In 1884, a 24-year-old Léon Breitling opened a workshop in the Swiss Jura town of Saint-Imier, where he began obtaining patents for chronometric instruments. His pioneering creations — which ranged from a pocket super clone watch tachymeter for measuring a vehicle’s speed to table clocks with weeklong power reserves — were coveted for their technical precision. Léon’s son, Gaston, later expanded the business, developing an early wrist-worn chronograph that became popular among athletes and aviators. In 1932, Gaston’s 19-year-old son, Willy, took over the company and, in 1943, he launched the brand’s perfect replica Breitling Premier collection, with its distinctive Arabic numerals and polished square buttons.
Now, luxury replica Breitling has introduced a trio of timepieces inspired by — and named after — its three patriarchs. Among them is the aaa quality copy Breitling Premier B21 Léon Breitling: set in 18-karat red gold, it features a symmetrical silver dial, a domed sapphire crystal case back and a brown alligator leather strap, with numerals and pushers that nod to the original 1:1 fake Breitling Premier. (It’s also available in a white-gold and anthracite version called the Gaston; the Willy comes in platinum with a blue dial.) An open tourbillon constantly counters the pull of gravity to ensure the watch’s accuracy. The rare addition was designed in partnership with the Swiss specialty movement maker Manufacture La Joux-Perret — another innovation of which the old family members would certainly approve.
