When it comes to luxury watches, the Breitling luxury watch brand instantly suggests images of elegant aviation timepieces. This storied Swiss brand has been creating exquisite chronographs since 1884 – specializing in instruments for professionals and pioneers of flight, land, and sea.
For well over a century, Breitling has established itself as a leader in precision watchmaking and innovation. They continue to design beautifully crafted pieces that appeal to adventure seekers and connoisseurs alike. From instantly recognizable aviation classics like the Breitling Navitimer to stylish modern collaborations with Bentley, Breitling is undoubtedly among the upper echelon of Swiss watchmakers.
But what exactly makes Breitling such an exceptional watch? Beyond the brand’s undeniable pedigree and popularity, there are several specific factors that contribute to Breitling timepieces being considered high quality, reliable luxury watches under 10k for watch aficionados. In assessing if Breitling truly measures up among the best of the best, key elements like craftsmanship, technology, design, and long-term value deserve close examination.
History of Breitling Watches
Breitling was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Initially, the company focused on producing chronographs and precision counters for industrial and scientific purposes. However, in 1915, Breitling made a significant advancement by introducing the first wristwatch chronograph with an independent pusher at 2 o’clock, which separated the start/stop functions from the reset mechanism, making it easier for pilots and sportsmen to use the chronograph.
During World War II, Breitling played a crucial role in supplying chronographs to the Royal Air Force. The Breitling Chronomat, introduced in 1942, gained popularity among pilots due to its slide rule bezel, which facilitated quick flight calculations. The brand’s aviation heritage was further cemented with the launch of the Navitimer in 1952, a wrist-worn chronograph featuring a circular slide rule designed to assist pilots with navigational calculations. The Navitimer quickly became an iconic watch and a symbol of Breitling’s commitment to aviation.
Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Breitling continued to innovate, introducing models such as the Superocean (1957) for divers, the Co-Pilot (1953) with a 24-hour dial, and the Emergency (1995), which featured a built-in emergency locator beacon. In 1979, the Schneider family acquired Breitling and continued to uphold the brand’s dedication to precision and quality.
In 2017, CVC Capital Partners acquired Breitling, and Georges Kern, former head of IWC, was appointed as CEO. Under Kern’s leadership, Breitling has undergone a modernization of its design and marketing strategies while still honoring its rich heritage in aviation and watchmaking, ensuring that the brand remains relevant and respected in the luxury watch market.
Craftsmanship & Quality of Breitling Watches
When evaluating any luxury watch, top-notch craftsmanship using only the finest materials and components is essential. As a Swiss-made watch, Breitling upholds the acclaimed precision and rigor for which Swiss watchmaking has long been revered.
Breitling sources only premium-grade mechanical movements from respected Swiss movement manufacturers like ETA. Each watch movement then undergoes strict modification and fine-tuning in Breitling’s own workshops to maximize reliability and performance. The COSC certification on all Breitling mechanical watches verifies each movement has passed exhaustive testing.
In assembling the watch, Breitling utilizes extremely high-grade materials like stainless steel, solid gold, high-tech ceramics, and sapphire crystal for the utmost durability. The attention to detail on a Breitling watch is evident even in small touches like the finishing on components and the perfection of each engraved marking.
From the intricate workings encased inside the case to the expertly crafted bracelet and casing, everything about a Breitling watch reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in Swiss watchmaking tradition. This puts Breitling in the same league as other luxury leaders like Omega when assessing workmanship and manufacturing quality overall.
Technology & Innovation of Breitling Watches
Breitling has long been revered not just for precision watchmaking but also for its pioneering spirit in developing new technologies and innovations. This advanced technical expertise can be traced back to 1884 when founder Léon Breitling focused early on adding innovative features to make watches more useful in diverse settings.
Carrying on this heritage, Breitling introduced one of the first wrist chronographs in 1915, cementing its legacy in aviation and navigation timed instruments. The famous Breitling Navitimer launched in 1952 is considered one of the first wristwatches to feature a circular aviation slide rule for calculations.
Continuing to innovate, Breitling introduced quartz movement watches as well as LED and LCD display watches by the late 1970s. More recently, Breitling has incorporated modern connected technology into watches like the Exospace B55 Connected model, capable of synchronizing timing via smartphone linkage.
Even as traditions endure, Breitling still invests significantly in R&D and new patents to advance watchmaking into the future. This simultaneous mastery of watchmaking history and cutting-edge technology puts Breitling high among other storied Swiss innovators in the continuing evolution of the mechanical watch.
Style & Design of Breitling Watches
In addition to masterful watchmaking, Breitling is equally renowned for its aviation-inspired aesthetics and elegant contemporary designs that have spanned decades yet remain timeless.
Many Breitling watches feature enduring classics like the Navitimer or Breitling Chronomat watch collections – embodying the unmistakable Breitling look with elements like intricate dials, slide rule bezels and bracelet clasps styled like an aircraft tailwheel.
Breitling also continues to introduce new models like collaborations with Bentley Motors that meld characteristic Breitling flight heritage cues with contemporary British auto styling. The result creates a signature fusion of elegance and performance appeal.
While aviation and travel themes have long defined the Breitling DNA, the brand offers great diversity across its collections – from classic leather banded models to modern all-black limited editions to elaborate gemstone-decked ladies’ watches. Yet every Breitling timepiece incorporates those iconic design touches that make them instantly identifiable.
Combining a keen awareness of legacy with fashion forward evolution, Breitling’s mastery of sophisticated aesthetics places them among other style standout watch designers noted as much for bold, distinctive styling as for expert watchmaking.
Breitling’s Brand Reputation & Legacy
In assessing the entire package of luxury watchmaking excellence, storied legacy and enduring prestige play a pivotal role. Breitling shines bright among the most revered Swiss watch brands when evaluating the depth of its heritage reaching back over a century.
The rich aviation ties to pioneering groups like the Royal Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team or famous record-setting flights have forged deep roots in popular culture for Breitling. This fascinating historical narrative interwoven with groundbreaking feats fuels ongoing global fascination with the brand.
While many other luxury brands have seen ups and downs over the decades, Breitling retains devoted multi-generational fans as youthful newcomers also discover the magic. Modern celebrity and athlete brand ambassadors like Adam Driver and Kelly Slater add contemporary star appeal.
Through economic fluctuations and changing tastes, discerning watch enthusiasts and collectors alike regard Breitling as a consistent producer of extraordinary timepieces, built to last generations. This time-tested, unflappable reputation elevates Breitling into the uppermost echelon of Swiss heritage alongside only a handful of other undisputed greats like Rolex or Patek Philippe.
Are Breitling Watches a Good Investment?
For watch collectors and anyone seeking not only a beautiful timepiece but also a sound investment, residual value must enter the evaluation. Here again Breitling shines as models across ranges from vintage to modern retain higher resale value than many competitor luxury brands.
Certain older manual-wind Breitling chronographs from the 1950s-1970s consistently fetch premium prices at auction due to scarcity and demand from collectors. Even many modern Breitling watches, if properly maintained, sell on the secondary market at 70-80% or more of original retail pricing.
The ongoing allure of the Breitling brand among watch investors also spurs interest in limited edition series like the 50th anniversary Navitimer or the rare Unitime world timer models. Savvy investors know these special editions nearly always appreciate in value given their restricted supply and unique details coveted by diehard Breitling fans.
While no watch purchase should be motivated solely by investment upside, the long-term value stability offered by Breitling timepieces instills further confidence in the wisdom of acquiring such a timeless luxury product backed by generations of excellence.
Popular Breitling Watch Models
Breitling has created numerous iconic watch models throughout its history. Some of the most popular and well-known Breitling watches include:
- Navitimer: Introduced in 1952, the Navitimer is a legendary pilot’s watch featuring a circular slide rule bezel for performing flight calculations.
- Chronomat: Launched in 1942, the Chronomat is known for its versatility and distinctive bezel design.
- Superocean: First released in 1957, the Breitling Superocean is a professional dive watch designed for underwater adventures.
- Emergency: Introduced in 1995, the Breitling Emergency is the world’s first wristwatch with a built-in emergency locator beacon.
- Avenger: A modern pilot’s watch with a bold design, the Breitling Avenger is built to withstand extreme conditions.
- Transocean: Inspired by the classic watches of the 1950s and 1960s, the Breitling Transocean combines vintage style with modern technology.
- Premier: A more dressy option, the Breitling Premier line showcases Breitling’s commitment to elegance and refinement.
- Aerospace: A multi-functional electronic chronograph, the Aerospace features a digital display and analog hands.
- Colt: Designed as a reliable and accessible entry point into the world of Breitling, the Breitling Colt is a versatile sports watch.
- Montbrillant: Named after the building where Breitling’s workshops were once located, the Montbrillant pays homage to the brand’s heritage.
These models represent a cross-section of Breitling’s diverse and relatively affordable swiss watch offerings, catering to the needs of pilots, divers, adventurers, and watch enthusiasts alike.
Is Breitling a Good Watch Brand? The Breitling Standard of Excellence
When held to the highest standards for luxury watchmaking – from master craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation and enduring value – Breitling unequivocally measures up to the finest Swiss watch brands.
With outstanding movements boasting COSC-certified Swiss chronometer precision, finely tuned in Breitling’s own workshops, each watch reflects generations of expertise. Durable materials like sapphire crystal and polished stainless-steel withstand adventure without compromising beauty.
Iconic pilot-inspired designs carry on rich aviation heritage rooted in record-setting feats like Scott Carpenter’s Mercury spaceflight, while new Breitling Bentley watch collection collaborations and gemstone models appeal to connoisseurs of refinement beyond the cockpit.
Few brands balance heritage and innovation as adeptly as Breitling – ushering in modern connected capability without forsaking classics coveted for generations. Rigorous testing procedures and continual investments in R&D propel Breiting ever forward.
After over a century at the vanguard of Swiss watchmaking, Breitling has more than earned its wings to claim place alongside high-flyers like Rolex and Patek Philippe in quality, technological innovation, and global prestige. For watch lovers seeking peerless Swiss precision and timeless style built to last ages, a Breitling on the wrist is guaranteed to satisfy for a lifetime and beyond.
