Complete Guide To Buying Breitling Watches

Since 1884, Breitling, the leading manufacturer of precise timing instruments, has proven itself as one of the most influential watchmaking brands on the planet. It remains one of the few independent large-scale Swiss watch brands with a long history of crafting exceptional timepieces known for their durability, precision, and design.

Whether for flying, military operations, exploration, diving, motor racing, sports, or any outdoor adventures, Breitling has always been at the forefront of creating a diverse range of high-quality timepieces that suit various needs, tastes, and purposes. However, it has undergone a thrilling transformation under new leadership in recent years. 

While the Swiss Maison is still committed to rich heritage and technical excellence, it has streamlined its collections and reintroduced vintage-inspired designs to appeal to a broader audience base. This has resulted in a major turnaround for Breitling. If you’re in the market for a luxury watch, Breitling is an excellent choice. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about buying Breitling watches, starting its history, features to look for, the best Breitling models, and more.

Breitling’s History

Headquartered in Grenchen, Switzerland, the history of Breitling began in 1884 when Leon Breitling founded the company in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. At that time, the market witnessed a high demand for industrial and scientific applications, and focusing on that, Breitling started creating chronographs, quickly gaining them a reputation for quality and precision.

In 1915, Leon Breitling’s son altered the design of the chronograph by adding a pusher at 2 o’clock, separating the start, stop, and resetting functions. Leon Breitling’s grandson, Willy, redesigned the chronograph to have a second pusher at 4 o’clock to reset it, allowing the wearer to time successive events. When Willy Breitling took over the family business in 1932, the brand further excelled in innovation, passion, and success.

With the progression of the 20th century, Breitling became closely related to the world of aviation, and the iconic Breitling ‘Navitimer’ was introduced in the 1930s. The Navitimer is one of Breitling’s most legendary creations, designed for pilots to use in the cockpit. It features a circular slide rule bezel, allowing various in-flight calculations. Furthermore, in the 1930s, Breitling played a key role in developing the wrist chronograph. In 1934, they patented the first independent chronograph push piece, separating the stop/start crown functions.

During World War II, Breitling supplied chronographs to the Royal Air Force. Moving forward, Breitling continued to innovate and create exceptional watches for diving and aviation. In the 1940s, it introduced the ‘Chronomat’ for scientists and mathematicians. In the 1950s, Breitling launched the ‘Superocean’ – a dive watch with impressive water resistance and bold, significant design.   

In 1969, the brand actively developed the world’s first self-winding chronograph movement. Despite facing challenges during the Quartz crisis in the 1970s, Breitling continued to innovate after being acquired by the Schneider family in 1979. They reintroduced the Chronomat with a new look, which later became a cornerstone of their modern collection.

The Breitling ‘Emergency’ was released in the 1990s. It was the first wristwatch featuring a built-in emergency locator beacon and highlighted Breitling’s commitment to creating timepieces that went far beyond mere timekeeping.

When Georges Kern took over as CEO in 2017, Breitling modernised its design and marketing strategies. Kern brought a new vision to the brand, focusing on a more inclusive approach to luxury watchmaking. Ever since, Breitling's popularity has increased tenfold, cementing its status as a key name in the luxury watch world market.

Reasons Why Breitling Watches Are So Popular

Breitling watches are popular for many reasons; here are some of them:

Quality

Breitling uses only the highest-quality materials while ensuring strict control measures to craft the pieces. The watches are built with top-notch craftsmanship and meet the acclaimed precision a Swiss-made watch is known for. While assembling, the brand uses high-quality materials like solid gold, stainless steel, and high-tech ceramics for the utmost durability. 

Everything about Breitling watches reflects an unwavering commitment to quality, from the case to the bracelet and other parts. The attention to detail is well-evident in every small finishing and engraved marking.

Functionality

Since its inception, Breitling watches have been designed to meet and challenge the boundaries of timekeeping. From introducing a circular logarithmic slide-rule bezel to chronographs, the Swiss brand has created masterpieces that can perform a wide variety of calculations. Some models, like the Breitling Emergency, even feature a distress locator.

Eye-catching Design

Besides credible watchmaking, Breitling is equally renowned for creating watches with elegant contemporary designs and aviation-inspired aesthetics that remain timeless. Many Breitling creations, like the Navitimer or the Chronomat watch collection, embody an iconic appearance. The credit goes to the slide rule bezels, intricate dials, and signature bracelet clasps styled like aircraft tail wheels, which make the watches immediately recognisable.

While Breitling is best known for creating aviation-themed timepieces, the brand also offers a wide range of products, from leather-banded models to modern all-black limited editions and stunning gemstone-stacked ladies' pieces. Yet every Breitling embraces some design elements that make it instantly distinguishable.

Precision

Breitling ensures that every watch movement undergoes strict checking and fine-tuning in the brand’s own workshops to maximise performance and reliability. Each watch undergoes strict testing to meet Swiss exacting standards, including COSC certification for high-level accuracy. Every new Breitling is COSC-certified with a maximum deviation of -4/+6 (mechanical) and—/+0.7 (quartz) per day. The watches are highly accurate and offer unparalleled performance metrics.

Innovation

Breitling has always been revered for precision, technology, and innovation. It started in 1884 when founder Leon Breitling focused on creating timepieces that pushed the boundaries of average timekeeping to create more useful watches in diverse settings.

Carrying on this rich heritage, Breitling introduced one of the first wrist chronographs in 1915, lamenting its position as an aviation and navigation watchmaking expert. Breitling continued to innovate and introduced LED and LCD display watches in the late 1970s. These are just a few examples of Breitling’s advanced watchmaking skills.

Resale Value

Given its rich history, attractive designs, a vast portfolio of durable watches, and plenty of in-house technologies, Breitling watches are clearly keen to stay on top of watch trends and are highly coveted by those who share an affinity for aviation and diving. Vintage, limited edition, and popular Breitling models like the Navitimer, Chronomat, and Superocean tend to hold their value better than regular models.

Features To Look For When Buying A Breitling Watch 

Breitling watches are known for their impressive features, which vary depending on the collection and model. However, here are some key features you should look for in your Breitling.

• Chronograph functionality for accurate timekeeping
• Slide Rule bezels for calculations
• Tachymeter scales for measuring speed
• Dual Time Zone complications or GMT for tracking multiple time zones
• Luminescent hands/markers for high legibility
• Water resistance for underwater use
• Sapphire Crystal for scratch resistance
• Quartz or Automatic movement for accuracy & convenience

Types of Breitling Watches 

Over the years, Breitling has designed and developed various watches for specific styles and purposes. Here are some of the main categories:

• Pilot Watches – Designed for aviators with features like chronographs, slide rule bezels and large, highly legible dials.
• Dive Watches – Built with high water resistance for underwater adventures, featuring luminescent dials and unidirectional bezels.
• Sports Watches —These versatile and rugged watches are designed to withstand the challenges of an active lifestyle and are often equipped with tachymeter scales and chronographs.
• Dress Watches – Elegant timepieces suitable for formal occasions, featuring refined case design and clean dials.

Popular Breitling Collections

1. Breitling Navitimer

Probably the most famous, popular and recognisable of all Breitling watches is the ‘Navitimer’. For many fans, the Navitimer is the face of this Swiss watch brand.

The Breitling Navitimer is an iconic pilot’s watch complete with a slide-rule bezel that helps pilots during mid-flight calculations. Introduced in 1952, the Navitimer incorporates many features of the brand’s original Chronomat model, which was designed in the 1940s for scientists and engineers. However, the signature slide-rule fixed onto its bezel makes it stand out.

With time, the Navitimer has received various modern twists, but the traditional aviation Navitimer is undoubtedly the flagship model, embodying precision, reliability and practicality like no other.

Key Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm, 35mm, 45mm, 46mm, 41mm
• Materials: Stainless steel, 18ct Red gold, Platinum, Two-Tone Steel & Red Gold
• Dial: Black, Silver, White, Blue, Anthracite, Copper, Mother-Of-Pearl
• Bezel: Slide Rule scale, Bidirectional
• Functions: Time, Time & Date, GMT, Rattrapante Chronograph, Chronograph
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Bracelet: Leather Strap, Metal Bracelet
• Popular Model: Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute

2. Breitling Superocean

First introduced in 1957, the Breitling Superocean collection is inspired by the world of diving. It is the brand’s collection of stylish dive watches designed for professional as well as recreational use.

The watches feature luminescent hands, unidirectional rotational bezels, and highly durable construction, making them extremely reliable companions for everyday wear and underwater activities. Breitling equips the Superocean watches with either SuperQuartz or COSC-certified self-winding mechanical movements for high-end precision.

If you want something a little more retro but still innately sporty, the Breitling Superocean Heritage collection is the best pick. Breitling released the Superocean Heritage line in 2007 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Superocean.

Key Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 48mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 36mm
• Materials: Titanium, Stainless steel, Two-tone Steel & Red Gold
• Dial: Blue, Green, Black, White, Orange & Yellow
• Bezel: Unidirectional with Black, Blue, or White Ceramic insert
• Functions: Time & Date, Time only
• Water Resistance: 2000m, 1000m, 500m, 300m & 200m
• Bracelet: NATO strap, Rubber strap  & Metal Bracelet
• Popular Model: Breitling Superocean Automatic 46

3. Breitling Chronomat

Another very popular pilot’s model is the Breitling Chronomat but with a distinctly different aesthetic. The Swiss brand first introduced it in the 1940s, and it has a versatile design suitable for both professional and casual wear.

While the Navitimer is a classic-looking piece, the Chronomat is fancy-looking with legible dials, a highly functional chronograph complication, a unique bezel, integrated bracelets, and four rider tabs for protecting the crystal. The Chronomat is most famous for its Rouleaux bracelets, making the watches stand out. It also offers a range of complications, including GMTs, calendar functions, and chronographs.

The Breitling Chronomat is one of the most popular collections among women, offering beautiful pieces with diamond-set dials.

Key Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm, 36mm, 32mm
• Materials: Stainless steel, 18ct Red gold, Two-tone Steel & Red Gold
• Dial: Blue, Green, Black, White, Silver, Copper & Anthracite
• Bezel: Unidirectional or Fixed, Red Gold, Stainless steel, Gem-set
• Functions: 12-Hour chronograph, Time & Date
• Water Resistance: 200m, 100m
• Bracelet: Rubber Strap, Leather Strap, Metal Bracelet
• Popular Model: Breitling Chronomat B01 42

4. Breitling Avenger

Fit for all adventures, the Breitling Avenger catalogue boasts precision, unmatched power, and terrific functionality, earning the watches the nickname ‘power in action’.

The Avenger collection features watches with incredible shock resistance and robustness, making them a trusty tool for every type of exploration, whether on land, sea or the mountains. In short, the Avenger collection is a line of rugged and bold timepieces designed for aviation and adventure enthusiasts.  With its staggering water resistance of 3000m, the Breitling Avenger line is similar to the Chronomat collection in terms of sturdy construction but has a slightly simpler case.

The Avenger collection offers various models, including chronographs and time-only pieces. The 48mm models are known as ‘Super Avengers’. With the Breitling Avenger on your wrist, you bathe in confidence and accuracy.

Key Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 48mm, 45mm, 43mm
• Materials: DLC-Coated Titanium, Stainless Steel
• Dial: Blue, Green, Yellow, White & Black
• Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel, Unidirectional
• Functions: Time & Date, Time Only, GMT, Chronograph
• Water Resistance: 3000m, 300m
• Bracelet: Leather Strap, Metal Bracelet
• Popular Model: Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44

5. Breitling Premier

The Breitling Premier collection hosts elegant timepieces that honour the brand’s legacy of creating refined chronographs in the 1940s. It combines classic design elements with modern technology.

The Breitling Premier watches feature precise movements, clean dials, and a range of notable complications, including day-date displays, split-second chronographs, tourbillions, chronographs, and moon phases. These features make the watches appropriate for anyone who appreciates functionality and style.

Over the years, Breitling became aware of a need for watches that remained stylish while meeting these needs. Hence, Breitling designed the Premier collection, making it a powerful fashion statement. The watches are designed to be versatile for casual outings, formal settings, or anywhere you plan to wear them. Showcasing vintage details combined with modern technical excellence, the watches of the Premier collection will never go out of style.

To take the collection one step further, Breitling introduced the Premier Heritage collection, embracing a classic, mid-century twist. Numerous conversation-starter models are available in this category, and you can pick the one that best suits your style preference.

Key Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm, 40mm
• Materials: 18ct Red Gold, Stainless Steel
• Dial: Blue, Green, Black, Brown, Silver, Anthracite
• Bezel: Stainless or Red Gold, Fixed
• Functions: Day-Date, Time-Only, Chronograph
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Bracelet: Leather Strap, Metal Bracelet
• Popular Model: Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph with Panda dial

6. Breitling Emergency

Introduced in 1995, the Breitling Emergency is a truly unique timepiece that goes beyond traditional watchmaking to establish itself as an icon. It is the world’s first wristwatch to feature an authentic dual-frequency distress beacon that can be activated during any emergency, making it a valuable companion for professionals and adventurers in challenging environments.

The Breitling Emergency watches emit a high-pitched frequency for satellites to warn rescuers of an upcoming adventure. With their extremely robust construction, life-saving qualities, and accurate timekeeping, the Breitling Emergency timepieces brilliantly combine practical functionality with high-end watchmaking. Plus, they provide a unique hybrid dial featuring both analogue and digital displays.

The Breitling Emergency watches are oversized to fit a dual-frequency emergency radio transmitter and are undoubtedly one of the most sought-after models in the Breitling lineup.

Key Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 51mm, 45mm, 43mm
• Materials: Titanium, DLC-Coated Titanium, Stainless Steel
• Dial: Black, Yellow, Orange, White, Navy, Silver
• Bezel: Bidirectional, Blue, Black, Yellow, Orange
• Functions: Chronograph, Full Calendar, Alarm, Second Time zone, Countdown Timer, Integrated Antenna System, Rechargeable Battery, Miniaturised Dual Frequency,
• Water Resistance: 30m, 100m
• Bracelet: Rubber Strap, Titanium Bracelet, Stainless Steel
• Popular Model: Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3

Are Breitling Watches A Good Investment?

Anyone seeking a beautiful timepiece that is also a sound investment must consider the residual value. Breitling has a lot going on, and the models shine out quite impressively with their extraordinary qualities. From vintage to modern, Breitling watches retain higher resale value than many competitor brands. Moreover, if properly maintained, you can sell Breitling watches at a price higher than their original retail pricing on the pre-owned market.

The allure of owning such a prestigious luxury watch brand with an extensive history goes so high that collectors and investors often splurge on limited edition Breitling models like the 50th anniversary Navitimer. The seasoned investors know that these special edition models always appreciate in value due to their restricted availability and special features highly coveted by Breitling fans.

Mind you, they are not as collectable as Rolex watches, which are considered the most investment-worthy on the market right now. There are pretty obvious reasons why Rolex watches are such good investments.

Therefore, no one should purchase Breitling solely for the purpose of investment but pick a timepiece they could cherish forever. But, you also must recognise that Breitling timepieces are timeless and backed by generations of excellence, so rest assured you can always garner a good return on your investment. Their reputation, quality craftsmanship, and price points make them worthy of being included among the top 10 luxury watch brands.

ENDING WORDS

Not many brands can balance innovation and heritage as adeptly as Breitling. Throughout its existence, Breitling has consistently demonstrated a stern dedication to reliability, precision, and innovation. From the seas to the skies, Breitling watches have accompanied professionals from various fields in the most demanding circumstances, earning it the surge and popularity it enjoys today.

While all Breitling watches blend classic design with modern technology, the watches listed above are the pillars upon which the brand continues to reign in the hearts of watch collectors and enthusiasts alike.  

After over a century, Breitling has earned its much-deserving place at the vanguard of Swiss watchmaking alongside Rolex and Patek Philippe in terms of global prestige, technological innovation and quality, and is here to stay. For connoisseurs, a Breitling watch on the wrist is guaranteed to satisfy for a lifetime and beyond.