About Breitling
Chronographs for aviation
Léon Breitling opened his workshop in Saint-Imier, in the Swiss Jura, in 1884 and concentrated on chronographs and timers. The company later moved to Grenchen. The Chronomat, a chronograph with a slide rule in the bezel, arrived in 1942, and in 1952 Willy Breitling, the founder's grandson, launched the Navitimer: a chronograph with a circular slide rule that allowed pilots to calculate speed, fuel consumption and distance. The Superocean for divers followed in 1957. After the quartz crisis Ernest Schneider took over the brand in 1979 and introduced a new Chronomat in 1984. Around the turn of the century Breitling decided to have its movements certified as chronometers by COSC, and in 2009 its own chronograph calibre, the B01, followed.
What we check on a Breitling
On a Breitling, the reference, serial number, calibre and chronometer certificate belong together; the reference codes the case material and the movement, among other things. We assess the dial and its sub-dials, the hands and the bezel, and on a Navitimer the operation of the slide rule, on a Superocean the direction and click of the diving bezel. Then come the case and the engravings on the back, the bracelet or strap with its clasp, and the movement: winding, setting and, on a chronograph, start, stop and reset. On older models we check that the movement fits the version, because Breitling has used different base calibres in the same case. Whatever we find is stated in the description.
Models we offer and look for
The Navitimer is the model we are asked about most often, as a chronograph with calibre B01 and in the simpler automatic versions. We also look for the Chronomat, which since 2020 has again come on the characteristic bracelet with rouleaux links, the Superocean and Superocean Heritage, and the Premier. Older Navitimer and Chronomat models from the 1980s and 1990s also qualify, provided their condition and originality are good. A Breitling is not always online; if you are looking for a particular version, you can give us a sourcing request.
Buying, selling and trading in
You buy a Breitling from us through a request without obligation. We confirm availability personally; you pay by bank transfer once you agree and receive the watch insured, or collect it by appointment. You can sell outright, on consignment or as a trade-in. Please state in your request whether the chronometer certificate and guarantee card are present, and whether the watch has recently been serviced; with a chronograph that says a great deal about the condition of the movement. Every request is assessed by hand, and a proposal only follows afterwards. The Aequator Collection is an independent dealer and not an authorised Breitling retailer.