From our pre-owned inventory: Breitling Avenger A17318101L1X1, a 43mm steel sports watch with a green dial and textile strap.
Breitling’s four core families each have a clear job. The Navitimer is the aviation chronograph with the slide-rule bezel. The Chronomat is the do-everything sports chronograph on the Rouleaux bracelet. The Superocean is the dive watch, and the Avenger is the rugged tool watch. Pick the one that matches how you will actually wear it, then choose the size and movement.
Breitling is one of the brands we carry most, and pre-owned Breitling can be one of the best values in Swiss watches. Here is how to tell the lines apart.
Navitimer: the pilot’s chronograph
Breitling says Willy Breitling developed the Navitimer in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which made it its official timepiece two years later. Its circular slide-rule bezel handles calculations such as multiplication, division, and unit conversions, according to Breitling’s Navitimer history. In 1962, Scott Carpenter wore a Navitimer Cosmonaute on the Aurora 7 mission, as the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie notes.
- Best for: collectors who love busy, instrument-like dials and aviation history.
- Buying tip: the Navitimer name also appears on simpler models, such as the Navitimer 8 and Navitimer automatic three-hand watches. Make sure you know which one you are looking at.
Chronomat: the all-rounder
Breitling introduced the Chronomat publicly in 1984, based on a chronograph developed with the Italian aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori. Its signature details are the four raised rider tabs on the bezel and the Rouleaux bracelet. Current Chronomat B01 models use Breitling’s in-house Manufacture Caliber 01, which runs at 4 Hz with a 70-hour power reserve and COSC certification, according to Breitling.
- Best for: buyers who want one chronograph to wear every day, at work and on vacation.
Superocean: the diver
Breitling launched the SuperOcean in 1957 in time-only and chronograph versions, and calls the ref. 807 the world’s first dive chronograph, according to its Superocean history. Current Superocean Automatic 42 models are rated to 300 meters with a unidirectional ratcheted bezel, per Breitling’s specifications.
The Superocean Heritage line takes a more vintage approach, with mesh bracelets and broad-arrow hands, while the modern Superocean is brighter and more playful.
- Best for: swimmers, beach vacations, and anyone who wants a colorful dive watch with Breitling history.
Avenger: the tool watch
The Avenger is Breitling’s robust, military-inspired line. The current collection includes the B01 Chronograph 44, Automatic GMT 44, and Automatic 42, in steel, titanium, and black ceramic, according to Breitling’s Avenger page.
- Best for: buyers who want a durable, highly legible everyday watch with a lot of wrist presence.
- From our inventory: the Avenger 43mm green dial pictured above.
Other Breitling lines worth knowing
Premier
The Premier is Breitling’s more elegant, vintage-inspired line. Our Premier B09 Chronograph 40mm is a good example: a silver dial, two subdials, and a leather strap.
Professional and Endurance Pro
For a casual sports watch, the Endurance Pro pairs a black dial with a red rubber strap.
Skyracer
Another lightweight option, our Skyracer 43.5mm pairs a grey chronograph dial with a steel bracelet.
Movements: in-house vs. partner calibres
Many Breitling watches are COSC-certified chronometers, but check the specific reference. Higher-end chronographs use the in-house Caliber 01, with a column wheel, vertical clutch, and about 70 hours of power reserve. Many three-hand and GMT models use partner-based calibres, with a power reserve of about 38 to 42 hours depending on the model.
Neither is a dealbreaker. The in-house B01 is the more desirable chronograph movement, while partner-based calibres keep prices lower and are widely serviceable.
Buying pre-owned Breitling
- Value is strong for buyers. Breitling generally trades below retail on the secondary market, which means more watch for your money.
- Check the warranty. Some pre-owned Breitlings still have manufacturer warranty time remaining. Our Avenger, for example, includes an e-warranty valid until November 22, 2028.
- Know your size. Breitling cases run large. Our watch size guide helps you check fit.
Breitling questions
Which Breitling is best for everyday wear?
The Chronomat is the most versatile chronograph; the Superocean or Avenger make excellent everyday three-hand watches.
Do Breitling watches hold their value?
Breitling usually holds value less strongly than Rolex, which is exactly why pre-owned Breitling can be such a good buy.
Is the Navitimer slide rule actually useful?
Yes. It can handle multiplication, division, and conversions, though most owners enjoy it more as a link to aviation history.
Find the right Breitling
Browse the Breitling watches in our collection, or ask us to source a specific Navitimer, Chronomat, or Superocean. If you already own a Breitling and want to trade up, start a trade quote.
