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Breitling’s 140-year evolution: Why the luxury watchmaker is opening cafes in Saudi Arabia

The brand is integrating food and beverage offerings into many of its boutiques, including launching Breitling Kitchens in markets such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the UK

Kern believes that building loyalty through the F&B offerings will eventually peak client interest for the brand, leading them to purchase a watch

Breitling, the luxury watch brand endorsed by several personalities including Erling Haaland, Charlize Theron and Kelly Slater, is making aggressive efforts into expansion and revamping several strategies on account of the brand’s 140th anniversary.

The company is charting an ambitious growth strategy that blends its heritage with a modern approach tailored to the needs of today’s consumers. At the forefront of this transformation is CEO Georges Kern, who has spearheaded a multifaceted plan to revamp the iconic Swiss watchmaking company since taking the reins in 2017.

In an exclusive media morning with Kern, he shared insights into the new anniversary collection, major Saudi expansion plans, diversification into F&B with new cafes and restaurants, growth in the female watch segment and more.

‘It’s not only a cool brand buy, but it has real substance’

“We have great plans next year to further develop our boutique network. We have also expanded into F&B, we have launched a café and a new restaurant will open soon. It’s a natural expansion ,” he said.

Central to Kern’s vision is a focus on emotional resonance and storytelling, as Breitling seeks to deepen its connection with both existing and prospective customers. “It’s about technology. It’s about design. It’s about personalities,” Kern said.

“And all of this gives reassurance to the consumer when he buys a watch. It’s not only a cool brand buy, but it has real substance.”

This emphasis on substance over superficiality extends to Breitling’s core values, which Kern described as “inclusive, casual, sustainable.” While sustainability may not be a primary purchase driver, he noted that consumers increasingly expect brands to be environmentally responsible, an idea Breitling is addressing through initiatives like blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency.

The brand aims to expand its boutique network to 350 stores worldwide. Image: Breitling

The ‘casualisation’ of luxury

Embracing the “casualisation of luxury” is another key pillar of Breitling’s strategy.

Kern pointed to the brand’s relaxed boutique environments and partnerships with ambassadors like surfers as a departure from the conservative image often associated with the watch industry. “We never went into tennis or golf. We went into surfing,” Kern said.

“We have casual friends. I’m wearing a suit because of respect when I’m travelling. I don’t wear suits in the office.” This casual, approachable ethos is particularly evident in Breitling’s ambitious plans for physical retail expansion.

“Since 2017 we have been growing tremendously. We are now number nine according to the latest reports,” he said.

The brand aims to grow its boutique network to 350 stores worldwide, but these will be far from traditional watch shops.

“The decision-making is made online, but consumers are not buying online because they want a physical experience,” Kern explained.

“They want to put on the watch. They want experience with sales staff, etc,” he said.

The expansion of the brand into F&B is a calculated yet necessary step, Kern believes. He explained that the buying process of high-value watches is a process that can take up to a year for clients. But even though clients may have the purchasing power, they might not have the intention to purchase a Breitling over other brands, for instance.

According to Kern, the most important step is getting them through the door. The café and restaurant concept aims to do just that. With a high focus on the quality of food and beverages, Kern believes building loyalty through the F&B offerings will eventually peak client interest for the brand, leading them to purchase a watch.

Breitling is integrating food and beverage offerings into many of its boutiques, including the launch of Breitling Kitchens in markets like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the UK. The goal is to create immersive brand experiences that go beyond mere transactions.

“It has to be impeccable. Whatever we do, we will have one restaurant in Saudi and one Cafe, and the offering has to be great,” Kern said.

Balancing global brand identity with local relevance is a key challenge, but Breitling is tackling this through initiatives like limited-edition products tailored to specific markets. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the brand has introduced Arabic numerals and colour schemes to appeal to local tastes. Deepening community engagement is another crucial element of Breitling’s localisation strategy.

Breitling has introduced Arabic numerals and colour schemes to cater to local preferences. Image: Supplied

The ‘Emergency’ watch that saved lives

Kern proudly talked about the history and heritage of the brand, citing functionality that extends beyond merely craftsmanship and timekeeping. He cited experiences by Richard Branson who credited the Breitling ‘Emergency’ watch with saving his life on several occasions. This unique timepiece features an emergency dial that, when activated, alerts military and emergency services within a designated area.

The ‘Emergency’ watch is the first-of-its-kind in the world with a dual frequency locator beacon. The watch is popular among aviation professionals and aeronautical teams with the demand propelled by demonstrated value in various search and rescue missions.

“Approximately 40,000 of these watches have been purchased to locate and rescue people in danger, and they have proven to be exceptional life-saving tools,” the website read.

However, buying the watch isn’t as simple as just walking into a store and selecting it. The process involves background checks, coordination with relevant authorities in the country of purchase, and several other predetermined steps.

The current retail price of the timepiece starts at $16,200.

Kern believes that it is possible for a brand to be too intrusive but Breitling’s current strategy is one that is “passive”

Talking about the boutique in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, Kern is particularly proud of the space Breitling has created.

“We have created and environment which is much more than that,” he said.

140 years of Breitling

On account of the brand’s 140-year mark, Breitling introduced three limited-edition timepieces and a pop-up museum located in Zurich.

The limited-edition timepieces will come in a wooden suede-lined watch box with a drawer and removable travel pouch. The watches: Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary, Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary and Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary each retail at $59,000.

The museum in Zurich as part of the 140-year celebration features three immersive floors inspired by the brand’s three universes – air, land and sea. Visitors will be able to witness interactive displays, rare vintage watches and untold stories.

The space also features a Breitling cafe, serving coffees, cocktails and snacks.

With a multifaceted strategy that prioritises emotional connection, experiential retail, and community-driven initiatives, the brand is positioning itself for a new era of growth.

“We have a style, we have identity, we have a look which is recognisable, and which, in my opinion, in this post-COVID area of geopolitical instability, reflects what the society wants,” Kern concluded.

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Nicole Abigael

Nicole Abigael is a Reporter at Arabian Business and the host of the AB Majlis podcast. She covers a diverse range of topics including luxury real estate, high-net-worth individuals, technology, and lifestyle...