A Guide To Buying A Breitling
One of the most revered watch brands in the world, Breitling watches are an unrivalled example of Swiss craftsmanship. The official supplier to the world of aviation, Breitling are also the world’s only watch brand to equip every major model with chronometer certified movements.
What is a chronometer certified movement? A movement which has been tested and certified by an official neutral body: the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), to ensure the highest precision and quality.
If you’re considering a Breitling, or you’ve got your heart set on one but unsure which model is for you, it’s time for something really special as this guide will take you through the different Breitling collections - from the Chronomat and Navitimer to the much-loved Endurance Pro - listing their features, benefits and differences. Ready? Let’s go.
Breitling Navitimer
The Breitling Navitimer could quite easily carry the crown of ‘Breitling’s most famous watch’. The oldest collection (having launched in 1952), the Navitimer was, and still is, designed with aviation in mind; with the iconic slide rule feature allowing pilots to perform all calculations that a flight plan requires.
It is this impressive feature that makes the Navitimer one of the most practical tool watches for use inside a plane’s cockpit. To this day, the Breitling Navitimer continues to be favoured by professional pilots and aviation admirers. The latest Breitling watches to add to your wish-list are the Breitling Navitimer 32 18ct Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Quartz Ladies Watch for her, featuring a brand-new case size of 32mm, and the sleek yet timeless Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph Leather Automatic Watch for him.
Navitimer at a glance:
Water resistance ranges from 30m to 50m
32mm to 48mm case size
Our collection of Breitling Navitimer watches starts from £3,400 or £70.84 per month with 4 years interest free credit
Perfect for:
Those who want one of the most beloved chronographs
The cult watch collector
Professional pilots or fans of aviation
Those who like a retro, vintage-inspired style
Those who want a Breitling in-house movement
What's an in-house movement? This is a movement produced and assembled entirely by the brand themselves. This arguably means more control over the production, and a more exclusive product. Discover more about in-house movements on our Swiss Watch Guide.
Breitling Chronomat
Boasting a chunkier and heavier looking case, the Breitling Chronomat is a definite all-rounder. Built to withstand the most extreme conditions, the Chronomat is a robust and sturdy watch equipped with both a diver’s bezel and a chronograph function. Originally designed in 1984 to equip the Freeze Tricolori military aerobatic display team, the Chronomat is known for its famous ‘Rouleaux’ bracelet making it stand out from the rest. Most watches in the Chronomat collection come with a Breitling in-house movement.
Nothing short of extraordinary, the latest model to join the iconic collection is the Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 South Sea Ladies Watch, mastering the balance between sturdy and stylish for a supercharged, all-purpose sports watch. Not only does it feature beautiful diamond-dot hour markers, around the bezel you’ll find a dazzling array of gemstones for a vibrant touch. Loving the icy blue dials? This Breitling Special Edition Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Stainless Steel Watch is a masterpiece of precision and style, and a tribute to travel. Featuring a dual time zone display and easygoing aesthetic, it’s a watch perfect for those who love adventures.
Chronomat at a glance:
Water resistance ranges from 100m to 500m
31mm to 45mm case size
Our collection of Breitling Chronomat watches start from £3,500 or £72.92 per month with 4 years interest free credit
Perfect for:
Those who want an impressive and imposing watch on the wrist
Those who want Breitling’s in-house movement
Those who want a bit of everything - part pilot watch, part diver’s watch
Breitling Endurance Pro
The perfect lightweight luxury sports watch, the Breitling Endurance Pro has been designed to be worn as a casual everyday sports chronograph as well as by the very best athletes. It is most definitely a bold combination of high precision, innovative technology, and vibrant design.
Breitling have equipped the Endurance Pro collection with a Breitling SuperQuartz™ movement, which is ten times more accurate than standard quartz, and is chronometer certified by COSC.
A timepiece worthy of a champion, the Endurance Pro represents innovation, commitment, and quality, with it being the watch of choice for the Breitling Triathlon Squad Members. We love this Breitling Endurance Pro Chronometer Orange Men's Watch and Breitling Endurance Pro Chronometer Blue Men's Watch.
Endurance Pro at a glance:
44mm case size
Water resistant to 100m
Our collection of Breitling Colt watches start from £2,800 or £58.34 per month with 4 years interest free credit
Perfect for:
The sports enthusiast, taking inspiration from the 1970s Breitling Sprint athleisure watch
Those wanting a vibrant sports chronograph that’s light on the wrist
Breitling Avenger
Fit for all adventures, the Breitling Avenger line boasts unrivalled power, precision and functionality. Known as ‘power in action’, this collection features extreme robustness and shock resistance for a trusty tool watch on your every exploration. Whether it’s by the sea or up the mountains, it’s ready when you are!
With water resistance going up to a staggering 3,000m, the Avenger is similar to the Chronomat with its ultra-sturdy construction, but with a slightly simpler case design and the option of sportier dials. Meet the new additions to enter the scene; bold, resilient, and ready for adventure, fly higher with the Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission Ceramic Automatic Men’s Watch and Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Stainless Steel Automatic Men’s Watch.
Avenger at a glance:
44mm to 48mm case size
Water resistance ranges from 300m to 3,000m
Our collection of Breitling Avenger watches start from £3,100 or £64.59 per month with 4 years interest free credit
Perfect for:
Incomparable performance
Fans of the Chronomat model but want a more accessible design and price
Those who want a trustworthy companion on extreme adventures
Breitling Superocean
First created in 1957 in the middle of the dive watch boom, the Breitling Superocean is a wonderful choice for those who want a diving watch. Echoing the functions and elegance of the original 1950s model, this diving watch is the meeting point of exceptional engineering, easy legibility, stunning design and phenomenal levels of water resistance.
Smart, stylish and made for ocean adventures, Breitling Superocean watches are equipped with either COSC certified self-winding mechanical or SuperQuartz movements. If you’re looking for something a little more retro but still innately sporty, explore the Breitling Superocean Heritage collection. Loved for over 60 years, the Superocean Heritage line closely resembles the first 1957 Superocean model.
Superocean at a glance:
36mm to 46mm case size
Water resistance ranges from 500m to 2,000m
Our collection of Breitling Superocean watches start from £4,050 or £59.17 per month with 4 years interest free credit
Perfect for:
The ultimate diving tool
Those who want a distinctive and recognisable design
Those looking for a heritage timepiece
Breitling Premier
Dedicated to everyday elegance, the Breitling Premier was first introduced in 1940 and was highly regarded as a powerful fashion statement. Today it has been redefined with the same exceptional elegance and outstanding performance, making it a symbol of the brand’s history.
Showcasing vintage details combined with modern touches, the Premier collection builds on their heritage with a combination of elegant dials, balanced proportions, and exceptional quality. Taking their heritage one step further, Breitling recently introduced a trio of new chronographs known as the Premier Heritage which echoes the Premier watches but with a more of a classic, mid-century twist.
Premier at a glance:
36mm to 45mm case size
Water resistance to 100m
Our collection of Breitling Premier watches start from £4,450 or £92.71 a month with 4 years interest free credit
Perfect for:
Outstanding performance and everyday elegance
A watch with heritage and history
Discover more of Breitling’s iconic collections, including the Aviator 8 our Swiss Watch Buying Guide where you can learn more about movements, collectibles and what to look for when buying a Swiss watch.
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