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Breitling is a brand that needs no introduction. For over a century, they’ve been crafting precision timepieces that are equal parts stylish, legendary, and functional. But they also have created some of the most iconic chronograph watches in horology.
From pilots to divers, racers to adventurers, there’s a Breitling Chronograph for every lifestyle and every wrist size. The Exquisite Timepieces team selected the best in the industry to give you a comprehensive and awe-inspiring list of the best Breitling chronographs.
We’ll explore the classics, the modern marvels, and everything in between. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to have your mind blown by one or more models.
About Breitling Chronograph Watches
Breitling has a long history of designing chronographs for pilots, which we’ll look into in the next section. Breitling has a rich history of producing high-quality, innovative chronograph watches for pilots. And they’ve become synonymous with aviation over the years. Aside from partnerships with famous pilots, they developed the first wrist-worn chronograph in 1915.
But Breitling Chronograph watches are more than just aviation-inspired timepieces. They also have a strong presence in the diving world with their SuperOcean line of watches. In addition, the brand has a special edition watch for bikers and backpackers. And there are the sophisticated Premier and Navitimer collections that enshrine phenomenal historical events.
Another thing that sets Breitling Chronograph watches apart is their attention to detail. Each watch is meticulously crafted with the finest materials, from stainless steel and titanium cases to sapphire, plexiglass crystals. And with the brand’s commitment to accuracy, you can trust that your Breitling Chronograph watch will keep precise time. It’s no wonder these watches are a favorite among watch enthusiasts worldwide.
History of Breitling Chronograph Watches
The history of Breitling’s Chronograph watches started in 1884 when a young man named Leon Breitling decided to open a watch workshop in the Swiss town of Saint-Imier. Leon was an ambitious watchmaker who quickly gained a reputation for his craft. But it wasn’t until 1915 that the first Breitling Chronograph was born.
The Breitling Chronograph was a game-changer – it was the first chronograph watch created by Gaston Breitling that separated the chronograph pusher from the crown. This was a big deal back then, especially for pilots who needed to time their flights. But it was in the 1930s that Breitling hit its stride.
In the 1930s, Breitling started making watches specifically for pilots with a built-in slide rule. It was like having a mini computer on your wrist. And it wasn’t just pilots who loved these watches – astronauts and military personnel also fell in love with Breitling’s innovative timepieces.
The brand hit a rough patch in the 1970s with the Quartz crisis and Wily Breitling’s Health deteriorating. But then, in the 1980s, a new owner, Ernest Schneider, took over the company and breathed new life into the brand. Since then, Breitling has gone from strength to strength.
They’ve released countless iconic Chronograph watches, including the Navitimer, Chronomat, and Superocean. These watches have become classics loved and sought after by watch collectors worldwide.
The Best Breitling Chronograph Watches
1. Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46 (ref. AB0137211C1P1)
Navitimer has to be one of Breitling’s longest and most popular collections. The first iconic watch in the collection was the 806 reference, designed in 1952 by Willy Breitling for US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) members.
Rather than build a chronograph watch per the AOPA’s request, Wily, deciding to be innovative, developed a watch that could perform computational aviation functions. And this design has inspired so many other watches in the Navitimer collection, particularly the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46.
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46, one of the most recent iterations of the 806 reference, is a stunning pilot watch. Its blue dial and sleek profile give it the look and feel of sporty dress watches, taking place amongst other trendy and contemporary luxury timepieces.
The polished and brushed finish on the 46mm stainless steel case and the bidirectional bezel are also quite beautiful and neat. On the blue dial sits three white sub-dials that add a pop of color and serve chronograph functions. The sub-dials include a 1/4th of a second, a 30-minute, and a 12-hour (with a date display) chronograph.
And these chronographs are powered by the COSC-certified B01 automatic chronograph movement, which can be seen through the watch’s open case back. Another thing to like about the dial is how it holds functional aviation-related features such as the bidirectional slide rule bezel, chronographs, minute, second, and hour hands and markers, and even the famous AOPA Breitling logo without appearing too busy.
Pricing: $9,800
2. Breitling Chronomat B01 42 (ref. AB0134101L1A1)
Breitling’s Chronograph Automatic (Chronomat) watch was originally designed by Ernest Schneider in 1983 for the Freece Tricolor Jet team. It is an elegant aviation-style chronograph built with precision engineering for Italian pilots. It’s no wonder that the watch appears rather suave and graceful.
The Chronomat B01 42 features a stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter and 15.1mm in thickness. The watch is covered in glare-proof cambered sapphire crystal on both sides. Unlike the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46, this watch has a screw-down crown and a water resistance of up to 200m, making it suitable for swimming.
The British Racing Green dial and three gray subdials have a sunburst finish. So, depending on how the watch is angled, the dial and sub-dials can present dark green and black colors. The green dial is clear and has an easy-to-read design with luminous hands, markers, and a tachymeter scale for calculations.
As is typical with Breitling Chronomats, the ref. AB0134101L1A1 has four rider tabs on the unidirectional bezel. These rider tabs were initially designed to prevent the watch from breaking easily when accidentally knocked against the metal frame in the aircraft’s canopy.
However, these tabs have assumed a contemporary usage, allowing pilots and divers to count up or down during flights or dives. In the absence of notches, the tabs aid an easy grip of the bezel.
Pricing: $8,750
3. Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 44 (ref. AB0162121G1S1)
The Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 44 (ref. AB0162121G1S1) reflects the iconic 1950s Superocean design with the incorporation of modern technology. It is a dive watch with 200 meters of water resistance and a case size that measures 44mm in diameter and a thickness of 15.51mm.
The Ocean Classic strap, although made of rubber, has a similar side profile, pattern, and quality as that of the mesh bracelet. Note that the case size and strap length are designed for large wrists, preferably 16cm or wider. The perforations at the side of the strap only allow you to cut the strap to length without necessarily affecting the size.
The iconic features of this Superocean Heritage watch are the triangular-shaped hands and unidirectional ratcheted bezel. However, unlike conventional snapped-on bezels, the ref. AB0162121G1S1 has a captive bezel screwed down to prevent it from coming off the case at will.
The bezel pearl and hour markers are lume-treated, allowing for visibility underwater. At the center of the clean silver-toned dial are three chronographs: 1/4th of a second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counter, all powered by Breitling’s in-house Caliber B01 automatic movement.
Pricing: $8,300
4. Breitling Avenger Chronograph GMT 45 (ref. A24315101B1X1)
This watch should have been on Luke Skywalker’s wrist when he destroyed one of the Death Stars during the Battle of Yavin. The watch sure looks like it’s ready to avenge its wearer. It was designed to keep up with flight adventures and fast-paced lifestyles.
The case has a huge profile that looks super thick, and like it’s made of titanium. Well, with a thickness of 16.46mm, it is thicker than most watches. However, the case is made of stainless steel and only measures 45mm in diameter. Despite its material, the case is shock-resistant and tough enough to withstand the most daring adventures, from jumping out of a plane to fighting off a bear (well, maybe not the bear part).
Like most Breitling chronograph watches, the Avenger Chronograph GMT 45 (ref. A24315101B1X1) has three sub-dial with a slight change from the conventional positions. But what sets this watch apart the most is its GMT function.
You can easily keep up with your jet-setting lifestyle by tracking multiple timezones on your watch with the 12-hour and military-standard 24-hour time zones. It also has a water resistance of 300 meters and 42 hours of power reserve thanks to the Breitling 24 Caliber self-winding mechanical movement.
Pricing: $6,500
5. Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1)
Here’s a watch that takes you back to the Golden Age of aviation. This retro timepiece is a true time capsule inspired by the original Breitling AVI Ref. 765, created for pilots in 1953. It maintains some of the features of the original watch, such as the black dial with luminous vintage-inspired Arabic numerals.
The watch’s black dial retains its authentic look with gold-toned hour markers and three chronographs: 1/4th-second, 15-minute, and 12-hour chronograph timers. The case, made of stainless steel, measures 41mm in diameter and 14.05mm in thickness. But unlike the original piece, the Breitling AVI Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1) has a covering made of Plexiglas crystal.
On the stainless steel case is a very simple and unique bidirectional bezel. Instead of multiple numbers with numerous tiny markings, the bezel, like the vintage classic, features 12-hour makers in legible Arabic numerals. One distinct feature of the Breitling AVI Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1) is the 30 bars resistance which is an improvement.
The “GENEVE” inscription is also absent on the black dial. And unlike the Breitling AVI Ref. 765, which is powered by the Valjoux-178 movement, the AVI Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1) features the B09 Caliber, an in-house movement designed specifically for the brand’s historical re-editions.
Pricing: $9,050
6. Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute (ref. PB02301A1B1A1)
Another Navitimer with a history? Let’s have it. The Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute (ref. PB02301A1B1A1) is a watch that will take you to the moon and back (well, maybe not the moon, but you get the idea).
The watch is a tribute to the original Navitimer Cosmonaute watch specially made for American astronaut Scott Carpenter, in 1962, during his three-time orbit around the earth in the Mercury-Atlas 7 spacecraft. It has a record for being the first Swiss watch in space and is only available in 362 pieces.
As a true Navitimer, the watch does have a bidirectional slide rule bezel to calculate nautical miles, average speed, fuel consumption, two gaskets, and a non-screw-down crown. It also has the chronograph function and a date window at the 6 o’clock position.
However, per Carpenter’s request, the black dial features a 24-hour time display in gold-toned Arabic numerals. Carpenter returned the original Navitimer Chronograph Cosmonaute to Breitling after he returned from space, and the watch suffered corrosion due to exposure to seawater.
Based on this experience, one would expect that a re-edition would come with a high water resistance. Well, that’s not the case, as the Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute (ref. PB02301A1B1A1) is only resistant for up to 3 bars. Actually, Navitimers are pilot watches, and they are only designed to be resistant to mild splashes. So, if you are keen on high water resistance, try something other than this collection.
Pricing: $11,500
7. Breitling Super Chronomat B01 44 (ref. UB0136251B1S1)
As the name implies, the Breitling (ref. UB0136251B1S1) watch is super in every sense. For one, its 44mm stainless steel and 18k red gold case are super heavy, with the watch head alone weighing 137.4 g. Well, it’s not heavy enough to break your wrist, but you might want to consider other lightweight Breitling watches if you’re not a fan of heavy ones.
Weight aside, this watch has super captivating features. Let’s start with the watch’s look. Even though it has a hulking build, it’s beautiful. The blend of red-gold, black, and metal colors across the dial, bracelet, case, crown, and pushers is a captivating sight. What’s also fascinating are the rider tabs. Their bold presence and lume-treated numerals ensure visibility around the clock.
Furthermore, the Breitling Super Chronomat B01 44 has a tachymeter scale, three sub-dials, and a date window regulated by the screw-down crown and chronograph pushers. It is powered by Breitling’s in-house Caliber B01 automatic movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It also has a water resistance of up to 200 meters for diving, swimming, or water activities.
Pricing: $11,600
8. Breitling Endurance Pro (ref. X82310E51B1S1)
The Endurance Pro (ref. X82310E51B1S1) is an all-Breitling watch, meaning that every part of the watch is a product of the brand. The case, for example, is made from Breitlight – a material that is 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel and 3.3 times lighter than titanium.
So, even though the watch measures 44mm in diameter and is 12.5mm thick, the watch doesn’t weigh down on your wrist. The watch head weighs only 35.5g which is way lighter than most. Apparently, Breitling’s goal was to design a lightweight and durable material perfect for endurance sports.
This material isn’t just lightweight; but durable and “toolsy.” It is corrosion and scratch-resistant, non-magnetic, and thermally stable. It is also hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about the color fading, even when placed in water. Speaking of water, the case has a water resistance of up to 10 bars. Further, it uses Breitling’s signature rubber strap and the brand’s signature double tang-type buckle.
The Endurance Pro also runs on an in-house Breitling 82 Caliber thermo-compensated SuperQuartz movement, which has more precision and accuracy than a standard quartz movement. Other functional features include three chronograph sub-dials, a pulsometer, and a bidirectional bezel with a compass scale.
Pricing: $3,400
9. Breitling Top Time Deus (ref. A233112A1A1X1)
Now here’s something you don’t see every day – a chronograph watch for bikers, backpackers, and skateboarders. Contrary to what you’d expect, it doesn’t have the badass biker stereotype, but it will surely give you a sense of that adventure.
Inspired by Breitling’s Top Time watches from the 1960s, this limited edition is from a collaboration between Breitling and the custom motorcycle outfit brand Deus Ex Machina. It features a 41mm stainless steel case with a 14.27mm thickness and a relatively striking lacquered dial with red, yellow, and orange accents.
The dial is protected with a glare-proof convex sapphire crystal covering to prevent the watch from breaking easily. While the watch lacks a bezel, it does have a tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial, allowing you to measure speed as you race down the highway.
There are also two squircle-shaped chronograph counters positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock. The Breitling Top Time Deus (ref. A233112A1A1X1) is powered by Breitling 23 Caliber self-winding mechanical movement, which has a power reserve of 48 hours and water resistance of up to 3 bars.
Pricing: $5,800
10. Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (ref. LB0910211C1P1)
The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (ref. LB0910211C1P1) is a tribute to the original 1959 Navitimer. It is a luxury limited edition calculation chronograph that retains all the features of the original Navitimer ref.806 with a few modern concessions.
This Navitimer has two totalizers, one chronograph, a slide rule bezel, a platinum case measuring 41mm in diameter, domed plexiglas crystal, a blue tone-on-tone dial, an alligator leather strap, 70-hour power reserve, and a water resistance of up to 3 bars. It also has a “B” logo with wings, a nod to the original Breitling logo from the 1950s.
Pricing: $43,500
11. Breitling Superocean Chronograph 42 (ref. A13311C91B1A1)
A true gem of the sea, the Breitling Superocean Chronograph 42 (ref. A13311C91B1A1) is the watch to set sail with. It features a 42mm stainless steel case which is 15.26mm thick and is attached to a stainless steel bracelet. It also has three chronograph counters at 6, 9, and 12, with a date aperture at 3 o’clock.
The black dial with bold silver-toned markers and hands is quite the stunner, giving the watch a rugged yet elegant look. But what’s even more intriguing is the black rubber-modeled unidirectional bezel.
It’s laudable that the brand thought to utilize rubber on the bezel since the watch is designed to spend a lot of time underwater. It not only adds to the case’s 200m water resistance, but it also enhances durability.
This sporty model is powered by the Breitling 13 Caliber self-winding mechanical movement, which features 25 jewels, a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, and 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Pricing: $5,120
12. Breitling Super Chronomat 44 Four-Year Calendar (ref. U19320161C1U1)
This Super Chronomat model deserves an extra Super in its name. It maintains features similar to other Super Chronomats, such as a 44mm stainless steel and 18k red gold case and a blue ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel with rider tabs and minute markings at the upper half of the bezel.
There are also several ceramic inserts on the chronograph pushers, crown, and bezel. Additionally, it retains the tachymeter scale and sub-dials. However, the sub-dials slightly differ from the Super Chronomat B01 44 (ref. UB0136251B1S1). The Breitling Super Chronomat 44 Four-Year Calendar (ref. U19320161C1U1) has four sub-dials instead of three.
The one positioned at twelve is the 1/4th second chronograph which also acts as the date indicator. At the 9 o’clock position, the sub-dial acts as a 30-minute totalizer and month indicator, while the sub-dial position at 6 o’clock is the 12-hour totalizer and day indicator. There is also a moon phase sub-dial at 3 o’clock with “Breitling 1884” and the “B” logo engraved.
With the watch’s four-year calendar function, you only have to worry about adjusting the date every 1461 days or once or once every leap year. Unlike the Super Chronomat earlier reviewed, the Breitling (ref. U19320161C1U1) model is powered by the B19 Caliber – a functional self-winding mechanical movement with a lower power reserve (42 hours).
Pricing: $18,500
13. Breitling Exospace B55 (ref. EB5510H11B1E1)
This watch was Breitling’s successful and impressive attempt at creating a smartwatch with a chronograph. It is a timepiece for the modern-day pilot, astronaut, and other wearers. The 2015 Breitling Exospace B55 (ref. EB5510H11B1E1) is designed with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity. This means it can be synced with your smartphone via an app to provide notifications, seven daily alarms, and a GMT function.
Aviators will be fascinated by the flight-specific functions, such as a countdown and count-up timer for timing engine startup sequences and the watch’s ability to record flight takeoff and landing times. At the dial’s center are two small ultra-legible 12/24 hour LCD screens. The changes made on your smartphone are visible on the LCDs, and to turn them on, you can either tilt your wrist or press the crown.
Powered by the B55 Caliber SuperQuartz thermocompensated quartz electronic movement, the watch comes with a USB, a cord, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. The battery life is impressive, as the watch can last fifteen days between charges.
At heart, this watch is still a classic timepiece. Thus the watch’s 44mm titanium case features a unidirectional bezel with rider tabs, conventional analog Arabic numerals, a crown, and pushers. It’s a healthy blend of classic and contemporary smartwatch features.
Pricing: $7,900
14. Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 P-51 Mustang (ref. AB04453A1B1A1)
Inspired by the P-51 aircraft, built by a North American Aviation developer in the 1930s, this watch is a marvel of true engineering. With its stainless steel case and bracelet, the Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 P-51 Mustang (ref. AB04453A1B1A1) is built to withstand the most extreme aerial maneuvers.
It is equipped with a GMT and chronograph function, perfect for the jet-setting pilot who is always on the go. In addition, the watch has a dial aperture, two gaskets, one screw-down crown, a cambered sapphire crystal, 100 meters of water resistance, and a 70-hour power reserve.
Pricing: $11,100
15. Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon Leon Breitling (ref. RB2120211G1P1)
The Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon Leon Breitling (ref. RB2120211G1P1) watch is a mouthful to say, but a watch worth every syllable. In true Breitling style, this watch is a part of the Premier line dedicated to paying tribute to the brand’s founders, in this case, Leon Breitling, and his vision for the company. So know that when you wear this watch, you wear a piece of history.
The watch’s 18k red gold case is 15.25mm thick and 42mm wide. It also has a tourbillon – a complicated mechanism that regulates the balance spring, balance wheel, and escapement, countering gravity’s effect on the parts and maintaining the watch’s accuracy. This tourbillon rests on a cream-colored dial with legible numerals and a chronograph.
Notably, the watch is powered by the Breitling B21 self-winding mechanical movement, which effectively combines the chronograph and tourbillon and has a power reserve of 55 hours. This exquisite movement is a product of a collaboration between Breitling and a renowned boutique movement maker, Manufacture La Joux-Perret.
Pricing: $61,000
Conclusion
Breitling Chronograph watches are the cream of the crop when it comes to craftsmanship, accuracy, precision, and classical pieces. Each watch offers a unique sense of style and a history-induced sentiment.
If you’re in the market for a Breitling Chronograph watch, you can’t go wrong with any of the 15 models we’ve covered. But let’s be honest; you don’t need all 15 of the best Breitling Chronograph watches. Unless, of course, you’re a billionaire playboy with a penchant for luxury timepieces. In that case, go ahead and treat yourself to one of each.
For the rest of us mere mortals, one or two Breitling Chronograph watches will do just fine. So pick a watch that speaks to you and wear it with style and confidence. After all, you’re not just telling time; you’re making a statement.
