Buying Pre-Owned Luxury Watches in the UK: What to Know Before You Buy
January 29, 2026
Buying a pre-owned luxury watch in the UK has never been more popular. For many
Choosing between the Breitling Navitimer vs Chronomat is one of the most common decisions buyers face when shopping for a pre-owned Breitling in the UK. On paper, they share a lot in common, but in reality they suit very different types of owners. This guide breaks down how they wear, what they represent, and which one makes more sense as a real-world purchase.
At MVS Watches, we like to approach these decisions the same way collectors do. Not as experts lecturing from above, but as enthusiasts who live with these watches, wear them regularly, and understand what actually matters once the novelty wears off.
Although both watches sit under the same brand and use the same in-house movement, they come from very different places.
The Navitimer is rooted in aviation and personality.
The Chronomat is about modern wearability and versatility.
Understanding that difference makes the choice much easier.
The Navitimer is one of the most recognisable chronographs ever made. The slide rule bezel, layered dial, and strong visual identity give it a presence that few watches can match.
It wears its heritage openly and unapologetically.
For many owners, the appeal lies in the complexity. You don’t buy a Navitimer because it is subtle. You buy it because it has character.
The slide rule bezel sums this up perfectly. Most owners will never use it functionally, but visually it defines the watch. If you enjoy depth and interaction, it adds charm. If you prefer simplicity, it can feel like too much.
The Navitimer 8 is worth mentioning here. By removing the slide rule and simplifying the design, it offers a cleaner, more wearable alternative while keeping the aviation spirit intact.
The Chronomat takes a very different approach.
Rather than leaning into heritage, it focuses on modern sports-luxury design and everyday usability. It feels confident, robust, and purpose-built for regular wear.
The Chronomat B01 42 is especially well judged. It has presence without overwhelming the wrist and transitions easily between casual and smarter settings.
The Super Chronomat goes bigger and bolder. It is not subtle, but it knows exactly what it is, and for the right buyer it delivers serious wrist presence.
This is where heritage directly affects ownership.
In simple terms:
Neither approach is better. They just suit different people.
This is an underrated part of the decision.
The Navitimer is most commonly worn on leather, which reinforces its classic, aviation-inspired feel. It looks excellent, but it does lean dressier and less sporty.
The Chronomat is defined by the Rouleaux bracelet. Visually distinctive, but more importantly, exceptionally comfortable. It gives the watch a solid, modern feel and makes it far easier to wear every day.
If comfort and versatility matter to you, the bracelet alone often tips the balance in favour of the Chronomat.
This is often the point where the decision becomes clear.
The Navitimer, particularly in 46mm, wears large. The dial complexity amplifies that feeling. It looks fantastic on the right wrist, but it is not a watch you forget you are wearing.
The Chronomat wears more compactly, even at similar sizes. The case shape, bracelet integration, and dial layout all contribute to better long-term comfort.
If you are looking for:
The Chronomat usually makes more sense.
If you want:
The Navitimer earns its place.
One advantage of choosing between these two is that you are not compromising mechanically.
Both the Navitimer and Chronomat use Breitling’s in-house B01 movement, which has built a strong reputation for reliability, accuracy, and long-term serviceability.
From a collector’s perspective, that matters. You are choosing based on design and wearability, not worrying about what sits inside the case.
Without getting into specific pricing, there are a few consistent patterns.
Both can be excellent pre-owned buys. The better purchase is the one you will actually enjoy wearing.
If you want to see what is currently available, you can browse our full selection of
pre-owned Breitling watches.
Here is the honest, collector-led answer.
Choose the Navitimer if:
Choose the Chronomat if:
There is no wrong choice. There is only the watch that fits you better.
At MVS Watches, we see pre-owned watches as more than products. They are pieces people connect with, live with, and often keep for years.
If you are deciding between a Navitimer and a Chronomat, the best advice we can give is simple: buy the one you will want to wear.
When you are ready, you can explore our current pre-owned Breitling collection.
And if you ever want to talk watches, we are always happy to help.
Buying a pre-owned luxury watch in the UK has never been more popular. For many
The Rolex Daytona is one of the most recognisable chronographs ever produced. It is also
At MVS Watches, the question we hear most often from buyers looking at pre-owned OMEGA
Choosing between the Breitling Navitimer vs Chronomat is one of the most common decisions buyers
Looking for Rolex alternatives under £10000? Compare 10 pre-owned luxury watch brands, who each suits, price ranges, and what to look for before you buy.
This comparison looks at the Submersible Marina Militare PAM02979 and the Luminor Marina PAM02661, two modern Panerai Carbotech takes on their classic designs