Switzerland was in the midst of a deep recession when watchmaker Léon Breitling founded his namesake brand, economy be damned. He opened his first workshop in 1884 and followed that with a full-blown watch factory just under a decade later. By the end of the 1800s, perfect replica Breitling chronographs had won the hearts of athletes and aviators alike. At the turn of the next century, he patented a pocket-watch tachymeter, an important precursor to speedometers.
Léon’s son Gaston high quality fake Breitling Avenger took over the company in 1914 (Léon died two years later) and placed a newfound emphasis on wearability. He created one of the first-ever wrist-worn chronographs with an independent pusher at 2 o’clock and helped improve chronograph functionality overall. Gaston died in 1927 (at just 43) and his son Willy assumed control of the company five years later. Like his father and grandfather, Willy would introduce plenty of new ideas and innovations.
Willy’s offspring weren’t interested in running the family business, and US best copy Breitling ceased production in 1978. The company name was purchased the following year, and operations were moved to the Sicura factory (eventually Breitling AG). Ownership would later change hands again, and the brand identity would remain intact. From the early 20th century to now, cheap super clone Breitling SA has been a master of the skies and the seas with elegant designs and chronometer-certified movements to match.