Breitling watches

Breitling Watches & Chronographs: Appraisal and Market Value

A Watchmaking Legend Dedicated to Precision

Founded in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, by Léon Breitling, the Breitling house quickly established itself as one of the great names in precision watchmaking.
Specializing in chronographs and time-measuring instruments, the brand distinguished itself early on through its technical innovations serving aviation and performance.

In 1915, Breitling created one of the first chronographs equipped with an independent pusher, and in 1934, the separation of the “reset” and “stop” functions revolutionized the modern chronograph.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Breitling became the reference brand for pilots and aviation professionals, producing on-board instruments and cockpit watches for both civil and military aviation.

A symbol of exploration, the Navitimer Cosmonaute accompanied astronaut Scott Carpenter into space in 1962, forever sealing Breitling’s link with the conquest of the skies.
Today, under the direction of Georges Kern, the brand reconnects with its heritage through “modern-retro” creations that blend historical design, mechanical innovation, and timeless elegance.

The Most Sought-After Models Among Collectors

Certain Breitling watches rank among the most desirable pieces on the collectors’ market, prized both for their history and for their mechanical excellence.

• Navitimer: The iconic pilot’s watch, famed for its circular slide rule and numerous historic and contemporary versions.

• Chronomat: A robust and technical model, admired for its sporty look and reliability.

• Superocean & Superocean Heritage: Legendary diving watches, celebrated for their water resistance and retro-inspired design.

• Top Time: A refined chronograph from the 1960s–1970s, much sought after for its vintage charm.

• Emergency: A beacon watch equipped with a distress transmitter, showcasing Breitling’s technical mastery.

• Avenger, Premier, and Transocean: Contemporary lines blending tradition and modernity.

These models embody Breitling’s enduring identity — a fusion of functionality, innovation, and sporty elegance.

Market Value and Appraisal of Breitling Watches

The value of Breitling watches depends on several key factors: model, condition, rarity, original documentation, and mechanical caliber.
On the secondary market, the brand enjoys consistent demand, driven by its reputation for excellence and the renewed interest in its vintage models.

Average observed estimates:

• Recent models: €2,000 – €6,000, depending on model and condition.

• Vintage chronographs (Navitimer, Chronomat, Top Time): €3,000 – €8,000, depending on rarity and preservation.

• Limited editions or historical pieces: €10,000 – €20,000 and higher, particularly for documented models or those with exceptional provenance.

• High-end contemporary watches (gold, complications, or limited series): up to €30,000 depending on configuration.

Vintage Navitimers, 1980s Chronomats, and historic Superoceans are today considered some of the brand’s strongest investments.

Selling a Breitling Watch at Auction

Our Watchmaking & Collector’s Timepieces Department assists collectors and private clients in the valuation and sale of Breitling watches — whether vintage, contemporary, or limited editions.

We offer free, confidential, and no-obligation estimates, available online or by appointment.

For an initial appraisal, simply provide:

• Photographs of your watch

• A detailed description (model, serial number, year, condition)

• Any certificate, invoice, or original box

Our experts travel throughout France and Europe to conduct on-site appraisals, in collaboration with our regional offices.

The Aguttes Watchmaking Department holds several annual sales dedicated to major Swiss houses: Breitling, Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and many more.

Contact our specialist today to receive a free valuation of your Breitling watch and benefit from personalized guidance throughout the entire sale process.