Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
WatchesMay 03, 2017
Private Equity Firm to Buy Majority Stake in Breitling
CVC Capital Partners is set to acquire an 80 percent stake in Breitling SA, one of the world’s last family-owned Swiss watch companies.
The Avenger Hurricane Military was among Breitling’s introductions at this year’s Baselworld show. The watch has a Breitlight case with aeronautical-type numerals and a self-winding in-house movement. Aviation- and military-influenced watches are the hallmark of the brand, which was just sold to a private equity firm in a deal reported to be worth more than $800 million.
Grenchen, Switzerland--And then there was one less.
Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners is set to acquire an 80 percent stake in Breitling SA, one of the world’s last family-owned Swiss watch companies. Théodore Schneider, the current majority owner of Breitling, will reinvest in the company, taking the remaining 20 percent.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Bloomberg reported the deal to be worth $870 million.
It is expected to close in June and is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.
Breitling has its headquarters in Grenchen, Switzerland, with manufacturing facilities in Grenchen and La Chaux-de-Fonds. Its U.S. headquarters are in Wilton, Connecticut.
The company employs about 900 people.
Commenting on the transaction, Schneider said: “CVC’s expertise, track record and international network will help unlock Breitling’s full potential.”
Headquartered in Luxembourg, CVC Capital Partners invests in companies in North America, Europe and Asia. Its current portfolio includes BJ’s Wholesale Club and pet supply chain Petco.
Breitling was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling and is known for producing big, bold men’s watches.
The company was bought by Ernest Schneider in 1979. Schneider died in May 2015 after nearly four decades of involvement with Breitling and it is now his son, Théodore, who runs the company.
The brand’s niche is aviation. Breitling has its own jet team, and counts actor, pilot and aviation enthusiast John Travolta and astronaut brothers Mark and Scott Kelly among its ambassadors.
Rumors that the family-owned brand might be going up for sale began swirling last November, though a Bloomberg story published at that time stated that the 133-year-old watch brand likely would be purchased by a larger company that owns other watch brands, like Swatch Group, LVMH or Kering, not a private equity firm.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
