Breitling CEO Georges Kern On Being Timelessly Chic

There is no question that in the business arena, the way you present yourself matters – and one of the ways you can enhance your professional image is by paying attention to how you adorn yourself. Take, for example, what you put on your wrist to tell time – and think twice before you point toward your run-of-the-mill digital wristwatch.

That’s not a note from us at Inc. Arabia, by the way – although we’d strongly urge you to take it to heart nonetheless, given that it’s a pointer that was told to us by Georges Kern, CEO of the Swiss luxury watch brand, Breitling, on a visit to Dubai in October. “In a world dominated by digital, owning an analog watch is becoming cool again,” Kern declares. “It’s a statement about who you are, a story you tell, an emotion. Digital devices can’t create the same emotional connection as an analog timepiece. Analog is a new luxury – sometimes, we just need a break from the digital world to savor something real and lasting.”

Image courtesy Breitling.

Now, as to the question of where exactly one could look to acquire a timeless timepiece, one cannot really fault Kern for directing us to the Breitling boutiques spread across the GCC. “I always say: visit our Breitling boutiques, try on the watches, and enjoy the experience,” he says. “There’s nothing like holding a watch in your hand and feeling it on your wrist. At Breitling, I’m confident you’ll find a piece that reflects your style and personality.” Of course, with 140 years of heritage behind it, Breitling can certainly deliver on this promise – and Kern is only too happy to make the case for the brand.

“For those considering a luxury timepiece, think of it as an investment in craftsmanship and identity,” Kern says. “A well-chosen watch isn’t just about telling time; it’s a symbol of quality and personal taste. The Navitimer is, for example, undoubtedly Breitling’s most iconic timepiece, and one of the most recognizable watches ever made. It’s on collectors’ lists of the greatest watches of all time. Not even its inventor could have predicted the phenomenon the Navitimer would become. Introduced in 1952 with the rotating slide rule for pilots, it’s a symbol of aviation history, beloved by legends like Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg. So, when buying your first luxury watch, look for a design with heritage, fine craftsmanship, and lasting value. Choose something that speaks to who you are. Whether it’s the Navitimer or another Breitling model, a luxury watch can be a truly rewarding and meaningful investment.”

This article first appeared in the November issue of Inc. Arabia magazine. To read the full issue online, click here.