Without delving too deep into Breitling’s history, the brand’s connection to aviation and commitment to crafting expert chronographs is unmatched in the industry. The brand began developing wrist-worn chronographs from 1915 onwards and is known for its legendary tools like the Navitimer, Chronomat and Avenger – each one loved the world over for their solid case constructions and bold wrist presence. The company’s founder, Gaston Breitling, developed the first mechanical chronograph to feature a separate push-piece at 2 o’clock back in 1915 and created one of the world’s first Swiss wristwatches in space upon launching the Navitimer Cosmograph (worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter in 1962 aboard the Aurora 7 mission).

Breitling’s Top Time Chronograph also enjoyed a role on the silver screen when it was seen adorned on the wrist of 007 agent, James Bond, in Sean Connery’s “Thunderball” film in 1965. That collection eventually expanded to accommodate a very popular variant with a “zorro” dial. The mask-like dial layout was made available in a panda and reverse panda variant, and became a cherished model of the Breitling catalogue.

Above all, Breitling upheld a solid reputation throughout the years of the Second World War, supplying dashboard clocks and chronographs to the Royal Air Force during a crucial point in wartime history, further cementing its name as one of the world’s greatest manufacturers of military instruments for aircraft fleets.

So, now you’re familiar with some of Breitling’s most significant achievements, let’s look at the brand’s key collections and the type of collector each one appeals to most.

The Superocean is Breitling’s born-and-bred dive watch. It arrived during the golden age of scuba diving during the 1950s and has been a mainstay in the brand’s catalogue ever since. The design of the Breitling Superocean is bold and unpretentious. Its luminous hour markers and hands, combined with a unidirectional rotating bezel, are perfect for underwater exploration, but also help to give it an unmissable look on the wrist.

Channelling the spirit of the sea and all who dare to explore it, the Superocean is ready to face any challenge head-on with its robust case construction, integrated with a high level of water resistance that varies from 300 meters to 1000 meters. Suffice to say, the Superocean watch is built to meet the rigorous demands of professional divers and swimmers, and boasts a clean and uncluttered dial using an array of different colours.

Size-wise, the Superocean is just as versatile, with cases offered in a smaller 36mm, right up to 46mm models. At the core of the collection is the Superocean Automatic, fitted on a sporty rubber strap or a robust steel bracelet. There are, however, chronograph options, which inject the core Superocean design with a sportier vibe, delivering accuracy and precision thanks to a COSC-certified movement. For something a little more chic and retro, however, look towards the Superocean Heritage collection...

The Superocean Heritage watch collection by Breitling is where you’ll find a tasteful homage to the original Superocean. This series captures the elegance and style of the original Superocean but with modern materials and updated movements.

Its vintage aesthetics are defined by a set of classic design cues, including triangular-tipped hour markers, a “B” logo on the dial, and a distinctive steel Milanese (or mesh) bracelet. Superocean Heritage watches have clean and simple dials and are more refined and less utilitarian than their modern siblings. Equipped with ceramic bezels in an array of different colours, Superocean Heritage watches are perfect for combining with evening attire and offer superior scratch resistance for protection against the elements. Ideal for keen swimmers and scuba diving fans with a love of the vintage dive watch “look”, the Superocean Heritage uses noble materials, beautifully blending vintage elegance with technical excellence.

The Chronomat represents a pivotal point in Breitling’s history, pointing to the moment it began developing tools for scientists. The Chronomat is at home in the cockpit of a fighter jet but equally sophisticated enough to enjoy during an evening of fine dining. It also aligns with the tastes and needs of the sporty individual. Its materials and expert craftsmanship prove perfect for the outdoorsy type with an active lifestyle and a thirst for adventure.

The Chronomat’s key characteristics are its rider tabs located at the cardinal points of the bezel and its iconic Rouleaux bracelet, which Breitling developed exclusively for the range. The links of the bracelet are beautifully crafted so that they catch glints of light, all whilst looking refined and tool-like. Meanwhile, the rider tabs were initially designed to aid grip during gloved operations. The first of the Chronomat family arrived in the 1940s, equipped with the slide rule bezel that we now associate with the Navitimer. Its rebirth, however, occurred during the quartz crisis as an unexpected release that marked the company’s collaboration with Frecce Tricolori, complete with a rotating bezel.

Case sizes for the modern Breitling Chronomat vary from the smaller 32mm models to the much larger 44mm – the Super Chronomat models. Others house an in-house movement that was originally released back in 2009, marking Breitling’s gateway into independent mechanical movement manufacture. Beyond the standard chronograph, Chronomat watches come in versions with a GMT complication, as well as a four-year calendar model, with cases available in standard steel, two-tone steel and gold, and lightweight titanium.

Without a doubt, the Breitling Navitimer became an icon of the skies from the very moment it graced the wrist of the professional pilot. Since then, it has remained a symbol of adventure and precision. A quick glance at its design will tell you all you need to know about this style of watch. It’s a bona fide cockpit instrument, equipped with a slide rule bezel, which can assist with all manner of on-board calculations from airspeed to fuel consumption and descent rates. Even so, the Navitimer has proved undeniably popular with modern-day Breitling collectors, including those who have no intention of utilising its complex slide rule bezel mechanism, but appreciate its classic beauty nonetheless.

Capturing a sliver of history in its unchanged design, the Navitimer proves a beloved member of the brand’s catalogue, featuring a classic beaded bezel that connoisseurs still adore to this day. The Navitimer is available in a variety of different sizes and boasts several dial colours, all of which perfectly frame the dynamic and vibrant history of the collection.

The Navitimer is a bold and undeniable statement piece that speaks of the thrill of flight exploration but also of the sophistication of a mechanically complex masterpiece. The collection offers both in-house and non-in-house movements, as well as GMTs, chronographs, and, of course, the iconic Cosmograph, famous for its contribution to space exploration. Navitimer watches also come with a choice of a leather strap or a more refined stainless steel bracelet for those who prefer a dressier option.

The Avenger may not boast the same impressive history as models such as the Chronomat or Navitimer, but it’s no less remarkable. It’s a no-nonsense, high-performance instrument. Built for extreme conditions, whether carrying out critical missions or navigating the controls of a fighter jet cockpit, its design is synonymous with pushing the limits and is geared towards genuine adventurers.

The Breitling Avenger is defined by its large luminous numerals and its strong case, not to mention its crown and bezel with a distinctive grip pattern. It’s a watch that feels like an essential piece of mission-critical equipment, having first arrived in 2001. The brand revamped the design in 2019, equipping it with in-house movements and 300-meter water-resistant capabilities. Popular models include the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44, powered by Breitling’s in-house chronograph movement, and the GMT 44mm version – perfect for frequent flyers. For a smaller version, however, Breitling offers the Avenger Automatic 42, which simplifies the dial, removing the chronograph complication, and instead presenting the time on a straightforward three-hand date model.

What are you waiting for? Come and view a superb collection of extraordinary Breitling watches at our dedicated Breitling space at  Banks Lyon Jewellers, the North West’s leading Breitling stockists. As a fully authorised Breitling watches stockist, we carry an impressive selection of men’s and ladies’ watches from their most admirable collections.

Do not hesitate to contact Banks Lyon with your enquires about our range of Breitling watches for men and ladies, simply call us on 01524 381 020 for further information. If you would prefer to see our extensive Breitling range in person, then please feel free to visit either our Lancaster showroom where our team are eager to answer any of your queries.

Before you look at buying any Breitling watch, know your wrist size. Measuring your wrist can be done by using a measuring tape (not too tightly) or by using Breitling’s printable sizing tool. Once you know your wrist size, you can begin exploring the brand’s different case sizes.

Breitling’s small case sizes measure 36mm to 38mm and are typically suited to wrists measuring a circumference of 6 inches (15cm) or smaller. Some Breitling watches of this size fall under the brand’s women’s watch category but aren’t necessarily geared solely towards female tastes. Many bear unisex designs that can be enjoyed on both male and female wrists. Breitling offers a 36mm and 38mm Navitimer watch, as well as unisex-coloured models from the dive-ready Superocean range.

The brand’s medium-sized watches are those that tend to measure between 40mm and 42mm. This is generally considered the Goldilocks size for many collectors with wrists that measure around 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches (16.5cm to 19cm). The Chronomat 40 and Navitimer 42mm are perfect options for those with wrists that sit in this category.

Lastly, larger wrists measuring 7.5 inches or more (19cm) can carry off a heftier watch from Breitling’s impressive catalogue. Examples include the Breitling Superocean 44 and 46 models and the Breitling Navitimer B01 46, not forgetting the Breitling Super Avi B04 Chronograph GMT 46 watches, of course.

Arguably, the single most important factor in determining whether a Breitling watch fits is its lug-to-lug width (that’s the measurement from the top to the bottom of the case). It should be used in conjunction with case width. The fundamental rule is that the lugs of any Breitling watch should never extend beyond the wrist.

A Breitling watch with lugs that overhang the wrist looks clunky and awkward. It can also make the wrist appear even smaller. Some Breitling cases can be deceptive. The brand’s busy dials and thick bezels can create an optical illusion, making them appear smaller than their actual size, but the L-T-L measurement is a hard number that will always reveal a watch's true footprint. For smaller wrists, opt for a lug-to-lug of 42mm to 46mm. For medium wrists, choose a L-T-L wrist of 46-50mm. For larger wrists, opt for cases with a 50-52mm lug-to-lug length.

In the end, finding the perfect Breitling watch is about much more than just style and aesthetics. Luckily, Breitling continues to expand its size offerings for the majority of its most popular collections, ensuring it offers something for everyone. Breitling was once synonymous with huge pilot watches, and although this chapter of its legendary heritage is still close to its heart, its bold and instantly recognisable chronographs, aviation watches, and dive watches are now accessible to every sized wrist.

Taking the time to figure out your own wrist size is crucial in finding a Breitling watch that fits like a second skin. Only once you know that can the thrill of the hunt for the perfect Breitling watch truly begin.

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