Best Breitling Watches Review 2021 (TOP 5 MODELS)

And in this Breitling watch review, I will show you the most important things you need to know about this watch brand before deciding to stick with them.

But first, let’s see what Breitling models that people love the most.

AT A GLANCE: MY TOP 5 PICKS FOR THE BEST BREITLING WATCHES

MY TOP PICK: AB012012-BB01 Navitimer Chronograph Watch
CB014012-BA53-378C Chronomat 41 Automatic Black Dial
Superocean II 42 A17365D1/C915-161A
CB014012-G713-378C Chronomat 41 Swiss Automatic
Superocean II 42 A17365C9/BD67-161A

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History Of Breitling Watches

If ever you’ve had discussions with your friends about the best watch brands, chances are Breitling was mentioned once or twice.

And it’s easy to see why, as for over a century the brand has been innovating and pushing the limits of watch technology forward.

The company was founded by Leon Breitling in 1884 in Switzerland.

Breitling started out developing chronographs, and not just any chronograph either.

The chronographs developed by Leon Breitling were some of the best at a time where demand for it was high.

There was a great demand at the time for chronographs as they were used in the aviation, military, scientific, athletic, and in the ever-growing industrial field.

Leon Breitling passed away in 1914, and the company was taken over by his son, Gaston who inherited his father’s innovative mind.

Gaston would be best known for separating a chronograph’s features from an all-purpose crown.

Instead, the chronograph would be controlled by one button, and later by two which is a format still used and preferred by a lot of athletic circles up to this day.

Sadly, the company took a blow when Gaston unexpectedly passed away in 1927 and his son, Willy was too young to take over the company and had to wait a couple of years, which is time that he would never make up for.

In the 70s, Willy had to look at things pragmatically and decided to sell the company to Ernest Schneider an aviator and watchmaker.

Schneider registered the company as Breitling SA in 1982, and that’s probably how most of us know the brand.

Since then, the brand has adopted the spirit of innovation and precision started by Leon Breitling by releasing high-quality watches with unrivaled chronographs.

Top (5) Best Breitling Watches Chosen by Customers

Product names	Movement	Water resistance
AB012012-BB01 Navitimer Chronograph Watch	Swiss Automatic	99 feet
CB014012-BA53-378C Chronomat 41 Automatic Black Dial	Swiss Automatic	984 feet
Superocean II 42 A17365D1/C915-161A	Swiss Automatic	1,650 feet
CB014012-G713-378C Chronomat 41 Analog Display Swiss Automatic	Swiss Automatic	984 feet
Superocean II 42 A17365C9/BD67-161A	Swiss Automatic	1,650 feet

Reviews of the Top-Rated Breitling Watches

1) AB012012-BB01 Navitimer

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This watch should appeal to most men. It’s very fashionable, bold, and also reliable.

I love the stainless steel (case, bezel, buckle, band), which allows the timepiece to put-up with everyday wear.

It does not get scratched, stained, or fade easily.

I also like the super smooth and sleek finish, which feels nice to the hand and is easy to clean and maintain.

Another great thing is the tough sapphire crystal, which is super clear and more resistant to scratches and discoloration in comparison to other alternatives.

The glass features a coating to keep the reflections and glare at bay.

The Swiss automatic movement is accurate and the weight of about 15 ounces should feel okay on the wrist.

With a power reserve of 70 hours, this automatic piece lasts longer than most watches out there.

One small concern, however, is that the hands and markers are not super luminous.

Pros:

– Elegant and high quality

– Accurate timekeeping

– Solid built and durable

Con:

– Only 99 feet water resistance

2) CB014012-BA53-378C Chronomat 41

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Any man looking for a sophisticated, high quality, accurate, and durable watch will find this one a great buy.

I like the fact that it’s made of stainless steel, which endures abrasion, falls, bangs, and more pretty well.

It keeps its color for a long time and is easy to wipe/clean.

Like many other consumers, I find the water-resistance of 984 feet/ 300 meters quite good.

This makes it safe to walk in the rain, take a bath or shower, or swim with the watch. It also isn’t affected by moisture, sweat, dust, spills and other things thanks to the airtight sealing.

This also protects the accurate Swiss automatic movement.

The analog watch is relatively large, with the dial diameter being 41 mm.

It nevertheless, isn’t too heavy and weighs about 6.7 ounces.

Thanks to the decent weight and smooth finish, wearing the watch for long sessions shouldn’t be a challenge.

Pros:

– Superior performance

– Accurate and smooth operation

– Sleek and durable

Con:

– It’s a little bit more pricey

3) Superocean II 42 A17365D1/C915-161A

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I love this timepiece because it’s suitable for both formal and informal wear.

It looks elegant courtesy of the nice blue dial, which complements the silver-tone stainless steel case, bracelet, bezel, and case back.

Another catchy aspect is the round shape and analog Swiss automatic movement, which give it a classic appeal.

You also don’t need to worry about your skin getting scratched or sweating thanks to the smooth finish.

This piece does maintain its shiny appeal and doesn’t fade or gets discolored easily.

One thing we like the unit for is the good precision and the acceptable power reserve of about 40 hours.

The sapphire crystal is resistant to abrasion, shattering, and also handles glare quite well.

Pros:

– Large clear numerals

– Accurate timekeeping

– Fashionable and reliable

Con:

– It is somewhat bulky for small wrists

4) CB014012-G713-378C Chronomat Swiss Automatic

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Are you a man looking for high quality and reliable watch?

Well, this piece should is worth acquiring.

It runs seamlessly and loses a few seconds in a month thanks to the superior Swiss automatic movement and solid engineering.

The size and weight feel okay even on a small wrist.

I give it props for the solid stainless steel, which puts up with everyday use, bangs, abrasion, oils, grease, and environmental factors.

And with a water resistance of 300 meters (984 feet), taking a shower or bath, swimming, or walking in the rain with the watch should not be a problem.

The anti-reflective sapphire crystal together with the decent-sized dial gives a clear view of the time, date, and other functions.

Pros:

– Tough and durable case and band

– Easy to wear/remove

– Smooth non-pinching band

Con:

– The numbers are a bit small

5) Superocean II 42 A17365C9/BD67-161A

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Like most men, you will most likely like this watch.

It looks very elegant and should match your taste. Besides, it is among the most accurate pieces in the market.

Relying on the respected Swiss automatic movements, it will run smoothly and will remain within specs.

The power reserve is quite decent and it will remain operational for several days when not worn.

It is a sturdy and durable piece thanks to the stainless steel construction and the anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

The unit is not discolored, scratched, or chipped easily.

It has a practical diameter of 42 mm and does not feel too large or too heavy.

It also has flexible bands for quick and convenient wearing and removal.

Pros:

– Solidly built and durable

– Good performance and reliable

– Accurate and decent power reserve

Con:

– The glow in the dark isn’t super bright

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Notable Breitling Watches Throughout History

Throughout the brand’s long lifetime, they have released a plethora of great timepieces and in this section, we look at two timepieces that stood out amongst the rest.

Breitling Pro Chronospace

This is one of the newer released models of Breitling, and it’s a true testament to the brand’s ability to innovate while creating highly functional timepieces.

This watch is a great modern pilot’s watch, with an analog and digital face, slide rule bezel, while also featuring Breitling’s incredible chronograph technology.

The Pro Chronospace is a real premium watch, with anti-reflective sapphire, a Swiss quartz movement, and modern and sleek design.

A timepiece that proves that Breitling has never stopped delivering when it comes to high-quality watches.

Breitling Galactic

When it comes to classy and elegant automatic watches, not a lot of models do it better than the Galactic.

It has truly stood the test of time since it’s still one of the most sought-after models of the brand.

The watch can be used for about anything.

Its classy design makes it the perfect dress watch to wear to your next formal event, or it could also be dressed down and be worn on casual Friday.

The watch is also tough, with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging the watch with a couple of bumps here and there.

Pair all of that with 100m of water resistance and you truly have one of the best Breitling watches on the market today.

The Classics

While a lot of Breitling pieces are worth talking about and discussing, by far the most iconic releases of the brand are the Chronomat and Navitimer, which we take a look at in this section.

The Chronomat

When it comes to aviation watches, this is a true classic.

Expert craftsmanship and incredible precision is the name of the game when it comes to the Chronomat, with the highlight being the four-rider tabs on the bezel, which is something that was adopted by other Breitling lines like the Chronomat.

The Chronomat has gone through a lot of reinventions and reinterpretations over the years, and the newest ones barely resemble the original Chronomat at all.

But despite the stylistic changes the watch has gone through, one constant remained: the incredible precision that has made it loved by aviators and watch connoisseurs all over the world.

There isn’t a watch that screams Breitling quite like the Chronomat.

The Navitimer

The Navimeter is probably the most faithful successor to the Chronomat.

And while the Chronomat is the most iconic of Breitlings, the most recognizable probably has to be the Navitimer.

The highlight of this watch has to be the design, as that is the first thing you’ll see and the fact that the design has barely undergone any changes in the past couple of decades is a testament to how classic it is.

The watch also features a bi-directional bezel, which was revolutionary at the time.

The name of the watch is a portmanteau on the words navigation and timer and that’s because of the navigational calculator that works hand in hand with the movement of the watch and Breitling’s seemingly unrivaled chronograph technology.

This watch is loved by all, from pilots, to watch enthusiasts and even casual watch wearers all over the world.

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FAQ’s

How Much Does A Breitling Cost On Average?

Breitling watches sit comfortably in the luxury tier of watches, so expect to save up a bit to get one for yourself.

The price of the watch will depend a lot on the specific timepiece, but on average, a Breitling watch will cost you at least $3000 but don’t be surprised if it will cost a bit more than that.

However, the classic and iconic Breitling pieces cost significantly more, so if you want something like the Chronomat or Navitimer, be ready to invest somewhere between $5000-$8000.

What Is The Cheapest New Breitling Watch?

While the classics would be nice to have, the less expensive Breitling pieces also offer a whole lot, with models like the Colt and Aerospace Evo being more affordable watches that pack a true punch.

These watches will cost you somewhere between $3000-$3500 depending on who you’re buying it from and where you’re buying.

Is Breitling A Good Watch Brand?

Breitling is easily one of the best watch brands out there, especially if you’re looking for aviation watches, as there are many watch lovers who would confidently say that Breitling is the best brand for these watches.

The incredibly high quality and great designs of these watches make it a great brand that’s well worth the price.

Do Breitling Watches Hold Their Value?

Predicting whether a watch will hold its value is a pretty tricky task, but Breitling might be a safe pick.

Breitling remains one of the most sought-after luxury watch brands in the United States, and while predicting whether they will increase or hold their value is close to impossible, it would be easy to assume that they will.

After all, classic Breitling pieces have definitely increased in value over time.

Is Breitling A Luxury Brand?

Yes, Breitling is considered a luxury brand is currently one of the most in-demand luxury watch brands in the US.

Who Wears Breitling Watches?

Breitling is one of the most in-demand brands right now, so it would be easy to assume that this is a watch worn by a lot of successful people.

And with its price, you can also tell it’s usually worn by wealthier people.

Since the brand is most known for its aviation watches, this is a brand also worn by a lot of pilots.

Breitlings have been seen on the wrists of a lot of celebrities like Bear Grylls and basketball player Chris Paul, including the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella and the former CEO of Chevron, John Watson.

How Much Is A Breitling 1884 Watch Worth?

This was a fairly limited release, with only 1,884 pieces released, so the price of these watches is very high.

Expect to spend upwards of $7,900 for one of these watches, but you can also find used and pre-owned ones that can sell for as low as $4000, depending on the condition.

Do Breitling Watches Have Serial Numbers?

All Breitling watches released after 2000 have serial numbers that can be checked within the Breitling network and can be found on the underside of the watch’s casing.

Do Breitling Watches Tick Or Sweep?

Technically, Breitling watches tick but it can be sometimes hard to see that.

Most Breitling models are designed to tick 8 steps a second, which can actually create the illusion that it sweeps.

The only Breitling quartz model that actually sweeps is the Aerospace.

How Do You Tell If A Breitling Watch Is Real?

Checking the legitimacy of a watch is one of the toughest things to do.

All these watches have minuscule details that you can check to make sure that the watch is not a counterfeit.

However, some of these details require tools to properly check, so the best way to check the watch is to ask an expert to do it.

You can always bring the watch to a jewelry or watch shop and ask for help if you aren’t sure if it’s real or not.

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Conclusion

I hope that my short Breitling watches review has helped you with making a better decision.

You know, buying a timepiece from this brand is never an easy task since the price is always high.

But if you can pick a decent one for yourself, then I’m sure it would be a great investment in the very long run!

If you are interested in a more moderately priced, yet still excellent, watch, check out Invicta.