Breitling Watches

About Breitling

The Breitling brand has achieved incredible success since its founding in 1884. Léon Breitling established the company with a passion for chronographs and precision timekeeping, quickly becoming a pioneer in aviation watches. In 1915, his son Gaston created one of the first wrist-worn chronographs with an independent pusher. In 1934, grandson Willy patented the second independent chronograph pusher, completing the modern chronograph layout.

Breitling has many firsts in horological history. In 1942, they created the Chronomat with its distinctive slide rule bezel. In 1952, Breitling was commissioned by the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to create the revolutionary Navitimer chronograph for pilots. This groundbreaking timepiece enabled essential flight calculations like speed, distance, and fuel consumption. Since then, Breitling has created some of the most innovative professional watches, earning COSC chronometer certification for every timepiece and maintaining their reputation as the king of aviation chronographs.

Breitling Patents and Innovations

Over the decades, Breitling has patented and innovated unique watch elements. This glossary unpacks some key terms and highlights what sets Breitling's versions apart.

COSC Chronometer Certification - Every Breitling watch is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. Breitling's commitment to precision means all their movements meet the highest standards for accuracy and reliability.

Slide Rule Bezel - The circular slide rule bezel on Breitling Navitimer models allows pilots to perform essential flight calculations. Breitling's slide rule enables calculations for speed, distance, fuel consumption, and rate of climb/descent directly on the watch.

Rider Tabs - Distinctive protective tabs on the Chronomat bezel that shield the crystal from impact. Breitling developed rider tabs in the 1980s for the Italian Frecce Tricolori jet team to protect crystals during aircraft entry and exit.

B01 Manufacture Movement - Breitling's in-house automatic chronograph caliber with column wheel construction. The B01 movement features a 70-hour power reserve and represents Breitling's technical independence in movement manufacturing.

Emergency Locator Beacon - A built-in dual-frequency distress beacon in the Emergency watch collection. Breitling's Emergency broadcasts on 121.5 MHz for civilian aviation and 243.0 MHz for military rescue operations.

Breitlight® Material - An ultra-light, anti-magnetic, and scratch-resistant proprietary material. Breitling's Breitlight® is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than steel while maintaining superior durability.

Breitling Style and Aesthetic Elements

Breitling watches use a variety of aesthetic elements to communicate professional capability and luxury. The different versions of these features speak to different spirits and perhaps different eras. Learn how each trait impacts a model's style and professional appeal.

Breitling Watch Complications

Breitling watch faces display different information on different models. Each face is forged from top-tier materials with exceptional legibility under extreme conditions. The design of the background and hands on each model speaks to its era and functionality. Breitling watches can display an array of information, including:

• Date display
• Chronograph (stopwatch) function
• Dual time zones (GMT)
• Annual calendar
• Slide rule calculations
• Countdown timer
• Alarm functions
• Emergency beacon activation

Breitling Dials

A Breitling watch's dial is the interface between its movement and the wearer. Crafting this small, critical piece requires mastery of legibility and functionality. A dial might feature bold contrast for cockpit visibility or maintain sophisticated elegance. Consider these distinctive options:

Black Breitling - High-contrast black dials with white markers for maximum legibility in cockpits Blue Breitling - Deep blue dials that reflect aviation and marine heritage
Silver Breitling - Classic silver dials offering timeless professional aesthetics White Breitling - Crisp white dials providing excellent readability in all conditions Bronze Breitling - Warm bronze dials that develop unique patina over time

• Light colored dials for optimal contrast
• Dark colored dials for sports applications
• Mother-of-pearl luxury versions
• Carbon fiber performance materials
• Meteorite exotic dial options

Breitling Indexes

Indexes are the marks that the watch's hands point to. Designers set them in intervals around the face's circumference. Breitling offers these index options:

• Applied hour markers with luminous material
• Arabic numerals for aviation heritage
• Dot markers for minimalist aesthetics
• Bar markers for professional legibility
• Diamond-set markers for luxury models
• Military-style numerals for tactical appeal

Breitling Bracelets and Straps

Breitling watches offer bracelet and strap options that keep your watch secure while communicating professional capability. Options include:

• Professional III steel bracelets with polished center links
• Rouleaux steel bracelets with vintage-inspired rounded links
• Mesh steel bracelets for classic aviation aesthetics
• Rubber straps for sports and diving applications
• Leather straps with quick-release systems
• NATO fabric straps for military-inspired looks

Breitling Bezel

The bezel is the ring of the watch and may bear functional scales or timing capabilities. Breitling has designed the following bezels for different models:

• Slide rule bezels for flight calculations (Navitimer signature)
• Unidirectional rotating bezels for diving timing
• Bidirectional bezels for dual-time functions
• Rider tab bezels for crystal protection (Chronomat feature)
• Smooth bezels for dress models
• Ceramic bezels for scratch resistance

Breitling Watch Materials

Breitling only uses the finest materials: stainless steel, titanium, gold, platinum, and their proprietary Breitlight®. Their steel features exceptional corrosion resistance for aviation environments. Titanium models offer lightweight strength for professional use. No matter the material, their design process only allows for excellence.

Breitling Watch Models

For over 140 years, Breitling has developed distinct professional watch lines. You'll find each collection takes the brand's high standards to different professional ends. Which line speaks to you?

Breitling Professional Models

The Breitling Professional collections represent the watchmaker's core mission as "Instruments for Professionals." These luxury pieces ensure professionals can rely on precise timing no matter how extreme conditions become.

Ever since pilots first strapped Breitling chronographs to their wrists in the early 1900s, the brand has been synonymous with aviation excellence. Consider these collection highlights.

Navitimer Collection - The Breitling Navitimer is aviation's most trusted chronograph. Since 1952, it has set the standard for pilot watches with its distinctive slide rule bezel. The iconic design enables essential flight calculations and remains highly coveted by both aviation professionals and watch collectors.

Chronomat Collection - The Breitling Chronomat was designed for jet pilots seeking the perfect balance of performance and style. Introduced in 1984, it features the signature rider tabs and "onion" crown. The modern Chronomat with its Rouleaux bracelet represents Breitling's all-purpose watch for every pursuit.

Superocean Collection - The Breitling Superocean revolutionized diving watches when launched in 1957. These robust timepieces combine technical performance with sporty aesthetics. The modern Superocean offers water resistance up to 2,000 meters and comes in vibrant colors perfect for ocean adventures.

Avenger Collection - The Breitling Avenger is built for extreme conditions and military precision. These oversized timepieces feature exceptional legibility, robust construction, and advanced functionality. Perfect for those who demand reliability in the toughest environments.

Premier Collection - The Breitling Premier brings elegance to professional timing. Introduced in 1943, this collection elevates chronographs from purely functional instruments to sophisticated dress watches. Modern Premier models blend classic aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship.

Professional Collection - The Breitling Professional line includes specialized instruments like the Emergency with its built-in locator beacon, the Aerospace with analog-digital display, and the Endurance Pro for athletes. These watches represent the pinnacle of functional innovation.

Breitling Sizes

Modern Breitling watches accommodate various wrist sizes and professional requirements:

• 38mm - Compact sizing for vintage-inspired models and smaller wrists
• 40mm - Contemporary proportions for daily professional wear
• 41mm - Standard sizing for Navitimer and sport models
• 42mm - Popular Chronomat and Superocean dimensions
• 44mm - Bold presence for Avenger and oversized sport models
• 46mm - Maximum impact for specialized professional instruments
• 48mm - Extreme sizing for Emergency and tactical models

Breitling Watch Collections by Case Size

38mm Models:

• Top Time (vintage-inspired chronograph)
• Premier B01 Chronograph 38 (elegant dress chronograph)

40mm Models:

• Superocean Heritage (classic diving elegance)
• Premier Heritage (sophisticated three-hand)

41mm Models:

• Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 (modern aviation icon)
• Chronomat B01 42 (all-purpose professional)

42mm Models:

• Chronomat GMT (dual-time professional)
• Superocean Automatic 42 (contemporary diving)

44mm Models:

• Avenger GMT (military-inspired dual-time)
• Super Chronomat B01 44 (sports chronograph)

46mm Models:

• Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46 (traditional pilot sizing)
• Avenger Chronograph 45 (tactical timing)

Purchase a Breitling Watch Today

Are you looking to start a Breitling collection or add to your current collection? At Hollywood Gems, we help you choose the right model that will last you a lifetime. Whether you're seeking the iconic Navitimer for aviation heritage or the robust Superocean for marine adventures, our expert team provides personalized guidance.

All our Breitling watches are 100% authentic and come with manufacturer warranty plus our additional authenticity guarantee. Every timepiece undergoes meticulous inspection by master watchmakers who verify COSC chronometer certification, movement authenticity, and overall condition.

If you're looking to purchase a Breitling watch, please don't hesitate to give us a call at (323) 760-1665, so that we may assist you in your watch selection. We offer expert consultations to help you understand the differences between aviation, diving, and sport collections while matching your professional needs and lifestyle.

Breitling Watches Price

Breitling Watches Under $3,000 Pre-owned Superocean and Colt models, vintage pieces, and quartz timepieces

Breitling Watches Under $5,000 Current Superocean Heritage, Endurance Pro, and entry-level mechanical models

Breitling Watches Under $8,000 Chronomat 32, Premier collections, and basic Navitimer references

Breitling Watches Under $12,000 Navitimer B01, Chronomat B01, and Superocean chronograph models

Breitling Watches Over $12,000 Limited editions, precious metal models, and specialized Professional instruments

For customers looking to sell a Breitling watch, Hollywood Gems provides expert valuations based on current market conditions, model rarity, and condition assessment. Our team understands the factors that affect Breitling watches price and can maximize your return. Give us a call at (323) 760-1665 to speak to a Breitling specialist about selling or trading your timepiece.

Why Choose Breitling Watches for Men?

Breitling watches for men represent the ultimate expression of professional capability, precision timing, and masculine design. The brand's robust construction and functional aesthetics make them perfect for active professionals, pilots, and adventurers who demand reliability in extreme conditions.

Aviation Heritage for Men - Breitling's 140-year aviation legacy appeals to men who appreciate authentic professional instruments. The Navitimer's slide rule bezel and Chronomat's pilot-focused design provide real functionality while making a statement about technical expertise.

Professional Functionality - Men who work in demanding environments rely on Breitling's COSC-certified movements, robust cases, and exceptional legibility. These timepieces perform under pressure while maintaining sophisticated style.

Sports Performance - The Superocean collection offers men the perfect combination of diving capability and sporty aesthetics. Water resistance up to 2,000 meters and vibrant color options appeal to active lifestyles.

Investment Value - Breitling watches for men consistently maintain strong resale values, particularly vintage Navitimer models and limited editions. The combination of Swiss manufacturing, aviation heritage, and COSC certification supports long-term value retention.