For pilots and others in love with flight, no brand is more closely associated with the world of aviation than Breitling. From the beginning, watchmaker Léon Breitling, who opened his shop in the Swiss Jura Mountains in 1884, was focused on chronographs and their uses in the burgeoning fields of sports, science and industry.
After Léon’s death, in 1914, his son Gaston continued along his father’s trajectory. An early fan of aeronautics, Gaston introduced one of the first wrist-worn chronographs, a welcome upgrade for pilots used to executing complex maneuvers while juggling a pocket watch.
In 1934, Gaston’s son Willy made another leap in the chronograph’s evolution, patenting the first wristwatch with two pushers — one to start and stop elapsed time and one to reset — a feature now taken for granted.
But perhaps the most significant development under Willy’s leadership was the Chronomat watch. Introduced in 1942, it featured a patented rotating slide-rule bezel for making calculations on the fly. This innovation led to the 1952 creation of the brand’s signature timepiece: the Breitling Navitimer.
Designed in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, it was adopted as the official watch of the AOPA in 1959 and remains the world’s most iconic pilot’s watch. Not content to rule just the air, Breitling developed dive watches as well, including the Superocean, released in 1957, and the Transocean, which followed in 1958. The house also took its show on the road, producing dashboard clocks and then watches in partnership with luxury automaker Bentley.
The Navitimer, however, still reigns supreme among pilots everywhere. Given the stature earned by Top Gun since its release — as well as the excitement around Top Gun: Maverick — it's never too late to pick up a vintage Breitling Top Gun Navitimer, displaying the official logo of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, for yourself or your favorite wingman.
Find a range of Breitling watches on 1stDibs.
Breitling Superocean A17364 Diver's Watch, Stainless Steel, Black Dial
By Breitling
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Pre-owned - Good Seller Notes “very good condition visible signs of use” Country of Origin Switzerland Bezel Color Black Indices Arrow Markers, Arabic Numerals, Baton Inde...
Stainless Steel
$2,919
W 1.7 in L 1.86 in
Breitling Colt Superocean Ref. A17040 Mens Diver Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
By Breitling
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Stainless Steel
Breitling Superocean Steelfish Automatic A17390 Mens Stainless Steel Watch
By Breitling
Located in New York, NY
Breitling Aeromarine Superocean Steelfish Silver Dial Mens Watch A17390 Authomatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 44.0 mm in diameter. Stainless steel screwed-down crow...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Breitling Colt Wristwatch Ref A17388. 44mm Case, Stainless Steel, Year c2010
By Breitling
Located in Canterbury, England
Our sporting Breitling Colt, reference A17388, automatic with date boasts a 44mm stainless steel case and stainless steel bracelet with flip lock clasp. Presented in superb condition...
Breitling 1884 Automatic Superocean Heritage Watch
By Breitling
Located in New York, NY
Brand Breitling Swiss Made Black Bezel Date Feature Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless Steel Bracelet Not Original Bracelet Material: Black Leather Case: 45,7mm Case Thickn...
$8,127
H 1.58 in Dm 17.33 in
Breitling - Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 42 - AB2010161C1S1 - Men's NEW
Located in Madrid, ES
Breitling - Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 42 - AB2010161C1S1 - Men's NEW, NEVER WORN Case: Stainless steel Dial: Blue Movement: Swiss-made automatic Diameter: 42 mm excluding cr...
Stainless Steel
Breitling Stainless Steel Super Ocean Heritage Chronograph 44mm Silver Dial
By Breitling
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 23 Function: hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph Case: round 44mm black stainless steel case, smooth black aluminum timing bezel Bracelet: black rubb...
Stainless Steel
Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 46MM A13320 Stainless Steel Watch
By Breitling
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Breitling Gender: Men's Metal Type: Stainless Steel Length: 7.50 inches Diameter: 46.00 mm Weight: 203.08 grams BREITLING Gent's stainless steel, Swiss made wristwatch. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Breitling Superocean Steelfish Automatic A17390 Diamond Mens Luxury Watch
By Breitling
Located in New York, NY
Breitling Aeromarine Superocean Steelfish Silver Dial Mens Watch A17390 Authomatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 44.0 mm in diameter. Stainless steel screwed-down crow...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Steel Gray Wave Dial Mens Watch 210.30.42.20.06.001
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
New 2023. Full set. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Omega Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 210.30.42.20.06.001 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Diver,Sport Model: Omega Seamaster 300...
Steel
