Breitling Watches

History of a Breitling Watch

Breitling was founded in 1884, and the independent company is considered one of the most successful luxury watch brands to come out of Switzerland. The brand takes pride in the excellent quality and legendary designs produced over the years, which is something that has never been compromised. The man behind the brand, Leon Breitling became fascinated by speed and racing, which is what spurred him to create the best, most reliable stopwatch available.

In 1923, he presented the first watch featuring independent chronograph pushes, and until then, stopwatches were operated through the winding crown. In 1934, a second pusher was introduced to Breitling watches, which was used to reset the stopwatch to zero, which is when Breitling successfully created the modern Chronograph. A crown and two pushers, which is something most watch enthusiasts take for granted today, go back to this ground-breaking innovation from Breitling.

• For Pilots: The Navitimer & Chronomat

  One of Breitling’s most well-known timepieces and design icons is the Navitimer, an evolution of the 1942 Breitling Chronomat. Designed with a slide-rule bezel, it could calculate complicated operations like fuel consumption and average speeds that were necessary for pilots. Today, many aviators rely on the Navitimer as a backup navigation system. Discovered pre-owned Navitimer and Chronomat models from WatchBox like the Navitimer Jupiter Pilot Chronograph, Chronomat Longitude, and more.

• For Divers: The SuperOcean

  Introduced in 1957 to equip professional and military divers, the SuperOcean is worn by divers and explorers alike. In 2017, the brand commemorated the model’s 50th anniversary by launching the SuperOcean Heritage collection. Learn more about the SuperOcean II in our breakdown of What Is a Dive Watch.

• For Motorsport: Premier B01 Chronograph

  Breitling and Bentley partnered in 2002 to design luxurious limited edition watches. The first of these watches was the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green, known for its distinctive green dial. Browse our assortment of pre-owned Breitling Premier timepieces like the Premier B01 Chronograph Bentley.

• For Fans of Vintage: The Transocean

  In 2011, Breitling rebooted the Transocean lineup, with models dedicated to collectors who favor vintage timepieces, versatile styles, subtle details, traditional proportions, and time-tested lines. Discover the timeless details and modern refinement found in the Transocean Day & Date.

Why is a Breitling Watch So Appealing to Collectors and Enthusiasts?

The superior design and dedication to details are what makes a Breitling watch the choice of the Royal Air Force and the brand used by numerous aircraft manufacturers starting in 1936. Today, the brand is still providing the top-quality timepieces it is known for, being the choice of both pilots and those who understand the quality of design offered by this brand.

Why Select a Pre-Owned Breitling Watch from WatchBox?

While new Breitling watches are still being produced today, most agree that some of the original designs are the ones with the most appeal. However, regardless of your taste or preference, buying a pre-owned Breitling watch from WatchBox will provide you with a wide selection of styles and models to ensure you can find the luxury design you want.

• How Much is a New Breitling Watch Compared to Pre-Owned?

  Purchasing a pre-owned Breitling watch allows for the opportunity to discover rare references or models that are no longer in production. Pricing for new and pre-owned Breitling watches varies based on material, model, reference, demand, and more. For more information on pricing, please contact us today.

• How Does the Breitling Brand Compare to Rolex?

  When comparing luxury watch brands like Breitling and Rolex, it simply comes down to consumer preference when deciding between the two. Both brands are recognizable, with Rolex known for their robust sport watches and Breitling for their pilot’s watches. However, oftentimes Breitling watches are more affordable than Rolex watches in the pre-owned market.

• Are Breitling Watches Considered Good Investments?

  Breitling watches are exceptional luxury timepieces, known for their accuracy and proprietary features designed for pilots. Many choose to purchase from Breitling because of their high-quality materials, innovative features, and sporty designs. Because the pre-owned watch market is always changing, it’s best to invest in a Breitling timepiece that suits your own unique preferences.

• What Are Breitling Watches Best Known For?

  Breitling is best known for their precise chronographs designed for aviators and pilots. Most sought-after pre-owned models include the Navitimer, SuperOcean, Chronomat, and Avenger.

• Are Breitling Watches from WatchBox Good Quality?

  Every pre-owned Breitling timepiece in our inventory is inspected and brought to “mint” condition, ensuring exceptional quality. All of our pre-owned watches are evaluated, authenticated, and brought to manufacturer operating standards without compromising value or provenance. Learn more about our unrivaled selection and guaranteed authenticity.