Breitling Watches
Breitling watches are manufactured in Switzerland by Breitling SA using purely Swiss components. The raw movements of the watches are based on ETA and Valjoux and adjusted in Breitling Chornometrie Workshops before they are subjected to certification by the COSC. By 2009 all Breitling watches are designed, manufactured, and completely assembled in-house. The Breitling watches have been providing the world with accurate timepieces since 1884.
The quartz models of Breitling watches usually make use of rubber strap while typical mechanical pieces make use of steel casings. Breitling watches are known to be one of the more expensive watches in the world primarily due to its perceived exclusivity as well as use of high priced materials like gold and titanium. In some instances, special edition models of Breitling watches also include diamond bezels and bracelets to increase its value.
Characteristics of Breitling Watches
The most distinguishing characteristic of this watchmaker is that it delivers high-end timepieces to the consumer market. The Breitling watches are certified chronometers which are intended primarily for use in aviation. This means that it offers aviation functions via the chronograph features which eventually became more of a status symbol rather than an applied tool.
Other typical characteristics of Breitling watches are larger face, more information on analog dials, automatic winding mechanism, and additional functions like moon phase, date display, fly back, and split-second among others.
Series of Breitling Watches
There have been a number of Breitling watches that have been manufactured since its first model came out of assembly. However, the majority of the models fall into particular series which the manufacturer has successfully maintained to a certain degree up to now. This means that any of the Breitling watches may fall under one of these categories:
Breitling Navitimer
One of the oldest series of Breitling watches, it has been its symbol since 1952. This particular series has been responsible for providing many pilots with an authentic wrist instrument that they can depend on. A testament to the dependability of Breitling watches is that the Navitimer has become the official watch of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association) , the largest organization of pilots in the world. To date, the Navitimer remains as the oldest continuously produced chronograph in the world.
The Navitimer series of Breitling watches combined three important tools used for navigation: slide rule, watch, and chronograph. The intention was to manufacture a navigation timer watch, hence the name Navitimer. This particular series was designed using the Venus 178 movement except for 1954 and 1955 when some Navitimers were manufactured using Valjoux 72 movement.
Breitling Windrider
If you are looking for true Swiss classic timepieces, then this series of Breitling watches is the one for you. This particular series makes use of a traditional style and flair which reminds you of the finest watches made based on its over 125 years of watch manufacturing experience. Made more for the aficionados, its classic appeal includes elegant lines, detailed craftsmanship, and exceptional quality making it truly deserving of the flying B logo.
Aside from being elegant, the Windrider series of Breitling watches is also extremely functional making it ideal on a pilot’s arm, slightly hidden under a suit sleeve, or even while sweating it up in the gym. Identifying characteristics of this series of Breitling watches include a dome-shaped crown with bezel consisting of four rider tabs. The flanking numerals are in increments of 5 starting from 5 up to 60.
One of the few Breitling watches that are made for men and women, its variety of sizes makes it one of the most marketable timepieces. Self-winding and mechanical, it makes keeping accurate time easy. Some of the Breitling watches for women however make use of quartz movements because of their relatively small size.
Breitling Professional
In the Breitling watches product line, this series is considered as the workhorse. It makes use of quartz tool watches as well as automatic workhorses which truly earns for it the title of hard use wrist watch instruments. It is important to note that the Aeromarine series of Breitling watches was initially part of the Professional series which is now characterized as its own line.
One of the outstanding features of the Professional series of Breitling watches is that it gathers the most flight-specific chronographs. Some watches have built-in micro transmitters while others have sophisticated electronic components making this product line one of the most technologically advanced among Breitling watches. Demanding users looking for watches with numerous functions will find this product line to their liking.
Breitling Aeromarine
The series of Breitling watches is made up mostly of divers and similar functional watches which have less influence from aviation. The watches in the Aeromarine series are considered simpler versions of the more popular chronomat and are classified mostly as entry level Breitling watches. This however does not mean that the Aeromarine series lacks the sophistication and elegance of other series.
There is no lacking quality or value in the Aeromarine series of Breitling watches primarily due to its gold tabs on the bezel and various colored face that helps to project its elegance. The relatively small face also allowed it to standout against other Breitling watches making it perfectly sized and functional which is one of the best combinations when it comes to high-end timepieces.
Breitling Bentley
With the type of reputation and elegance earned by Breitling watches, it was not a far-fetched idea that it would eventually meet up with one of the more elegant brands in another industry. From 2001 to 2003, Breitling officially sponsored the Team Bentley in the Le Mans 24 hour campaign. This partnership brought about the manufacture of the Breitling Bentley series including the 24 Le Mans watch.
To many watch collectors, these two brands shared not only a rich heritage and elegance but more so similar passion for fine mechanisms. This is one of the reasons why Breitling watches came up with a series that was dedicated to the automobile industry and Bentley in particular. The partnership of Swiss tradition and British chic of course immediately made the series a must have for many connoisseurs who have the eye for rare and exclusive timepieces.
Breitling Limited / Special Editions
Breitling watches carry a long standing history of special editions including the chronomat which has been one of the best sellers for quite some time. The release of special edition Breitling watches allows organizations or groups to order timepieces with custom case backs and dials with a minimum order of 50 personalized timepieces depending on the actual model to be used.
In some instances the limited / special editions can come with their own special certificates as well as unique identification number based on those used for Breitling watches. In the same manner, special serial numbers may also be used reflecting the total number of timepieces produced. Rarity becomes the selling point of these Breitling watches.
If you are an aspiring watch collector or have an eye for something that is uniquely valuable, then you will truly appreciate Breitling watches. Now that you are aware of the different series of timepieces manufactured, you can now take your pick of Breitling watches that fit your personality.
