Watches · Breitling
A specialist in technical timepieces and a historic supplier to aviation, Breitling is the reference brand for chronographs. Founded in 1884, it invented the independent chronograph pushers and created the Navitimer — the legendary watch with a circular slide rule beloved by pilots worldwide.
Total lots: 74
With sold price: 8
Average sold price: €2,832.25
Highest sold price: €5,500.00
Active lots
Recent sales
Top sales
Market trend (recent months)
| Month | Sold lots | Average sold | Top sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 1 | €3,350.00 | €3,350.00 |
Brands
Brand overview
A specialist in technical timepieces and a historic supplier to aviation, Breitling is the reference brand for chronographs. Founded in 1884, it invented the independent chronograph pushers and created the Navitimer — the legendary watch with a circular slide rule beloved by pilots worldwide.
Breitling's history is inextricably linked to the conquest of the skies. Under the guidance of Leon and later Willy Breitling, the company focused on chronometric precision for military and civilian purposes. In the 1940s, the Chronomat introduced the slide rule for engineering purposes, evolving into the Navitimer for AOPA pilots. During the quartz crisis, the brand was acquired by Ernest Schneider, who kept the aeronautical identity alive. Under current CEO Georges Kern, Breitling has embarked on a catalogue modernisation, relaunching historic collections such as the Premier and Superocean, and focusing on sustainability and 'modern-retro' sporting elegance.
Iconic models and lines
- Navitimer (1952-present) — The quintessential pilot's watch with a circular slide rule.
- Chronomat (1942-present) — Relaunched in 1984, it marked the return of mechanical chronographs.
What collectors watch for
- Navitimer with AOPA logo
- Rare 1960s models with Venus 178 calibre
- Breitling Emergency (rescue instrument)
- Vintage 'Top Time' chronographs (associated with James Bond)
Curiosities
- The Emergency is fitted with a micro-transmitter operating on the aeronautical distress frequency.
- Breitling was one of the first to certify its entire production with COSC.
- Scott Carpenter wore a Breitling Cosmonaute into space in 1962.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Navitimer bezel for?
It is a circular slide rule that allows pilots to perform calculations of ground speed, fuel consumption and climb/descent times without electronic instruments.
What is the significance of the B01 movement?
It is a fully in-house designed automatic chronograph calibre, known for its precision, reliability and 70-hour power reserve.
Do Breitling watches hold their value?
Iconic models such as the Navitimer and rare vintage chronographs hold their value well; the larger models from the 2000s can be more volatile.
How do you recognise an authentic Breitling?
Check the logo (the winged anchor or the cursive 'B' depending on the era), the quality of the anti-reflective coating (bluish tint) and the smoothness of the chronograph pushers.