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Genuine Breitling Watches vs the Breitling Replica

The Breitling Company began in 1884 in a small workshop where Leon Breitling made pocket watches and chronographs. He began making wristwatches in 1914 to meet wartime needs, and in 1936, Leon's grandson Willy Breitling launched a chronometer for instrument panels in airplane cockpits, beginning Breitling's long relationship with the aviation industry. In 1979, Ernest Schneider, a pilot and specialist in electronics, purchased Breitling, and their dedication to making top quality high-end watches continues. Today, Breitling watches are so popular that you have to be careful when purchasing them, as there are many Breitling replicas out there.

Breitling continues to be closely associated with aviation. Their Navitimer, a super chronograph geared for pilots was released in 1952, and is still on the market today, in a newer model. In fact, this watch is designed to look like the dashboard of an airplane. In 1962, Astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a Navitimer for an orbital flight to space. Breitling has also had a long-term focus on the outdoor market, including divers. In 1985, they released a quartz diving watch that is safe to 1000 meters. This watch, called the Deep Sea, has twin helium release valves which open for just a fraction of a second, allowing helium to escape without water entering the watch.

Why Avoid the Replicas?

These extensive features of true Breitling's make it not only unsavory, but possibly unsafe, to purchase a replica. Many of the high-tech functions of a true Breitling are simply simulated on the replicas. Others work, but not with the guaranteed precision of a true Breitling. Since pilots use these watches to assist in making flight and fuel calculations, and divers use them to measure their diving depth, an inaccurate watch could be deadly. If you are purchasing a replica Breitling because it is a beautiful timepiece, go ahead; however, if you require the functionality afforded only by authentic Breitlings, take precautions. The easiest way to ensure your watch is authentic is to by it new from an authorized dealer. If you are not purchasing from an authorized retailer, I recommend that you test each and every function on the watch to ensure that it works properly. A little time spent investigating before you buy can help avoid the purchase of a replica.

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