Breitling is the pre-eminent aviation and chronograph specialist in Swiss watchmaking, founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier and dedicated from the beginning to the development of precision timing instruments for scientific, industrial, and eventually aeronautical applications. The brand introduced the independent chronograph pusher in 1915, transforming the stopwatch function from a continuous mechanism into one that could be operated independently of the movement. Breitling's defining models — the Navitimer, introduced in 1952 with its iconic circular slide rule bezel for aviation calculations; the Chronomat; the Superocean; and the Emergency with its distress beacon — each reflect a utilitarian purpose that elevates them beyond mere status objects. Pre-owned Breitling watches span a remarkable range of references and generations: vintage Navitimer references including the 806 with Venus 178 movement are highly collectible, while modern examples in steel and gold serve active collectors who wear their watches hard. The secondary market for pre-owned Breitling is deep and liquid, with references spanning decades of production. DeMesy & Co. in Dallas has been sourcing and authenticating pre-owned Breitling references since 1987, applying the same rigorous standards to pilot's chronographs as to dress watches.