In a world where smartwatches threaten to render traditional timepieces obsolete, Breitling is reminding us why the mechanical machines strapped to our wrists will never go out of style. The Swiss watchmaker, known for equipping the wrists of pilots, divers, and the occasional Bond villain, is celebrating its 140th anniversary with a globe-trotting exhibition that doubles as a history lesson. Dubbed "Time Capsule: The Breitling Heritage Exhibition," this travelling showcase is less about selling watches and more about flexing 140 years of innovation. It's a greatest hits album but instead of chart-toppers, you're getting important timepieces that changed the game.
Take the 1915 mono-pusher for instance, the first watch that separated the chronograph functions from the crown, a move so revolutionary it's akin to inventing the steering wheel for cars. Or how about the 1942 Chronomat. The world's first smartwatch, long before Apple thought different. It came with a circular slide rule that basically turned your wrist into a mini-computer. Ahead of its time, I know.
These are watches that have literally been to space (hello, Cosmonaute) and saved lives (we're looking at you, Emergency), so it’s worth checking out. The exhibition is making 55 stops across four continents, and is currently in Singapore from now until 4th August at the Breitling boutique raffles city.
Time Capsule: The Breitling Heritage Exhibition is located at #01-35 Raffles City Shopping Centre 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore
