Gary Simon on the helicopter over the Alps.

Marianne Henriot of Breitling, Director of Global Sales (right) presenting a Breitling training certificate to Gary Simon.

Switzerland - February 2004 - Gary Simon, Simon Jewelers, High Point, NC had the opportunity to experience a behind the scenes glimpse of the fascinating world of Swiss watchmaking. Breitling USA escorted Mr. Simon to Switzerland in early February for a three day excursion through the famed watchmaking valley including Grenchen, home of Breitling's worldwide headquarters and manufacturing facility and La Chaux-de-Fonds where the state-of-the-art Breitling Chronométrie resides.

Along the way, Mr. Simon became a watchmaker for an afternoon and traveled through the world of the mechanical chronograph by taking apart and putting back together a mechanical chronograph movement. For another hands-on experience, he was whisked away in a helicopter for breathtaking views of the Alps and "Lac de Bienne" feeling the thrill of flight that Breitling embodies. In addition, he had a rare look at COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse Des Chronométres), the official Swiss testing facility for chronometer certification. Only 3% of the watches produced in Switzerland each year receive the official chronometer-rating certificate. Breitling has achieved 100% chronometer certification of its entire product range.

Mr. Simon was selected for this trip based on his completion of the three previous levels of "Instruments for Professionals" training seminars. " Due to highly technical and innovative quality timepieces we produce, product knowledge is a priority", said Marie Bodman, president of Breitling USA.

"You came away with a new respect for Breitling, that it is a passion, not just a watch brand," said Mr. Simon. "It was an experience that I will never forget,"

Breitling USA is a subsidiary of the Swiss watch company, which has created precision timepieces since 1884. Breitling Instruments for Professionals have a long history with aviation where accuracy, technical innovation and reliability are critical.