We’ve got $15,000 to spend on a Breitling watch collection. Which models and references would be in your personal one-brand Breitling collection? Today, I’m going with three watches that couldn’t be more different from each other, while also covering all the watch-wearing situations that life throws your way. Our list includes an iconic pilot’s watch, an underrated diving watch, and a sporty-elegant timepiece that can be worn with any outfit and on any occasion.
It doesn’t always have to be a Navitimer: the Breitling Avenger Automatic 43
Whenever the name Breitling is mentioned, most enthusiasts immediately think of pilot’s watches. It’s no surprise, because there’s really no other watch brand that people associate with flying more than Breitling. With the Breitling Navitimer and the Breitling Chronomat, the Swiss brand has produced two of the greatest pilot’s watches of all time. And although a third Breitling timepiece might not enjoy this same legendary status, it undoubtedly is right up there with the other classics from this brand: the Breitling Avenger.
Available as a three-hand watch and a chronograph, this pilot’s watch recently underwent a rejuvenation of sorts. That’s not to say that it was met with thunderous applause from the watch community: Although the new dial colors and specifications had their fair share of fans, there was the thorny issue of the winged logo no longer appearing on the dial at 12 o’clock, which led to the odd disgruntled groan from fans. That’s why I’m going with the recently discontinued, slightly rounder predecessor today.
The Breitling Avenger is a striking and extremely robust watch. On the one hand, it’s an outstanding everyday wearer, offering unbeatable functionality and reliability. This “old” Avenger has a case width of 43 mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 52.6 mm. It’s an excellent look for such an iconic pilot’s watch, and the typical Breitling steel bracelet with its asymmetrical links is the perfect complement, although this timepiece also looks amazing on a leather or fabric strap. With its date complication and water resistance to 300 meters (30 bar, 984 feet), you’re getting a pilot’s watch that ticks all the boxes. You can find the Breitling Avenger Automatic 43 in both used and new condition for between $3,250 and $3,500.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42
Breitling of course does so much more than just pilot’s watches, which the Superocean collection makes clear. These timepieces have been in the Breitling catalog since the end of the 1950s, and it would be hard to imagine the brand without them. The now-discontinued Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 is a fantastic modern diver’s watch, and the white-dial model simply exudes maritime charm. Its dark blue bezel gives this 42-mm diver a fresh summer look that watch lovers will find hard to resist.
For the strap on the Breitling Superocean Automatic 42, you can choose between Breitling’s iconic steel bracelet, or a rubber strap for a look and feel that will have you ready for the beach. This watch is powered by a time-tested, modified, refined ETA movement and water-resistant up to 500 meters (50 bar, 1,640 feet). It also comes with a handy date complication. This Breitling gives enthusiasts really everything they could ask for in a diver.
With its 42-mm case width, 50.6-mm lug-to-lug length, and thickness of 13 mm, the Breitling Superocean Automatic will definitely make its presence felt. Despite these measurements, though, it’s truly a great fit for most wrists. Just one question, though: with the recognizability of the Breitling Superocean Automatic 42, just why did Breitling basically throw this design out the window when creating the new model?
One of the things I can’t get enough of on the Breitling Superocean 42’s predecessor is the unusually designed diving bezel: the inlay is made of high-quality rubber and has applied indices and numerals. Even though this watch is not available everywhere these days, with market prices of around $3,500 for the blue version and $4,200 for the white dial version, I’d take this model over the latest releases any day of the week. And if you’re someone who likes 44-mm watches, this discontinued line gives you even more options.
Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40
So now that we’ve got a great pilot’s watch and a remarkable diver’s watch in our Breitling collection, what’s next? That’s right, a go anywhere, do anything timepiece! This is the watch you can wear with any outfit, and to any occasion. It will look great on your wrist at the office during the day, and for that special event later that evening. We’re adding one of the finest Breitlings of our time to our collection, and for less than $5,500: the Breitling Chronomat GMT.
No, this isn’t that iconic, massive pilot’s watch we’re talking about here, but rather its smaller counterpart, the one with the 40-mm case, meaning it fits great on just about every wrist. You’re going to love the unique Breitling Rouleaux bracelet, along with the iconic ratcheting rotating bezel that add that special something to this beloved, one-of-a-kind Chronomat look.
The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is an eye-catcher through and through, and could even be mistaken for a dress watch from time to time, with all its glitz and glamour. This timepiece also boasts great technical elements, with a practical date complication smartly placed at 6 o’clock. Its bold red GMT hand adds a pop of color and lets you tell the time in an extra time zone. With a choice of black, blue, gray or light blue dial colors, there’s something for everyone. I personally loved the white dial version, which harmonizes perfectly with the red GMT hand; wearers may find it difficult to take their eyes off this gorgeous watch on their wrist. The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is an absolute must for our one-brand watch collection for less than $15,000.
The Breitling One-Brand Watch Collection
Our one-brand watch collection for under $15,000 offers three great watches from the Breitling catalog. The Breitling Avenger is one of the most iconic pilot’s watches of all time; the Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 provides a great contrast in our collection with its maritime charm; while the Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is a true all-rounder for any outfit or occasion. And we have put together this great collection for under $13,500.
What watches make up your personal Breitling one-brand watch collection for under $15,000?
