Just About Watches
Kern’s Vision: Reimagining a Classic
When Georges Kern took the reins of Breitling in 2017, he brought more than just a new business plan—he brought a fresh sense of purpose. Kern’s arrival was a jolt of energy, and his vision was both bold and clear: respect Breitling’s storied history, but make it relevant for the next generation. He began by streamlining the brand’s lineup, clarifying each family’s identity—Navitimer for aviation, Chronomat for versatility, Superocean for diving, Avenger for robust tool-watch appeal, and Premier for urban elegance. This clarity brought renewed coherence to the catalogue and made it easier for new fans to find their place in the Breitling world.
Kern’s leadership style is notably personal. Not content to remain in the boardroom, he travels, connects, and listens. At summits and collector events, he’s as likely to be chatting with a longtime enthusiast about a rare reference as he is to be briefing the press or brainstorming with designers. His open-door philosophy has broken down barriers and made Breitling feel more like a global club than an ivory tower.
Design: Vintage Inspiration, Modern Execution
One of the most striking changes under Kern is the way Breitling has embraced its archive without becoming trapped by nostalgia. Vintage reissues are more than just facsimiles; they’re thoughtful reinterpretations that bring classic aesthetics into the 21st century. The Premier collection, relaunched under Kern, channels the spirit of 1940s chronographs with modern movements and proportions. The Chronomat, once a child of the 1980s, now feels fresh and contemporary—its Rouleaux bracelet and rider-tab bezel blending old-school charm with new-school refinement.
Meanwhile, the Superocean Heritage line has expanded, marrying retro design with the latest engineering—think ceramic bezels, improved water resistance, and a rainbow of dial options. The Navitimer, always the icon, has been reimagined in more wearable sizes, returning to classic beaded bezels and crisp, legible dials. Even the Avenger and Professional ranges have been subtly updated to suit modern tastes without losing their tool-watch essence.
Collectors and everyday wearers alike have praised these changes. There’s a growing appreciation for the way Breitling now balances heft and comfort, function and form. The watches feel purposeful, but also stylish enough to move easily between work, travel, and adventure.
Technical Mastery: Movements and Materials
Breitling’s technical prowess hasn’t lagged behind its design renaissance. The B01 movement—fully in-house, robust, and highly serviceable—is now the backbone of flagship models such as the Chronomat, Premier, and Navitimer. The B20, developed with Tudor, brings COSC-certified precision to the Superocean Heritage and other lines. These are not just marketing points; they’re tangible evidence of Breitling’s commitment to horological excellence.
The brand continues to experiment with materials, too. Lightweight titanium, scratch-resistant ceramic, and advanced anti-magnetic alloys feature across the range. The Endurance Pro, for example, uses Breitlight®—an exclusive polymer that’s six times lighter than steel and highly resistant to corrosion. Even quartz isn’t left behind: the Aerospace Evo and Emergency remain go-to choices for pilots and adventurers who need digital accuracy and reliability in the harshest environments.
Breitling’s technical team is also embracing the challenge of watchmaking in a digital age. They’re focusing on longer service intervals, enhanced movement durability, and user-friendly features like quick-change straps and bracelets. As a result, the watches are not only more robust, but also easier to live with—an important factor for daily wearers.
Experience and Community: More Than a Transaction
Walk into a Breitling boutique today and you’ll sense the shift. The atmosphere is relaxed, the displays encourage interaction, and you’re likely to be offered a coffee and a chance to try on multiple models in comfort. The goal is to demystify luxury—making it accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer.
Breitling also invests in aftercare and education: extended warranties, online service tracking, and archival research for vintage pieces are all part of the package. The brand’s events—fly-ins, diving weekends, and even its own Triathlon Squad—bring together owners from all walks of life, building friendships and stories that go far beyond the watches themselves.
Online, the community is equally lively. Forums, social media groups, and digital “summits” offer spaces for sharing tips, showing off wrist shots, and debating the fine points of lume, bezel design, or bracelet comfort. There’s an openness and generosity that speaks to the brand’s ethos: everyone’s welcome, and every story matters.
Collectors have responded enthusiastically to these changes. Many cite the feeling of being part of something bigger than a brand—a movement that values both the smallest mechanical detail and the largest sense of adventure.
Social Responsibility and the Modern Ethos
Breitling’s push towards sustainability is genuine and multi-faceted. The brand has pioneered the use of recycled ocean plastics for NATO straps, and its boutiques feature reclaimed materials. Gold is sourced to strict ethical standards; packaging is now made with the environment in mind. But these moves are communicated with humility—there’s a sense that responsibility is an ongoing journey, not a completed project.
Collaborations with environmental groups, like Ocean Conservancy, and support for charitable adventures reflect a broader view of what it means to be a “watch for professionals.” That professionalism now extends beyond the cockpit or dive site, encompassing a duty to people and planet.
In addition, Breitling has made strides in workplace diversity, supporting women in watchmaking and increasing the visibility of underrepresented groups within its ambassador “squads.” The message is clear: the future of the brand belongs to everyone who shares its values.
The Collector’s Renaissance: Provenance and Passion
Interest in vintage and limited-edition Breitlings is at an all-time high. Auction records are being set for rare Navitimers, Chronomats, and even quartz tool watches from the 1970s and ’80s. Breitling meets this demand with archival services, helping trace the history of each piece, and by supporting restoration efforts for watches that have seen decades of use.
What unites collectors—old and new—is a love for stories. Whether it’s a watch that timed a rescue, crossed an ocean, or simply marked a personal milestone, each piece becomes a thread in a tapestry that stretches back generations. And with Kern’s leadership, there’s a sense that every new release is a future collectible in the making.
The rise of digital platforms has only made collecting more accessible. Online auctions, expert blogs, and enthusiast podcasts have demystified the process, opening the world of Breitling to a wider audience than ever before.
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Conversation
If you’ve followed this far, you’ve seen how Breitling’s story is far from over. In fact, it’s more vibrant and open-ended than ever. Kern’s stewardship has positioned the brand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, community and individuality, adventure and responsibility. The catalogue is now both a celebration of the past and an invitation to the future.
But here’s the truth: even a four-part, in-depth article like this can only scratch the surface of what makes Breitling so endlessly fascinating. Each model, movement, partnership, and collector’s tale could fill an article of its own—not forgetting its financial vision, and that’s exactly what’s ahead. As this magazine evolves, you can look forward to a series of mini-features and in-depth explorations: from the hidden quirks of vintage Navitimers to the personalities behind legendary design breakthroughs, to the untold stories of Breitling in the field.
No matter where you are on your watch journey—seasoned collector, curious newcomer, or lifelong enthusiast—there’s always another chapter to discover, another perspective to share, another question to ask. Breitling’s legacy isn’t just about measuring time; it’s about making time meaningful, together.
Final Thoughts: An Invitation
If there’s a single thread running through Breitling’s modern era, it’s the invitation to be part of something living. Whether you’re drawn by design, innovation, heritage, or simply the pleasure of a perfectly weighted crown between your fingers, you’re joining a conversation that spans continents and generations.
So, as you turn the page or close this article, know that this is just the beginning. The next feature, the next insight, the next story is already in the works. And in the end, perhaps that’s what makes Breitling—and watch collecting itself—so compelling. It’s not just about keeping time, but about sharing it.
