A Guide To Buying A Breitling

A Guide To Buying A Breitling

One of the most revered luxury 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. 

“Breitling watches truly have a pioneering spirit. The inventors of the chronograph function, Breitling have been recognised as a leading watchmaker for well over a century. With a ‘Made by Breitling’ timepiece by your side, you know you’ll have skill, precision, and masterful craftsmanship to love for a lifetime.” - Bruce, Head of Watches.

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 to find your perfect Breitling? Prepare to be spoilt for choice…’

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. Some of the latest Breitling watches to add to your wish-list are the Breitling Navitimer 32mm Mother of Pearl Ladies Watch for her, featuring a beautiful mother-of-pearl dial and diamond hour markers.

For him, this sleek yet timeless Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46mm Automatic Men’s Watch is kitted out with a chronograph function and a bi-directional slide rule bezel, for all those vital aviation calculations.

Navitimer at a glance:

Water resistance ranges from 30m to 100m

32mm to 48mm case size

Our collection of Breitling Navitimer watches starts from £3,400 or £94.44 per month with 3 years interest free credit

Perfect for:

Those who want one of the most beloved chronograph watches

Professional pilots or fans of aviation and collectors

Those who like a retro, vintage-inspired style

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, this Breitling Chronomat 32mm Diamond Ladies Watch, masters the balance between sturdy and stylish for a supercharged, all-purpose sports watch. Not only does it feature beautiful diamond-dot and baton hour markers, the dial has a beautiful mint green hue for a vibrant touch.

Or, if you love an icy blue dial, this Breitling 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 easy going 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 £97.23 per month with 3 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. 

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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. Striking in bright pink, we love this Breitling Endurance Pro 38mm Chronograph Pink Rubber Strap Ladies Watch for her.

For him, this Breitling Endurance Pro Chronometer Blue Men's Watch sports a bold blue rubber Diver Pro III strap, for comfortability and advanced watchmaking technology all in one.

Endurance Pro at a glance:

38mm to 44mm case size

Water resistant to 100m

Our collection of Breitling Endurance watches start from £2,800 or £77.78 per month with 3 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

Those who love a watch with innovative movements and materials

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 Automatic 42mm Men’s Watch, boasting a stainless steel case and bracelet, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, and date window at 3 o’clock.

This Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 43mm Men's Watch showcases a black dial with vibrant red accents and second hand, as well as a unidirectional ratcheted bezel, with a special grip pattern on the crown and pushers.

Avenger at a glance:

42mm to 48mm case size

Water resistance ranges from 300m to 3,000m

Our collection of Breitling Avenger watches start from £3,100 or £86.11 per month with 3 years interest free credit

Perfect for:

Incomparable performance

Fans of the Chronomat model that 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.

This Breitling Superocean Automatic 36mm Ladies Watch showcases a pristine white dial and chic design, along with a water resistance of 300m and classic diving features, such as a uni-directional bezel with a ceramic insert and luminous markers - it looks just as good beneath the waves as it does above them!

This Breitling Limited Edition Superocean Automatic 44mm Men’s Watch blends remarkable performance with contemporary, sophisticated style. Equipped with a water resistance of 300m and a ceramic bezel with a lacquered anthracite inner bezel, it has everything you need for a timeless diving (and everyday) wrist partner. It’s also limited to only 500 models in the UK!

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 £112.50 per month with 3 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. 

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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 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.

Looking for a vintage-style timepiece? Then this Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42mm Automatic Men’s Watch is for you. The stainless steel case and alligator leather strap are the perfect pair if you love a retro look. With a rich green dial and an exceptional chronograph function, it’ll never go out of style.

Add some colour to your watch collection with this Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42mm Automatic Men’s Watch. This timepiece boasts a copper dial that complements the brown alligator strap perfectly. For an extra special touch, it also features an open caseback, so you can watch the Breitling Manufacture calibre 01 ticking away beautifully.

Premier at a glance:

36mm to 45mm case size

Water resistance to 100m  

Our collection of Breitling Premier watches start from £7,150 or £198.62 a month with 3 years interest free credit

Perfect for:

Outstanding performance and everyday elegance

A watch with heritage and history

Those who love a vintage style and watches with retro charm

Discover more of Breitling’s iconic collections, including the Classic AVI. Our Swiss Watch Buying Guide will help you learn more about luxury watch movements, collectibles and what to look for when buying a Swiss watch.

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