Swiss watchmaker Breitling is currently undergoing a transformative phase, leading to the release of several intriguing and impressive models. In 2017, Georges Kern took over as CEO, initiating a significant overhaul of the brand, which has a legacy dating back 136 years. Known for their highly technical and distinctly masculine designs, Breitling is now streamlining its offerings to attract a broader, more diverse audience. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Breitling’s finest watch models, delving into their features and historical significance.
The History of Breitling
Which is the Best Breitling Watch?
Breitling’s history began in 1884 when Léon Breitling established the company in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The brand quickly earned a reputation for producing precise and reliable chronographs, which were essential for industrial and scientific uses, making Breitling a top choice for watch enthusiasts of the time.
As the 20th century advanced, Breitling became synonymous with aviation. The 1930s saw the introduction of the Breitling Navitimer, a line crafted specifically for pilots, featuring a circular slide rule for in-flight calculations. This iconic timepiece symbolized Breitling’s dedication to aviation and adventure, often hailed as one of the brand’s best offerings.
Throughout the years, Breitling continued to push boundaries, creating new designs and features tailored to professionals in various fields. From the Chronomat, favored by Formula 1 teams in the 1940s, to the Breitling Emergency, the first wristwatch with an integrated emergency transmitter, Breitling has consistently demonstrated innovation, cementing its reputation as a creator of some of the finest and most enduring luxury watches.
Today, Breitling’s catalog spans 10 collections, catering to land, air, and sea pursuits. The brand has also embraced wearable technology and its own heritage, producing vintage-inspired pieces that have reinvigorated its standing. These developments have marked a successful resurgence, resulting in stylish, versatile watches that suit everyday wear in a variety of settings. Below, we highlight three of Breitling’s most popular models.
Breitling: A Blend of Innovation and Tradition
Currently, Breitling remains a significant force in the luxury watch market, recognized for its precision, durability, and designs that honor its rich aviation heritage. The brand continues to innovate by incorporating modern materials and technology while staying true to its roots. With a wide array of collections, from the classic Navitimer and Chronomat to the sporty Superocean and refined Premier, Breitling offers timepieces that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Breitling’s unwavering commitment to quality is evident in each watch they create, with every piece undergoing rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest Swiss craftsmanship standards. This dedication to excellence leads many to ask, is Breitling a good watch? The answer is a resounding yes. Breitling watches are not merely accessories; they are reliable tools that have accompanied adventurers, professionals, and enthusiasts on countless journeys across the skies and beyond.
Beyond its products, Breitling actively engages with its community of fans and enthusiasts through various events, partnerships, and collaborations. From supporting aviation-related causes to sponsoring sports teams, Breitling remains an active participant in the arenas that inspire its creations.
Breitling has stood the test of time, much like the watches they create, consistently winning the admiration of enthusiasts worldwide. Any thorough Breitling watch review will highlight the brand’s strong identity, dedication to excellence, and adventurous spirit. These qualities, praised by experts and customers alike, position Breitling to remain a leader in the luxury watch industry for years to come. Whether reading a professional critique or a user-generated review, you’ll find consistent praise for Breitling’s ability to create some of the most esteemed timepieces for collectors and enthusiasts. From the cockpit to the boardroom, Breitling watches combine precision, durability, and sophistication, reinforcing their status as a top-tier watchmaker in countless reviews.
Top Breitling Watches
Breitling Navitimer Watch
Breitling’s catalog now includes 10 collections, offering watches designed for land, air, and sea. In addition to diving into the realm of advanced wearable technology, Breitling has revisited its heritage with a series of vintage-inspired models. This strategy has resulted in a successful revitalization, producing robust and stylish watches suitable for everyday wear across various environments.
While Breitling is renowned for its luxury timepieces, the brand also offers more affordable Swiss watches that maintain the same commitment to quality and precision. These models serve as an excellent introduction for those wishing to own a piece of Breitling’s rich horological history without the hefty price tag.
Breitling Superocean
First introduced in 1957, the Breitling Superocean collection consists of durable and stylish dive watches suitable for both professional and recreational use. With water resistance up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), unidirectional rotating bezels, luminescent hands and indices, and robust construction, the Superocean models are reliable companions for underwater adventures and everyday wear.
Breitling Superocean Heritage
On the 50th anniversary of the original in 2007, Breitling launched the Superocean Heritage, a collection that combines the aesthetic of the original series with modern technology. Available in various styles, including simple three-handers and chronographs, the Superocean became one of Breitling’s best-selling models. The line was further updated in 2017 with the Superocean Heritage II, which added 46mm models alongside the 42mm and 44mm options.
The visual differences between the two generations are subtle, with the newer models featuring a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert in place of the previous aluminum, along with a slight redesign of the hands. More significant changes occurred inside, with earlier models powered by ETA-based movements and newer ones using a mix of Breitling in-house calibers (like the B01 in the latest chronographs) and the B20, derived from Tudor’s MT5612 for the time and date pieces.
Metal options also vary, with most Superocean models available in stainless steel and a select few in 18k red gold. Both iterations are elegant, stylish dive watches, often found at attractive price points. They are also among the best Breitling models for retaining value.
Superocean vs. Superocean Heritage
When comparing the Breitling Superocean and Superocean Heritage, metal choices are a key difference. Most standard Superocean models are crafted in stainless steel, with some in 18k red gold. The Superocean Heritage line, however, leans more toward a vintage-inspired design. Whether you prefer the Superocean or the Superocean Heritage, both collections offer models that hold their value well over time, making them popular choices among collectors and enthusiasts.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 44
The Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 is a modern addition to the brand’s lineup of dive watches, offering a contemporary take on the classic Superocean design. Released in 2019, the Superocean Automatic 44 showcases Breitling’s dedication to creating durable, reliable, and stylish timepieces for those with active lifestyles, both on land and underwater.
With a 44mm case, the Superocean Automatic 44 balances wrist presence with comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of wearers. The watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches and fading. The dial comes in various colors, including black, blue, and silver, with applied indices and hands treated with Super-LumiNova for visibility in low-light conditions.
One of the standout features of the Superocean Automatic 44 is its remarkable water resistance, rated at 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). This is achieved through a robust, screw-down crown and a solid case back, making the watch ideal for professional diving and other aquatic activities.
Powering the Superocean Automatic 44 is the Breitling Caliber 17, a self-winding mechanical movement based on the ETA 2824-2. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours and is known for its accuracy and reliability.
The Superocean Automatic 44 is available with various strap options, including a stainless-steel bracelet, rubber strap, or leather strap, allowing customers to select the perfect combination to suit their style and needs.
Overall, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 is a durable and stylish dive watch that blends modern design elements with the brand’s rich tradition of creating timepieces for adventurers and professionals. With its impressive water resistance, reliable movement, and versatile strap options, the Superocean Automatic 44 is a valuable addition to any watch enthusiast’s collection.
Breitling Avenger
The Breitling Avenger collection features bold and rugged timepieces designed for adventurers and aviation enthusiasts. With their solid cases, highly legible dials, and features like chronograph functions, GMT complications, and water resistance up to 300 meters (1,000 feet), Avenger watches are dependable tools for navigating challenges on land, sea, and air, making them some of the best Breitling models to collect.
Best Breitling Watches: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Breitling has a rich history of crafting exceptional timepieces that cater to diverse tastes and needs. From the iconic Navitimer, which has been a favorite among pilots and aviation enthusiasts for decades, to the modern and stylish Premier collection, Breitling offers a wide range of watches that combine precision, functionality, and timeless design.
