U.S. Navy pilot and astronaut, Carpenter understood the importance of a reliable tool in space missions. He collaborated with Breitling to adapt the Navitimer to astronauts’ needs. The main modification? A 24-hour dial, essential for distinguishing day from night in space.

His customized Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute, designed specifically for this mission, became the first Swiss watch to travel to space. Unfortunately, upon the splashdown of Aurora 7, Carpenter lost his watch in the Atlantic Ocean. This disappearance only added to its legendary status, and Breitling has since reissued the model in various versions to honor this historic achievement.

Orbiter: the first non-stop balloon flight around the world

Orbiter 1 (1997): Bertrand Piccard and Wim Verstraeten attempt the first round-the-world balloon flight. However, the mission is cut short due to technical issues and a lack of authorization to fly over China.

Orbiter 2: a second attempt is made with improved technology. Piccard and Verstraeten manage to fly for nine days, covering 8,000 km, but unfavorable winds and fuel shortages force them to land in Myanmar.

Orbiter 3: the third attempt, this time with Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, becomes legendary. The flight lasts 19 days, 21 hours, and 47 minutes, completing the first-ever non-stop circumnavigation of the globe—a historic milestone in aviation and exploration.

Breitling was the main sponsor of these missions, reinforcing its commitment to technical challenges. To support the adventure, Breitling developed the Emergency, a watch equipped with a distress transmitter capable of sending a rescue signal.