Explore our curated selection of pre-owned Breitling watches in the UK, including Navitimer, Chronomat, Top Time and Superocean models. Known for their strong links to aviation, motorsport and professional timing, every Breitling we list is fully authenticated, supplied with our own warranty, and shipped with insured UK delivery. Availability changes regularly as new pieces arrive.
Looking for a chronograph alternative? Read our guide to Daytona alternatives.
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When Léon Breitling established his workshop in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland in 1884, he focused on crafting precise timekeeping instruments and chronographs. The brand’s true ascent began when Willy Breitling, Léon’s grandson, recognized the emerging needs of aviation pioneers in the early 20th century.
Breitling’s association with flight has defined the brand across generations:
Throughout this impressive timeline, Breitling has maintained its position as the preferred instrument of pilots, adventurers, and those who appreciate robust timepieces with authentic heritage.
Since its introduction in 1952, the Navitimer has remained one of the most recognised pilot’s watches in the world. With its distinctive circular slide rule bezel, this chronograph was designed as a genuine flight computer for pilots, capable of handling calculations for fuel consumption, distance, speed, and rate of climb/descent. The slide rule functionality combined with chronograph capabilities made it an invaluable tool for aviation professionals.
Modern Navitimers maintain their distinctive aesthetic while incorporating Breitling’s latest technical innovations, including the in-house B01 chronograph movement. The collection ranges from the classic 41mm Navitimer to larger 43mm and 46mm variations, with numerous dial colours and material options available.
Originally developed in 1942 as a chronograph with an integrated slide rule, the Chronomat evolved significantly in the 1980s when it was redesigned in collaboration with the Italian aerial demonstration team, Frecce Tricolori. This redesign established the modern Chronomat’s distinctive aesthetic with its bold case, rider tabs on the bezel, and robust construction.
Today’s Chronomat represents versatile luxury sports watches, equipped with precise chronograph functions and substantial water resistance. The collection includes various complications and sizes, maintaining the distinctive bullet-link bracelet and rotating bezel with rider tabs that have become signature elements.
Introduced in 1957 as Breitling’s answer to the emerging demand for professional dive watches, the Superocean combines the brand’s chronograph expertise with serious underwater capabilities. Modern Superocean models feature exceptional water resistance (typically 200-1000m), unidirectional rotating bezels, and high-visibility dials designed for underwater legibility.
The collection ranges from heritage-inspired models that recall the original 1957 design to modern, technically advanced dive watches built for professional use in extreme conditions. Despite Breitling’s stronger association with aviation, the Superocean demonstrates the brand’s versatility and commitment to performance in any environment.
First introduced in the 1960s, the Breitling Top Time was designed to appeal to a younger audience with its bold styling and accessible approach to luxury chronographs. The collection gained particular fame when a modified version was worn by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1965 film “Thunderball,” where it featured a geiger counter function.
Today’s Top Time models blend vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern watchmaking techniques. Characterised by their distinctive “reverse panda” and “panda” dials (contrasting black and white subdials), these chronographs offer a more accessible entry point into Breitling ownership while maintaining the brand’s commitment to precision timing and aviation heritage. The contemporary Top Time collection features clean, highly legible dials, streamlined cases, and the precision of Breitling’s modern chronograph movements.
Breitling’s commitment to horological excellence is embodied in their in-house movements, particularly the B01 chronograph calibre. This self-winding, column-wheel chronograph movement with vertical clutch provides exceptional precision and reliability. With COSC chronometer certification, the B01 and its derivatives represent Breitling’s technical prowess and independence as a true manufacture.
For specific professional models where electronic precision is paramount, Breitling developed SuperQuartz™ movements that are thermocompensated to account for temperature variations. These movements are ten times more accurate than standard quartz and undergo COSC certification specifically for quartz movements, demonstrating Breitling’s commitment to precision across all their offerings.
Breitling regularly employs advanced materials in their timepiece construction:
Breitling’s focus on professional users has led to the development of specialised features such as the Emergency’s dual-frequency distress beacon, enhanced magnetic resistance across the collection, and bezels designed for specific professional applications including navigation, diving, and technical calculations.
Authentic pre-owned Breitling watches feature precise finishing, correct font and logo applications, proper serial number placement, and high-quality materials throughout. The movement should match the model specifications and bear appropriate markings. Breitling’s attention to detail extends to every aspect of their timepieces, making quality a key indicator of authenticity. We would always recommend researching the person or dealer you are purchasing from using tools such as Trustpilot.
Breitling recommends servicing mechanical watches every 4-6 years to maintain optimal performance. For SuperQuartz™ models, battery replacement is typically needed every 3-4 years, which is also an opportunity to check water resistance seals and overall function.
While both are iconic Breitling chronographs, the Navitimer features a circular slide rule bezel designed specifically for aviation calculations, while the Chronomat offers a more versatile design with rider tabs on the bezel for improved grip. The Navitimer has stronger associations with pilot heritage, while the modern Chronomat tends toward all-purpose sports watch versatility.
Select Breitling models have shown good value retention, particularly limited editions, vintage Navitimers, and special collaboration pieces. The investment potential depends on condition, originality, rarity, and historical significance. As with all luxury watches, we recommend purchasing primarily for enjoyment, with investment potential as a secondary consideration.
Breitling’s manufacture calibres, particularly the B01 family, feature column-wheel chronograph mechanisms with vertical clutches, innovations that ensure precise chronograph function and durability. All Breitling mechanical movements are COSC-certified chronometers, guaranteeing exceptional timekeeping accuracy. The development of these in-house movements represents significant horological achievement and independence in production.
Dive into the realm of Breitling pre-owned watches and own a piece of aviation history. Whether you’re adding to your collection, searching for a meaningful gift, or investing in a rare timepiece, our curated selection has something extraordinary waiting for you.
Call us at 07793 488492 or email info@mvswatches.com
Don’t miss your chance to own one of these incredible timepieces!
Drawn to Breitling’s aviation DNA? Compare it with our TAG Heuer collection for racing spirit, or explore OMEGA timepieces renowned for precision. View our new arrivals, browse all watches to explore the full collection or discover watches under £10000 for more options.
