Top 10 Breitling Chronograph Watches

The name Breitling needs no introduction. They have been making precise watches that are equally fashionable, renowned, and useful for more than a century. However, they are also responsible for some of horology’s most recognisable chronograph watches.

Every lifestyle and wrist size may be accommodated by a Breitling Chronograph, from pilots to divers, racers to adventurers. For a thorough and impressive list of the top Breitling chronographs, the Timezone365 team hand-picked the best in the business.

We’ll look into the past, the present, and everything in between. So, unwind, sit back, and get ready for one or more models to blow your mind.

ABOUT BREITLING CHRONOGRAPH WATCHES

We’ll examine Breitling’s extensive history of creating pilot-specific chronographs in the following section. Breitling has a long history of creating top-notch, cutting-edge pilot’s chronograph watches. And through time, they have come to be associated with aviation. In addition to collaborations with well-known pilots, they created the first wrist-worn chronograph in 1915.

However, Breitling Chronograph watches are more than just clocks with an aviation theme. Their SuperOcean series of watches gives them a significant position in the diving community as well. The company also offers a limited-edition timepiece for travellers and bikers. The sophisticated Premier and Navitimer collections also preserve extraordinary historical occurrences.

The attention to detail in Breitling Chronograph watches is another feature that sets them distinct. Each watch is painstakingly made from the finest components, including sapphire and plexiglass crystals as well as stainless steel and titanium casings. Furthermore, you can be sure that your Breitling Chronograph watch will maintain accurate time because to the company’s dedication to accuracy. It is understandable why these watches are favoured by watch aficionados around.

HISTORY OF BREITLING CHRONOGRAPH WATCHES

The first Chronograph watches were made by Breitling in 1884 when a young man by the name of Leon Breitling made the decision to establish a watchmaking business in the Swiss town of Saint-Imier. Leon was a driven and skilled watchmaker who soon established a name for himself. However, the first Breitling Chronograph was not created until 1915.

The Breitling Chronograph, the first chronograph watch designed by Gaston Breitling to remove the chronograph pusher from the crown, was a game-changer. Back then, this was a huge concern, particularly for pilots who had to time their flights. But Breitling really began to take off in the 1930s.

Breitling began producing timepieces with a built-in slide rule exclusively for pilots in the 1930s. It was like wearing a wrist-mounted computer. And it wasn’t just pilots who adored these watches; Breitling’s cutting-edge timepieces also won over astronauts and military personnel.

The Quartz dilemma and Wily Breitling’s declining health contributed to the 1970s brand crisis. But later, in the 1980s, Ernest Schneider, a new owner, bought the business and gave the brand new life. Breitling has grown steadily stronger since that time.

Numerous renowned Chronograph watches, such as the Navitimer, Chronomat, and Superocean, have been produced by them. Watch collectors all across the world adore and seek out these watches because they have become classics.

THE BEST BREITLING CHRONOGRAPH WATCHES 

BREITLING NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 46 (REF. AB0137211C1P1)

One of Breitling’s oldest and most well-known collections is the Navitimer. The 806 reference, created by Willy Breitling in 1952 for members of the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), was the collection’s first recognisable timepiece.

Instead of following the AOPA’s request to create a chronograph watch, Wily chose to be creative and created a watch that could do out computational aviation tasks. And so many other Navitimer watches, especially the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46, have been inspired by this design.

One of the most recent variations of the 806 reference is the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46, which is a gorgeous pilot watch. It fits well among other fashionable and modern luxury timepieces thanks to its blue dial and sleek profile, which give it the appearance and feel of sporty dress watches.

The bidirectional bezel and 46mm stainless steel case have lovely and tidy polished and brushed finishes. Three white subdials that give a splash of colour and include chronograph capabilities are placed on the blue dial. A 12-hour chronograph with a date display, a 30-minute chronograph, and a 1/4-second chronograph are among the subdials.

BREITLING CHRONOMAT B01 42 (REF. AB0134101L1A1)

Ernest Schneider first created the Breitling Chronograph Automatic (Chronomat) watch for the Freece Tricolour Jet team in 1983. It is a sophisticated chronograph in the aviation style that was created with exacting engineering for Italian pilots. It’s understandable why the watch appears to be fairly elegant and sleek.

The stainless steel casing of the Chronomat B01 42 is 42mm in diameter and 15.1mm thick. On both sides of the watch, glare-proof cambered sapphire crystal is included. This watch, which differs from the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46 in having a screw-down crown and 200-meter water resistant, is appropriate for swimming.

The three grey subdials and the British Racing Green dial both have a sunburst finish. Thus, the dial and subdials of the watch can display dark green or black colours depending on how it is tilted. In addition to having luminous hands, markings, and a tachymeter scale for calculations, the green dial is transparent and features an easy-to-read style.

The unidirectional bezel of the Breitling Chronomat reference AB0134101L1A1 includes four rider tabs, as is customary. Originally, the purpose of these rider tabs was to stop the watch from breaking easily in the case of an accidently bumping into the aeroplane canopy’s metal frame.

But nowadays, pilots and divers can use these tabs to count up or down while they are flying or diving. The tabs make it easier to hold onto the bezel when there are no notches.

BREITLING SUPEROCEAN HERITAGE B01 CHRONOGRAPH 44 (REF. AB0162121G1S1)

The Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 44 (ref. AB0162121G1S1) incorporates contemporary technologies while maintaining the original Superocean design from the 1950s. It is a dive watch with a case size of 44mm in diameter and a thickness of 15.51mm, and it is water resistant to 200 metres.

Despite being constructed of rubber, the Ocean Classic strap resembles the mesh bracelet in terms of side profile, pattern, and quality. Be aware that the case dimensions and strap length are intended for large wrists, preferably those that are 16 cm or broader. The only thing the side perforations on the strap allow you to do is cut it to length without necessarily changing the size.

The unidirectional ratcheted bezel and triangular-shaped hands are this Superocean Heritage watch’s signature features. The ref. AB0162121G1S1 has a captive bezel, as opposed to typical snapped-on bezels, which is fastened down to prevent it from falling off the casing at will.

Lumi-treated hour markers and the bezel pearl make them visible underwater. Three chronographs—a 1/4th of a second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counter—powered by Breitling’s in-house Calibre B01 automatic movement are located in the centre of the uncluttered silver-toned dial.

BREITLING AVENGER CHRONOGRAPH GMT 45 (REF. A24315101B1X1)

When Luke Skywalker destroyed one of the Death Stars during the Battle of Yavin, this watch ought to have been on his wrist. The watch certainly appears to be ready to exact revenge on its owner. It was created to keep up with fast-paced lifestyles and flight adventures.

The casing has a massive profile that makes it appear extremely thick and like titanium. Well, it is thicker than other timepieces with a 16.46mm thickness. The casing only has a 45mm diameter and is made of stainless steel. The casing, despite its construction, is strong enough to withstand even the most extreme activities, such as jumping out of an aircraft or fending off a bear (well, maybe not the bear part).

The Avenger Chronograph GMT 45 (ref. A24315101B1X1), like the majority of Breitling chronograph watches, has three subdials with a little deviation from the traditional locations. The GMT feature, however, is what most distinguishes this watch.

Tracking several time zones on your watch using the 12-hour and military-standard 24-hour time zones will make it simple for you to maintain your jet-setting lifestyle. The Breitling 24 Calibre self-winding mechanical movement gives it a 42-hour power reserve and a 300-meter water resistance.

BREITLING AVI REF. 765 1953 RE-EDITION (REF. AB0920131B1X1)

This timepiece transports you to the height of aviation. This vintage clock was designed as a tribute to the 1953 Breitling AVI Ref. 765, which was the first timepiece made specifically for pilots. It keeps some of the characteristics of the original watch, including the black face and luminous Arabic numerals with a vintage feel.

With gold-toned hour markers and three chronographs—quarter-second, 15-minute, and 12-hour chronograph timers—the watch’s black dial maintains its original appearance. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 14.05mm. The Breitling AVI Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1), however, differs from the original model in that its caseback is Plexiglas crystal.

A very basic and distinctive bidirectional bezel is included on the stainless steel case. The bezel, like the old classic, has 12-hour makers in readable Arabic numerals rather than various numbers with numerous tiny markings. The Breitling AVI Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1) has a 30 bars resistance, which is an improvement, and is one of its distinguishing features.

The black dial is likewise devoid of the “GENEVE” engraving. Additionally, the AVI Re-Edition (ref. AB0920131B1X1) is driven by the B09 Calibre, an internal movement created especially for the brand’s historical re-editions, as opposed to the Breitling AVI Ref. 765, which uses the Valjoux-178 movement.

BREITLING ENDURANCE PRO (REF. X82310E51B1S1)

The Endurance Pro (ref. X82310E51B1S1) is an all-Breitling timepiece, which means that every component is made by the company. For instance, the case is composed of Breitlight, which is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel.

Therefore, while having a diameter of 44mm and a thickness of 12.5mm, the watch doesn’t feel heavy on your wrist. The watch head is far lighter than most at only 35.5g. It appears that Breitling wanted to create a material that was both strong and lightweight, making it ideal for endurance sports.

Not only is this material lightweight, but it is also strong and “tool-like.” It is non-magnetic, thermally stable, and resistant to corrosion and scratches. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, so even when submerged in water, the colour won’t fade. The case has a water resistance of up to 10 bars, speaking of water. Additionally, it features the recognisable rubber strap and double tang-style buckle from Breitling.

Another internal Breitling 82 Calibre thermo-compensated SuperQuartz movement, with greater precision and accuracy than a typical quartz movement, powers the Endurance Pro. Three chronograph sub-dials, a pulsometer, and a bidirectional bezel with a compass scale are additional useful elements.

BREITLING TOP TIME DEUS (REF. A233112A1A1X1)

Here’s something unique: a chronograph watch designed for skateboarders, travellers, and bikers. It doesn’t fit the badass biker cliché, contrary to what you might think, but it will undoubtedly offer you a sense of that adventure.

This limited edition watch is the result of a partnership between Breitling and the bespoke motorcycle clothing company Deus Ex Machina, and it is inspired by Breitling’s Top Time watches from the 1960s. It has a rather eye-catching lacquered dial with accents in red, yellow, and orange as well as a 41mm stainless steel case with a 14.27mm thickness.

To prevent the watch from breaking easily, the dial has a glare-proof convex sapphire crystal covering. The watch doesn’t have a bezel, but it does include a tachymeter scale around the outside of the dial that lets you gauge your speed as you zoom down the motorway.

At 3 and 9 o’clock, respectively, are two squircle-shaped chronograph counters. Breitling’s 23 Calibre self-winding mechanical movement, with a 48-hour power reserve and up to 3 bars of water resistance, powers the Top Time Deus (ref. A233112A1A1X1).

BREITLING NAVITIMER 1959 EDITION (REF. LB0910211C1P1)

A tribute to the original 1959 Navitimer is the Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (ref. LB0910211C1P1). With a few contemporary concessions, it is a luxurious limited edition calculating chronograph that keeps all of the functions of the original Navitimer ref. 806.

A slide rule bezel, a 41mm platinum case, a domed plexiglas crystal, a blue tone-on-tone dial, an alligator leather band, a 70-hour power reserve, and a water resistance of up to 3 bars are all features of this Navitimer. It also has two totalizers and one chronograph. As a tribute to the classic Breitling design from the 1950s, it also features a “B” logo with wings.

BREITLING SUPER CHRONOMAT 44 FOUR-YEAR CALENDAR (REF. U19320161C1U1)

The name of this Super Chronomat model should include an additional Super. It keeps the same characteristics as other Super Chronomats, including a 44mm stainless steel and 18k red gold case and a blue ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel with rider tabs and minute markings on the upper half of the bezel.

The chronograph bezel, crown, and pushers all have ceramic inlays as well. The tachymeter scale and sub-dials are still present. The sub-dials, however, are marginally different from those of the Super Chronomat B01 44 (ref. UB0136251B1S1). There are four sub-dials instead of three on the Breitling Super Chronomat 44 Four-Year Calendar (ref. U19320161C1U1).

The 1/4-second chronograph, which is located at twelve, also serves as the date indication. The sub-dial functions as a 30-minute totalizer and month indicator at the 9 o’clock position, and a 12-hour totalizer and day indicator at the 6 o’clock position. At 3 o’clock, a moon phase sub-dial bearing the “B” logo and the words “Breitling 1884” is also present.

You only need to worry about changing the date every 1461 days, or once, or once per leap year, thanks to the watch’s four-year calendar feature. The Breitling (ref. U19320161C1U1) model is driven by the B19 Calibre, a functioning self-winding mechanical movement with a shorter power reserve (42 hours), in contrast to the Super Chronomat that was previously evaluated.

BREITLING EXOSPACE B55 (REF. EB5510H11B1E1)

Breitling’s outstanding and successful attempt to develop a smartwatch with a chronograph was this watch. It is a clock designed for today’s astronauts, pilots, and other wearers. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity is built into the 2015 Breitling Exospace B55 (ref. EB5510H11B1E1). In order to give alerts, seven daily alarms, and a GMT feature, it can be synchronised with your smartphone via an app.

The flight-specific features, like a countdown and countup timer for timing engine startup sequences and the watch’s capacity to record aircraft takeoff and landing times, will captivate aviators. There are two tiny, highly readable 12/24 hour LCD panels in the centre of the dial. The LCDs display the adjustments you’ve made to your smartphone, and you may activate them by pressing the crown or tilting your wrist.

The watch has a USB, a cord, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. It is powered by the B55 Calibre SuperQuartz thermocompensated quartz electronic movement. The watch can go fifteen days between charges, which is an outstanding battery life.

This watch nevertheless has the soul of a traditional timepiece. Thus, the watch’s 44mm titanium case includes pushers, a crown, a unidirectional bezel with rider tabs, and traditional analogue Arabic numerals. There is a good balance of traditional and modern smartwatch functions.

CONCLUSION

The pinnacle of craftsmanship, precision, accuracy, and classic design are Breitling Chronograph watches. Each watch delivers a distinct sense of fashion and an emotion influenced by history.

You can’t go wrong with any of the 10 Breitling Chronograph watches we’ve covered if you’re in the market for one. You don’t need all 10 of the best Breitling Chronograph watches, let’s face it. Unless you’re a millionaire playboy with a taste for expensive watches, of course. Then go ahead and reward yourself with a sample of each.

One or two Breitling Chronograph watches will be sufficient for the rest of us mortals. Therefore, choose a watch that speaks to you and wear it with confidence and style. After all, you’re saying something more than merely telling the time.