Breitling

For many watch enthusiasts, Breitling is synonymous with pilot's watches. And indeed, the manufacturer has a long tradition of making timepieces for pilots, and has close ties to aviation, having maintained its own aerobatic team for a number of years. It's, therefore, no surprise that the focus on pilot watches in Breitling's catalog is significant. Two particularly important product pillars are the Navitimer and Chronomat collections, which have been part of the Breitling portfolio since the 1940s. The Super AVI and Aviator 8 series also exude retro pilot's watch flair. Watches in the Avenger collection, on the other hand, stand out thanks to their emphatically modern, masculine designs.

Breitling's diving watches also have an excellent reputation. Noteworthy diving watch collections include the Superocean and Superocean Heritage lines. If you're looking for a robust and precise timepiece for outdoor activities, be sure to check out the brand's Endurance Pro collection.

The Premier collection is home to Breiling's most elegant timepieces. This is where you'll also find watches with complications like tourbillons and complete calendars. By contrast, chronographs in the Top Time line shine with sporty, elegant retro charm.

Most of the watches in the Breitling catalog are aimed at men. Masculine models like the Super Avenger or Chronomat are particular popular and have an enormous presence on the wrist, thanks to their functional tool watch designs and diameters up to 50 mm. Timepieces in the Navitimer and Colt collections also have a lot of fans; the Navitimer is a watch world icon, and the Colt offers the Breitling aesthetic at a relatively affordable price.

The distinctive design of Breitling's men's watches are very popular with celebrities. Hollywood stars like John Travolta, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Adam Driver, and Jerry Seinfeld enjoy wearing Breitling watches, as do Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland, multiple Ironman World Champion Jan Frodeno, and survival expert Bear Grylls (to name a few).

Breitling is a great choice for women as well. In almost all collections, the manufacturer offers variants of its timepieces specially adapted to appeal to women. These models usually have a smaller case size, making them more suitable for slender wrists. The women's watches also often differ from the men's watches in terms of color design. White, pastel shades, or mother-of-pearl dominate the dials, and the bracelets are normally much more colorful than those of their larger counterparts. Breitling often gives its women's watches a touch of refinement by adding diamonds to the bezel or dial.

Especially popular women's watches from Breitling include the Superocean Heritage '57 Pastel Paradise, Navitimer Automatic 35, and Superocean Automatic 36.

The Navitimer is without a doubt the most famous watch in the Breitling catalog. It premiered in 1952 and has more or less maintained its look ever since. The most distinctive feature of the Navitimer is its slide rule bezel, which can be used to make complex calculations such as the rate of accent or descent, or fuel consumption – all completely analog, and without the help of a computer.

Most Navitimer models come with a chronograph function, but other complications are also available. The Montbrillant line, for example, features timepieces with perpetual calendars and moon phase displays. The Navitimer Cosmonaute displays the time on a 24-hour dial, rather than the standard 12. For a number of years now, Breitling has also offered Navitimer editions with three hands.

More modern and current models are powered by in-house calibers like the Breitling B01. Older Breitling watches are predominantly fitted with refined ETA calibers.

The Chronomat collection, like the Navitimer, has a long, storied history. The first model made its debut in the 1940s. Even then, the watch featured the slide rule bezel that gave it its name, an amalgam of "chronograph" and "mathematics."

It was only in 1984 that Breitling introduced the Chronomat as we know it today. The watch's striking design, with its four bezel rider tabs, characteristic onion crown, and Rouleaux bracelet, is the result of a cooperation with the pilots of the Frecce Tricolori national aerobatic team.

Watches in the Chronomat collection have traditionally been chronographs; however, Breitling expanded the selection some time ago to include three-hand and GMT models. The collection is also home to a line of women's watches, some of which are set with diamonds.

Breitling has two other collections in its catalog that feature pilot's watches with a design language dating back to Breitling models from the 1950s and 60s, namely the Super AVI and Aviator 8 lines. While the Super AVI collection is exclusively comprised of chronographs, the Aviator 8 collection offers a selection of different chronographs and three-hand models.

The timepieces are powered almost exclusively by modern in-house calibers that Breitling modifies with additional complications like date-date displays and GMT functions.

Anyone looking for a robust and functional pilot's watch with a modern design is bound to find something exciting in Breitling's Avenger collection. With its bezel rider tabs and knurled crown, the Avenger's kinship with the Chronomat is unmistakable. The Avenger is a tool watch through and through, foregrounding legibility and functionality in the field.

Avenger watches also boast high depth ratings. The standard current model is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft). The Avenger Seawolf, however, is water-resistant to 3,000 m (300 bar, 9,843 ft) – ten times more than the standard Avenger. The Avenger is thus something of a bridge between Breitling's pilot's and diving watches.

Along with chronographs, the Avenger line offers three-hand models and timepieces with a GMT function, as well as a variety of different dial variants. As with all Breitling watches since 2009, the caliber used to power watches in the Avenger collection are chronometer-certified by the COSC. Most of the calibers are modified ETA movements, but some of the more recent Avenger references come with in-house calibers.

The Superocean and Superocean Heritage are Breitling's diving watch collections. Both lines feature robust, reliable tool watches, perfect for days spent below the waves and evenings at the beach bar.

Anyone interested in owning a diving watch with a modern design should take a look at the Superocean. Inspired by the look of the Superocean Slow Motion from the early 1960s, Breitling translated the design language of that vintage model into modern times and gave the Superocean a facelift in 2022. Watches before the relaunch look much more like timepieces in the Avenger collection.

The Superocean is water-resistant to between 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) and 2,000 m (200 bar, 6,561 ft), depending on the model. The watches are thus perfectly suitable for professional use.

Looking for a diving watch with retro charm? Then look no further than the Breitling Superocean Heritage. Breitling's design was strongly inspired by diving watches from the 1950s, a fact that is especially evident with the Superocean Heritage '57. Elements such as the concave (i.e. inward sloping) bezel, round underlying baton indices at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock, and arrow-shaped hour hand can all be found on the original Superocean from 1957.

The Superocean Heritage is available in both three-hand and chronograph editions, and is powered predominantly by automatic in-house calibers. The Superocean Heritage is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) – perfectly sufficient for brief excursions into the underwater world.

Watches in the Endurance Pro line are aimed at fans of the great outdoors. The design of this timepiece is strongly reminiscent of the Avenger. The most striking difference here is the watch's compass bezel and case, which are made from Breitling's own polymer, Breitlight. This material is 3.3 times lighter than titanium, but is just as durable. Breitlight is also anti-magnetic and hypoallergenic.

The watch is fitted with a thermocompensated "SuperQuartz" caliber with a chronograph function. The movement remains unaffected by temperature fluctuations, magnetic fields, and shocks, so it's perfect for rugged outdoor adventures. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and, according to Breitling, the battery lasts 3 to 4 years.

Watches in the Top Time collection are sporty, elegant racing chronographs in the style of the 1960s. Along with the classic dial designs from the original Top Time, the line also offers watches with dials that pay homage to classic car and motorcycle brands. The retro look of these timepieces suits both business attire and casual wear.

Even though Breitling is primarily famous for its tool watches, the brand also produces a line of watches for formal occasions. The manufacturer's Premier collection contains classic dress watches. Along with stainless steel, watches in the Premier series are also available in 18-karat gold, and most references come with a chronograph function. Thanks to their in-house calibers, which Breitling developed in cooperation with well-known specialists like Concepto Watch Factors and La Joux-Perret, the timepieces also come with additional complications such as a rattrapante, moon phase display, complete calendar, or tourbillon.

If you'd prefer something simpler, check out the collection's three-hand models, which are equipped with ETA calibers and offer a small seconds or a day-date display, among other functions.

Breitling and British luxury car manufacturer Bentley enjoyed a close partnership for many years. This cooperation, which lasted from 2002 to 2021, resulted in a number of special editions created in honor of the automaker.

Many of the models feature the trademark "Bentley bezel" inspired by the front grille of the eponymous luxury car. Other models feature a dial made of the same burl wood that Bentley uses for the interiors of their cars. Models made of carbon, which is widely used in the automotive industry, are also part of the Breitling for Bentley collection.

The Colt has many fans among Breitling enthusiasts, in large part due to its comparatively low price. Visually, the Colt shares an aesthetic with watches in the Avenger collection. Inside the timepiece, however, you'll find simple quartz and automatic ETA calibers at work.

Breitling produced the Colt from the mid-1980s until 2020. During this time, the brand released countless models and variants, including three-hand watches, chronographs, and GMT timepieces.

You can find Breitling watches on Chrono24 starting at about 550 USD. These are mostly vintage watches from the 1950s or quartz watches from the early 1980s. Timepieces with the characteristic Breitling design, like the quartz-powered Colt Oceane, are available in mint condition from about 1,600 USD. You can buy an automatic Colt from the same era for approximately 2,000 USD.

Current models are noticeably more expensive. The three-hand version of the current Superocean, for example, changes hands for roughly 4,000 USD. The price climbs to just over 6,300 USD for the Superocean Heritage Chronograph. Classic cult chronographs like the Navitimer and Chronomat will set you back anywhere from 7,000 to 38,000 USD, depending on whether it's made of stainless steel or gold.

Which Breitling watch is the most affordable?

The most affordable watch in the current Breitling catalog is the Endurance Pro, which you can buy unworn on Chrono24 for about 2,700 USD (as of early 2023). For another 500 USD, you could own an Aviator 8 Automatic 41 in the standard version with a black dial. Classic Breitling models like the 43-mm three-hand version of the Avenger or the Chronomat 32 ladies' watch come with a similar price tag, approximately 3,300 USD.

How much is the most expensive Breitling?

The most expensive Breitling ever produced is the Breitling for Bentley Flying B, which demands an investment of over 200,000 USD. This is because the watch is "iced out," i.e., completely covered with diamonds, including the dial and bracelet. The Grenchen-based manufacturer produced only 50 of these pieces.

As of early 2023, the most expensive watch in the current Breitling catalog is the Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Willy Breitling, which has an MSRP of 67,000 USD.

Are Breitling watches a good investment?

Breitling watches are considered to be relatively stable investments. Some models have even increased in value in recent years. However, at an average of 3% to 10%, the rate of increase here is significantly lower than that of industry leaders such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, for example.

You'll find over 16,000 Breitling watches listed on Chrono24, ranging from the latest models to the rarest collector's items and vintage references. Prices for watches in mint condition are significantly below the MSRP; you're likely to save an average of 15 to 20% by buying on Chrono24. Plus, your purchase will be secure, thanks to Chrono24's Buyer Protection.

How much is the most expensive Breitling?

The most expensive Breitling ever produced is the Breitling for Bentley Flying B, which demands an investment of over 200,000 USD. This is because the watch is "iced out," i.e., completely covered with diamonds, including the dial and bracelet. The Grenchen-based manufacturer produced only 50 of these pieces.

As of early 2023, the most expensive watch in the current Breitling catalog is the Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Willy Breitling, which has an MSRP of 67,000 USD.

Are Breitling watches a good investment?

Breitling watches are considered to be relatively stable investments. Some models have even increased in value in recent years. However, at an average of 3% to 10%, the rate of increase here is significantly lower than that of industry leaders such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, for example.