Breitling Watches first began when Leon Breitling opened up a workshop in St. Imier, Switzerland in 1884. The following year, he restablished his company in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where his company is still located today. At the time, La Chaux-de-Fonds was a very popular location for Swiss watchmaking. He began producing chronographs and precision counters for scientific purposes. In 1923, the first chronograph pushpiece was invented. When he passed away, his son Gaston took over and created the first wristwatch chronograph. Later, Leon’s grandson, Willy, took over in 1932. In 1942, the chronomat was produced. By this time, Breitling watches were produced for the Royal Air Force, as well as the American armed forces. Breitling watches soon became instruments for professionals, and were distributed to pilots worldwide. In 1954, the Navitmer was created, and in 1962, the Cosmonaute chronograph was worn on an orbital flight on the Aurora 7 by astronaut Scott Carpenter. In 1969, the first self winding chronograph was introduced; this became an immense success, and was considered a major achievement. Among its models are the Navitimer, the Windrider, the Professional, and the Aeromarine. The best selling line, the Chronomat, is still very much favored today over most of the other models.