Breitling has been making chronographs since the 19th century, and its watches are closely tied to aviation and the sea. Today the brand offers a wide range of collections, from the slide-rule Navitimer to dive watches and everyday chronographs, which can make choosing one confusing.
This guide explains each Breitling collection, who it suits, the movements behind them, and what to check before you buy.
By the numbers: Switzerland exported CHF 25.9 billion of watches in 2024, 2.8% less than in 2023, in 15.3 million pieces (9.4% fewer), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (swissinfo.ch, 30 January 2025).
A short history
Léon Breitling founded the company in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, specializing in chronographs and timing instruments. In 1915 his son Gaston Breitling developed one of the first wrist chronographs with an independent pusher, and the brand went on to make instruments for aviation. In 1952 it launched the Navitimer, whose slide-rule bezel let pilots carry out flight calculations on the wrist.
Today Breitling is known for chronographs, and for its in-house chronograph movement, the caliber B01.
The collections at a glance
| Collection | What it is | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Navitimer | The pilot's chronograph with a circular slide rule, also in three-hand versions | Aviation fans, those who like a busy, technical dial |
| Chronomat | A sporty everyday watch on the "Rouleaux" bracelet, chronograph or three-hand | One sporty watch for everything |
| Superocean | Modern dive watches | Divers, a bold sporty look |
| Superocean Heritage | Dive watches inspired by the 1957 Superocean | Vintage-inspired dive style |
| Premier | Elegant chronographs and three-hand watches | A dressier Breitling |
| Top Time | Retro-styled chronographs inspired by the 1960s | Colorful, vintage looks |
| Avenger | Robust, large sports watches | Those who like a big, tough watch |
| Classic AVI | Pilot's chronographs inspired by Breitling's 1950s Co-Pilot | Aviation-history fans |
| Professional | Including the Endurance Pro, a light, sporty quartz chronograph | Sport and everyday wear |
Browse all of them in our Breitling collection.
Navitimer
The Navitimer's slide-rule bezel can calculate speed, distance, fuel consumption and more. Today it comes as the B01 Chronograph in several sizes (such as 41, 43 and 46 mm), as well as automatic three-hand versions in smaller sizes, which keep the look without the chronograph. Our Navitimer collection shows the current versions in stock.
Choose it if you want Breitling's most iconic watch.
Chronomat
The modern Chronomat was redesigned in 2020, with the distinctive "Rouleaux" bracelet made of rounded links, and rider tabs on the bezel. It comes as a B01 chronograph, mainly in 42 mm, as the larger Super Chronomat, and as automatic three-hand models in smaller sizes, including 36 and 32 mm versions popular with women.
Choose it if you want one sporty, versatile Breitling.
Superocean and Superocean Heritage
- The Superocean is Breitling's modern dive watch, colorful and sporty, with a unidirectional bezel.
- The Superocean Heritage takes its design from the 1957 Superocean, with a cleaner dial and often a mesh bracelet.
Choose them if you want a Breitling for the water.
Premier, Top Time, Avenger and Classic AVI
- Premier is the dressiest Breitling: clean dials and elegant chronographs.
- Top Time recalls Breitling's 1960s chronographs, often with bold colors.
- Avenger models are large and robust, made for tough use.
- Classic AVI chronographs reinterpret Breitling's pilot's chronographs of the 1950s.
The B01 movement
The caliber B01 is Breitling's own chronograph movement, used in many Navitimer, Chronomat, Premier and Avenger models. It is a self-winding chronograph with a column wheel and a power reserve of about 70 hours, and it is chronometer-certified. "B01" in a model's name tells you it has this movement.
How to choose a size
Breitling watches are often large. Compare the size in the model name (for example "B01 Chronograph 42") and the thickness: a 46 mm Navitimer and a 41 mm Navitimer wear very differently. If you are unsure, start with 41–42 mm for a chronograph, or a smaller automatic three-hand model.
What to check before you buy
- The reference and papers should match the watch.
- The chronograph: start, stop and reset should work cleanly.
- The slide-rule bezel (Navitimer) should turn smoothly.
- The bracelet: Rouleaux and mesh bracelets should be checked for stretch and damage.
- Water resistance: varies widely by collection; check the specifications. See water resistance explained.
Every watch we sell is checked by our specialist before it ships.
Frequently asked questions
What is Breitling's most famous watch?
The Navitimer, introduced in 1952, with its slide-rule bezel for pilots.
What does B01 mean on a Breitling?
It is the name of Breitling's own self-winding chronograph movement, with a power reserve of about 70 hours.
Is Breitling a good first luxury watch?
Yes, especially if you like chronographs and sporty watches. A Chronomat or a Navitimer is a classic first Breitling.
Which Breitling is best for small wrists?
The automatic three-hand models in smaller sizes, such as the Chronomat 36 or 32 and the Navitimer Automatic 36.
Are Breitling watches water resistant?
Yes, but the level depends on the collection: the Superocean dive watches are the most water resistant. Check the specific model.
