Breitling watches | Pre-owned & vintage
A selection of rare Breitling wristwatches for collectors :
Discovering exceptional vintage Breitling watches requires knowledge, patience, and access to the right sources. We've spent years tracking the pre-owned market, and right now presents fascinating opportunities for collectors. The vintage Breitling segment has matured beautifully—prices for iconic references like the Navitimer 806 currently range between $4,000 and $12,000 depending on originality and condition, while the colorful Top Time chronographs command $2,500 to $6,500. We're seeing auction houses consistently achieve strong results for all-original pieces. The Chronomat references from the 1970s-80s remain undervalued at $1,800 to $4,500, offering smart entry points. Founded by Léon Breitling in 1884, the company built its reputation on precision chronometers designed for aviation professionals. The Navitimer, introduced in 1952 with its distinctive slide rule bezel, remains the crown jewel—particularly early reference 806 models with Venus 178 movements and AOPA logos. We understand what serious collectors seek: unpolished cases retaining original profiles, untouched black dials with evenly aged patina, matching hands, and proper documentation. The market rewards authenticity above all else. Box and papers significantly enhance value, but originality of components matters more than pristine cosmetics. Recent auction data confirms strong collector interest, with well-preserved examples consistently exceeding estimates.
Discover our selection of the most interesting Breitling watches currently available online. Pre-owned and vintage.
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BEST PRE-OWNED BREITLING WATCHES AVAILABLE :
The most sought-after Breitling are selected on this page
You are dreaming about a rare Breitling Bentley watch, you prefer by far the Breitling Super Avenger 2. You are looking for a vintage Breitling timepiece like the Breitling Navitimer 1884 or a very nice Colt Automatic ? You are on the right place, our experts will select the best Breitling on this page and our selection is daily updated.
Is it easy to get a Breitling ?
Well it depends of which wristwatch we are talking about. For example, a scarce Breitling Crosswind Special K44355 MOP Dial Chronograph Gold 18k in good condition will be above $5000. And a Breitling Super Ocean Chronograph II M13331B7 Black Stainless Limited Edition will be around $3000. Vintage collectors love them ! If you are looking for a Breitling, pre-owned Breitling is an excellent solution.
How does this website work ?
We select rare Breitling for you. Just click on the chronograph you like and we will automatically redirect you towards the merchant site where you can find this model. We do not select any fakes, even high-quality Breitling replica are forbidden here. But you will find some very nice Breitling available by clicking on the "Next page" button, we will also display some Breitling watch bands. We select Breitling from the UK, the USA, Germany and many other safe countries.
Your questions about vintage Breitling
You have sent us several questions about old Breitling over the years. Please find below our answers :
Where to buy vintage Breitling watches?
Shop authentic certified pre-owned vintage Breitling watches through specialized dealers offering authenticated inventory. We discover our exclusive collection of used and certified pre-owned Breitling watches at auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's. Buy the Breitling collections online through established platforms with expert verification. Shop used and pre-owned Breitling watches from dealers who provide detailed documentation and transparent histories. The secondary market offers exceptional opportunities for collectors willing to research thoroughly.
What are the prices of vintage Breitling watches?
Entry-level pre-owned Breitling watches typically start around $2,500 for standard references in good condition. Prices range from €5,000 to €7,000 for sought-after chronograph models with complications. These watches sell for roughly €3,000 for a well-maintained piece without extensive documentation. The current sale price often reflects condition and originality more than the original price. Navitimer reference 806 models command $4,000 to $12,000 depending on preservation and provenance. Market values have strengthened steadily as collector interest deepens.
What is the history of Breitling watches?
Breitling history began when founder Léon Breitling established his workshop in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Breitling watches are highly desirable luxury timepieces thanks to pioneering chronograph innovations for aviation professionals. Discover the timeless appeal of Breitling's modern-retro watches that honor the golden era of 1940-1970. Breitling vintage wristwatches for sale today reflect the company's dedication to precision chronometers and pilot instruments. The brand's partnership with AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) created the iconic Navitimer in 1952.
How to authenticate vintage Breitling watches?
Authentication certified processes verify serial numbers against factory production records. Authentic pieces include a certificate of authenticity from reputable dealers or Breitling service centers. Each watch restored using only original parts maintains collector value and investment potential. Examine movement calibers carefully—Venus 178 movements distinguish genuine vintage Navitimer models. Case back engravings should match documented specifications precisely. Dial printing quality, font consistency, and aged luminous material provide crucial authentication markers. Professional watchmakers identify replacement components that diminish authenticity.
What are the features of Breitling Navitimer?
The iconic Navitimer revolutionized pilot chronographs with its distinctive slide rule bezel for flight calculations. Breitling Navitimer vintage models feature the legendary Venus 178 manual-wind movement. The chronograph watch includes subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour registers. Blue dial variants attract strong collector interest alongside classic black configurations. The slide rule enables pilots to calculate fuel consumption, climb rates, and conversions. AOPA-branded dials from the 1950s-60s represent the most collectible references.
What types of vintage Breitling watches are available?
Vintage watches from Breitling span diverse categories for discerning collectors. The Breitling Chronomat from the 1970s-80s offers accessible entry points at $1,800 to $4,500. Breitling Premier chronographs showcase elegant dress watch aesthetics with mechanical complications. The Breitling Emergency features innovative distress beacon technology from the modern era. Breitling Aerospace quartz models represent the brand's technical evolution in the 1980s-90s. Superocean dive watches appeal to collectors seeking robust professional instruments. Top Time chronographs deliver colorful, sporty designs gaining market recognition.
How to care for vintage Breitling watches?
Professional servicing maintains functionality and preserves investment value over decades. Each serviced watch includes a 2-yr warranty from reputable dealers offering comprehensive restoration. Full service performed by certified watchmakers ensures movement reliability and accuracy. Durable construction allows vintage Breitling watches to function flawlessly when properly maintained. Original components should be preserved whenever possible during servicing. Avoid over-polishing cases that diminish collector appeal and originality. Store watches in controlled environments away from moisture and magnetic fields.
Where to find deals on vintage Breitling watches?
The best deals on Breitling vintage wristwatches emerge from estate sales and private collections. Compare current sale price against recent auction results to identify value opportunities. Shop vintage Breitling watches during seasonal sales when sellers need liquidity. Auction platforms deliver transparent market pricing through competitive bidding processes. Discover offers from dealers who price fairly based on condition and documentation. Less common references like early Chronomat models present better value than heavily marketed pieces. Building relationships with specialized dealers yields early access to exceptional inventory.