Breitling A25362 Special Edition Certified Chronometer 100M 330Ft? Quick Answer

Breitling is a Swiss watch brand that has been making luxury timepieces since 1884. They are particularly well known for their pilot’s watches, which have developed a global following over the years. Thanks to its rich heritage, Breitling is one of the most popular watch manufacturers on the market.

How are Breitling watches identified?

For many years, Breitling has used a dual reference number and serial number system to identify a watch’s production run and track its manufacture and sale. They are also considered an important sign that a watch is authentic, as no real Breitling is made without these numbers.

First of all, each watch within a series is given identical reference numbers, which make it clear that the design, material and movement are the same. Then each individual watch is etched with a unique serial number to distinguish it from the others in the production batch. This allows watches to be identified as part of a specific series and differentiated from one another.

Where can I find the reference and serial numbers of my Breitling watch?

Both the reference number and serial number can be found on the underside of your watch’s case. The reference number is a 12-digit code made up of numbers and letters, for example A2332212/B635, while the length of the serial number can vary from model to model.

What do the reference and serial numbers mean?

While the production series reference number is of great importance, a serial number is usually just a unique number identifying a particular watch. It is only really meaningful to Breitling, who can use it to track the sales and lifespan of an individual watch.

The reference number, on the other hand, is more of a code, with each digit providing information about the watch type, movement and certification. The reference number can be interpreted as follows:

Numeral Meaning Sample References 1 Case/Bezel Material – Single Letter A – Steel Bezel/B Case – Steel Bezel/Case/Golden Tabs C – Rose Gold Bezel/Steel Case D – Yellow Gold Bezel/Steel Case E – Titanium Bezel/Case F – 18kt/titanium bezel G – white gold bezel/steel H – 18kt rose gold bezel/case J – 18kt white gold bezel/case K – 18kt yellow gold bezel/case L – platinum bezel/case Steel M – Black Steel Bezel/Case N – Carbon Case P – Platinum Bezel/Steel Case R – Rose Gold Bezel/Case T – Palladium Bezel/Case V – Black Titanium Bezel/Case X – Breitlight® Case Y – Ceramic Bezel/Steel Case 2 & 3 Movement (Cal ) pre-owned – two numbers or letters 10-49 – mechanical movements 50+ – quartz movements

: Many modern Breitling watches use in-house movements, marked BXX (a B and two numbers). These movements are always COSC certified, so the extra digit identifying the movement replaces the fourth COSC certified number (below).

4 COSC Certified – Single Number 0 – Non-COSC Certified 3 – COSC Certified 5 & 6 Model Type – Two Numbers Two numbers with no pattern are used to represent the model type. 7 & 8 Surface Type – Two Numerals 10 – Satin/Brushed/Titanium Finish 11 – No Special Finish 12 – Polished Finish 13 – Satin & Polished Finish 53 – Diamond Bezel 9 Dial Color – Single Letter A – Mother of Pearl, White, Beige, Ivory, Arctic B – Black, Charcoal, Jet Black, Royal Ebony C – Blue, Moroccan Blue, Meteor, Neptune Blue, Peacock Blue E – Rhodium F – Slate, Slate Gray G – Silver, Silver Storm H – Champagne, Amber, Desert Dune I – Yellow J – Smoky Gray K – Red, Burgundy, Sunset, Pink L – Green, Turquoise, Laurel Green, Spruce M – Graphite, Titanium O – Coral Q – Bronze, Havana, Gray Violet, Burnt Oak 10, 11 & 12 Dial Design – Three Digits Three unpatterned digits are used, to represent the model type.

Here’s an example of how to break down a code:

AB011012/BF76 – Breitling Chronomat 44 in polished steel

A – Steel bezel/case

B01 – manufacture movement (COSC certified)

10 – model type

12 – Polished finish

B – Black dial color

F76 – Select theme code

Can I tell how old my Breitling is by the serial or reference number?

Although these numbers contain quite a bit of information, they do not contain the date of manufacture of the watch. Also, the serial numbers cannot be dated like Rolex or Omega watches.

In recent years, however, Breitling has begun to label its watches with production dates. This means that if you have a fairly recent watch from the brand, you can probably find out exactly when it was made.

The date stamps are encoded into a four digit number representing the week and year the watch was manufactured. The first two numbers indicate the week (1-52) and the last two mark the year, so for example 1213 would mean the twelfth week (March) of 2013.

Where can I find the date stamp on my Breitling watch?

The date stamp of your Breitling watch is located on the case between the lower lugs (the parts that attach the band or bracelet). To reveal this part of the case you will need to remove your band or bracelet. If you have never taken off a watch band before, we recommend that you visit a trusted jeweler who has special tools.

Do fake Breitling watches have serial numbers?

In recent years, the market has been flooded with counterfeit Breitling watches, some with serial numbers and some not. All genuine Breitling watches have a serial number and reference number as described above, so this is the first thing you should check if you are unsure of the authenticity of your watch.

Although many cheaper knockoffs don’t bother with serial numbers, more expensive replicas often have all the standard engravings on their case, making it harder to tell the difference. Most Breitlings have the serial number and reference listed in the documentation that accompanies the watch. So check that they match the numbers on your case. If not, you may own a replica. It’s also worth looking up your serial number online as many fakes use the same serial number to try to spoof authenticity. Watch sites and forums often display these numbers to help.

If you’re still not sure, you can check the numbers at Breitling themselves, which can confirm if it’s a genuine watch. You can also take your watch to a jeweler you trust to have it appraised.

Do you want to sell your Breitling watch?

Now that you know how to find out how old your Breitling watch is and whether it’s real or not, you might be interested in how much it’s worth.

Here at Est1897 we have a team of watch experts who can accurately assess any Breitling watch. If you wish, you can complete the sale of your watch quickly and easily with our Sell My Watch service.

We also have a selection of pre-owned Breitling watches which may be of interest if you are looking to add a new luxury watch to your collection. Contact us today if you have any questions about this guide or would like to learn more about our services.

Breitling reference numbers How to read a Breitling reference number

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Your reference number: Information about your watch appears here. Information about your watch:

explanation

Breitling uses reference numbers to uniquely identify its models. Every model within a production series is given the same reference number, which means that the design, materials and movement type are exactly the same (apart from the dial colour, sometimes the hands and of course the strap).

The serial number, in addition to the reference number, ensures that no 2 watches bear the same numbers, even if they are physically identical.

Reference and serial numbers on the case back of a Breitling Navitimer

Please note that Breitling has had many different ways of selecting reference numbers over the years. The memo displayed below is for modern watches (1991 onwards) and may not be entirely accurate.

Regulation (since 1991)

Examples of six-digit Breitling reference numbers:

A 68 3 62 (identifying the non-SuperQuartz COSC certified B-1)

(indicates the COSC-certified B-1 without SuperQuartz) A B01 10 (indicates the Chronomat 44 with manufacture movement)

First Digit Case Material: Breitling Material Codes Letter Material A Stainless Steel B SS with 18k Yellow Gold Rider C SS with 18k Rose Gold Bezel D SS with 18k Yellow Gold Bezel E Titanium F Titanium with 18k Yellow Gold Rider) H Solid Rose Gold J Solid White Gold K Solid Yellow Gold L Platinum M “Black” Steel P Stainless Steel with Platinum Bezel R Solid Rose Gold V “Black” Titanium W Stainless Steel with Tungsten Carbide Bezel X Breitlight® 2nd+3rd digit caliber number (50 and up indicates a quartz movement).

Note that on the new manufacture movements, a B is added directly before the caliber number (e.g. B01). Otherwise, the movement base is sourced from an outside supplier and often modified to improve chronometric performance, appearance, or to add a complication. (The table below relies heavily on the list of “buffmen”.) Breitling movement bases Non-manufacture caliber number Base movement (and additional complications, if applicable) 10 ETA 2892A2 11 Lemania 1873 12 Lemania 1873, with a 24-hour cycle 13 ETA 7750 Valjoux 14 ETA 2892A2, with date/12-hour chronograph module; or ETA 2897 15 ETA 2892A2, with GMT/day/night/calendar module 17 ETA 2824 / 2824-2 18 ETA 2892A2, with 12-hour chronograph/moon phase/perpetual calendar module 19 ETA 2892A2, with 12-hour Chronograph / moon phase / 4-year calendar module 20 ETA 7750 Valjoux, with second time zone complication 21 ETA 7751 Valjoux 22 ETA 2892A2, with flyback 12-hour chronograph module and 24-hour cycle 23 ETA 7753 Valjoux 24 ETA 7754 Valjoux 26 ETA 2892A2 , with chronograph module (?) 27 ETA 2892A2, with date/chronograph module with central minute-seconds and combined minutes-seconds sub-dial 30 ETA 2892A2, with date/12-hour chronograph module 32 ETA 2892A2, with GMT Complication 33 ETA 2892A2, with 3-hour chronograph/date sub-dial module 34 Frédéric Piguet 1186 35 ETA 2892A2 (with 3-hour flyback chronograph module 36 ETA 2892A2 (with 10-minute timer, 3-hour chronograph module 37 ETA 2895 -2 38 ETA 2892A2, with 12-hour chronograph/4-year calendar module 39 ETA 28 92A2, with 24-hour display / combined minutes-hours 12-hour chronograph module 40 ETA 2892A2, with 3-hour chronograph module, no date 41 ETA 2892A2, with 12-hour chronograph module 42 ETA 2892A2, with 3-hour Chronograph module 43 ETA 7758 Valjoux 44 ETA 2892A2, with big date/12-hour chronograph module 45 ETA 2834-2 47 ETA 2892A2, with date/GMT/6-hour chronograph module 48 ETA 7763 Valjoux 49 ETA 2896 51 Miyota Y652 52 ETA2 53.1 ETA 251.262 55 Piguet MecaQuartz 1270 56 ETA 988.332 57 ETA 955.412 58 ETA 955.112 59 Miyota C3510 61 Ronda 732 64 ETA 955.612 65 ETA 998.332 67 ETA 956.612 68 ETA E20.331 69 Piguet MecaQuartz 1271 72 ETA Thermoline 956.152 73 ETA Thermoline 251.232 74 ETA Thermoline 955.652 75 ETA Thermoline 988.352 76 ETA Thermoline 988.352 77 ETA Thermoline 956.652 78 ETA Thermoline E20.341 4th digit For a third-party work: 0 means that it is not COSC-certified; 3 means it is. (But there are a few exceptions; for example, a non-COSC certified Astromat model has a 4; a non-COSC Emergency model has a 1.) 5th + 6th digit Short model number

Important: with the in-house calibers B01, B02 etc., the caliber number actually has 3 digits (e.g. AB0131) and there is no information about the COSC certification (is not required because all are certified).

The full reference number includes an additional series of numbers (and sometimes letters) to identify the type of bracelet.

A13352-355, for example, indicates a stainless steel chronomat with a pilot’s bracelet.

Some models have a .1 suffix to indicate some improvements have been made over the previous model. In particular, this has been observed in 13050.1 Chronomats, 12023.1 Cosmonauts, but the nature of the improvement has not been officially stated (in this case it may be the use of Super-LumiNova pigments).

Look for a reference number

The Breitling reference number search engine is an ongoing effort. The aim is to collect data on previous and existing Breitling models (including but not limited to price and production date).

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Breitling watches have been valued by adventurers and connoisseurs alike for 130 years. Their history of fine engineering and precision manufacturing has built their reputation as one of the finest Swiss brands. A long association with aviation has made Breitling the choice of many intrepid explorers. Their watches have flown above the clouds, plunged to the depths of the ocean, and even been launched into space (on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter).

If you are lucky enough to own a Breitling, you may be wondering what it would be worth in today’s market. Here at Crown & Caliber we handle and value many valuable timepieces every day and over the years have built a thorough understanding of what makes the pre-owned watch market tick. Our passion for fine timepieces has given us the opportunity to encounter luxury timepieces across the value spectrum. When a watch owner asks us, “How much is my Breitling worth?” we look at three different factors:

model counts.

Hundreds of Breitling models have been made over the decades, and each has a unique value that can range from around $1000s to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are not sure which model you own, first check the documentation that came with your watch. If it’s not available, you need to look deeper. Current Breitlings from the 1970s all carry a reference number consisting of one letter and five digits. Older models use a variety of serial number configurations. It is best to take your watch to a professional who can find and interpret your watch’s identification number.

age estimates.

The value of Breitling watches also depends on when they were made. For many models, the older your watch is, the more valuable it can be. Vintage is king, provided the watch has been well cared for.

Condition counts.

Scratches, dents, discoloration or damage will lower the price of your watch. Broadly speaking, Breitling watches are extremely robust, but accidents happen. Be careful when getting the watch repaired and only go to a certified dealer: non-genuine parts and unprofessional repairs can end up costing you a lot more by devaluing your watch.

Paperwork pays off

The original documentation and the original watch contribute to the resale value of your Breitling watch. Not only is it the best way to prove authenticity, it also preserves the history of the watch.

The delivery of the box with the watch also increases its value. The box can act as a storage unit for the watch when not being worn, and many watch lovers are willing to pay more for a watch to have its original box.

Crown & Caliber knows that luxury watches mean a lot to their owners and that style and emotional value are important factors in determining what a watch is worth to you. Markets fluctuate and so does the financial value of each watch. Still, a nice watch like a Breitling will generally hold its resale value quite well over the years, and whether you bought it as an investment or are considering an upgrade, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. If you want a professional valuation of your watch, you can request a quote from our specialists. We can determine the current value of your watch and help you sell it at the highest possible price.

Back in April, Breitling CEO Georges Kern announced on Instagram Live that the company would stop using boxes and papers to certify its watches to reduce environmental waste. The industry is already woefully behind in its efforts to promote sustainability and eco-friendly practices, so this is a huge step forward for a Swiss watch manufacturer sure to appeal to its millennial audience. But other customers, accustomed to relying on boxes and papers to add value to timepieces, may need time to embrace the new initiative: typically, a watch sold without its physical box and papers is worth less. Breitling packaging can sell for over $200 on eBay for watch enthusiasts looking to replace lost boxes or increase the resale value of a used model.

From now on, every watch sold by the brand will come with a blockchain technology digital “passport” linking each piece to its digital guarantee program. Not only can customers extend their warranties, but they can also request service and track repairs, as well as purchase insurance to protect against theft or loss. Another big selling point is that owners can guarantee authenticity if they ever wish to trade or sell in the secondary market.

So how does it work? The certificate can be sent securely by bank transfer to the new owner, whose details will be logged in the digital passport, so even if the piece has been changed several times, there is an easily accessible track record of its authenticity, also confirming it has not been stolen.

The pass can be accessed by scanning the QR code from the watch’s warranty card, but owners can also register their Breitling manually by providing the model’s reference and serial number, which can be found on the back of the watch. While it’s currently only available on new models, Breitling plans to extend digital certification to older models from mid-January 2021.

CLOCK

Although the new program means your next Breitling piece will no longer come with physical paperwork (packaging changes are also said to be coming soon), the ease of use of a digital tracker rather than having to wait for the company to offer verification via E -Mail, should offer some level of convenience to consumers (including the need not to have to follow paper trails). And since Richemont began testing its own blockchain tracking technology with Vacheron Constantin last year, we expect the rest of the industry to follow soon.

Swiss watchmaking is at the pinnacle of watch mechanics and Breitling is one of the standard bearers of this luxury men’s watch industry. Back when aviators were adventurers reaching new exotic frontiers, you could bet your watch of choice was a Breitling chronometer.

The Navitimer model is a great example of this golden age, which was a popular part of men’s accessories. The Breitling Cosmonaute even flew into space aboard the Aurora 7 spacecraft in 1962. Breitlings are famous for their mechanically driven automatic winding, their robust and exquisite cases and their large dials.

Breitling watches are so sought after that there are many trying to sell cheap pretenders. However, the quality and finish of a luxurious and timeless Breitling cannot be reproduced and with some educated observation you can spot a fake Breitling watch.

Discover a fake Breitling watch

1. Fill up research

Before you start looking for a Breitling watch, it is important to do your basic research. Are you looking for a specific model? Check out some authenticated models online to get an idea of ​​what to expect. Here’s a track from Blue Impulse. Note the screw in bezel and details on the metal band. The 18k gold and steel Astromat is another popular Breitling watch. Note the fine details, including the B elegantly carved into the seconds hand.

2. The face

A closer look at the dial will help you spot a fake Breitling watch easily. The Breitling name below the anchor and wing logo is always engraved on the face. If the watch you are looking at has a fuzzy print or the font is a bit too big, it is not an original. Also, in an authentic logo, there is a space between the wings and the anchor. You also need to look out for a small anchor symbol on the seconds hand. The anchor should have sharp points and the inside of the B above it should be close to the stem. The center pin holding the hands should be the same color as the hands.

3. The chronograph details

Breitlings are chronographs and the sub-dials are used for other timekeeping purposes. A Breitling watch’s calendar, if the model has one, is displayed in a separate window. Many Breitling fakes are caught due to this detail. You have the display of the calendar (day and month) on the sub-dials. There are some fakes with the separate window, but the clarity and magnification will be below average.

4. Catch up on the foreign languages

The most basic first round of analysis would be spelling. There are many non-English words engraved on the back of the watch, and fakes can sometimes have glaring errors. Refer to an original image to compare and check for errors.

5. Find out about the basics of Breitling

When you come across an open-hearted Breitling watch, you are either looking at a very rare Bentley Mulliner model or it is a fake. In this case, it’s always good to start with some caution. Breitling seconds hands move with the unmistakable and steady ticking of a mechanical movement. Most fakes will be automatic, so the movement will be continuous movement. There are automatic Breitling models out there, so you need to know these details thoroughly in case you come across one of them.

The serial number of Breitling men’s watches is usually stamped on the strap, or if it’s a leather strap, it’s on the back of the watch. The same goes for the model number. Check the model and serial number with a trusted source to make sure it’s not a fake. If the strap is leather, look for the terms cuir veritable or croco veritable, which means real leather or real crocodile leather, respectively. A Breitling watch has high performance components of very high quality and the average weight is between 90 and 120 grams. However, this is only an indicator as many fakes might contain additional parts just to measure themselves.

6. The Breitling finish

A Breitling watch is a possession that is likely to be passed on to generations. The processing of a Breitling watch and the quality of its components are designed for a very long service life. Watch out for anything that seems odd, such as a bezel that doesn’t blend seamlessly into the design. Breitling crystals reflect a bluish-purple light, so this is another box to tick while authenticating a watch.

7. The glare

Breitling watches have many crafty touches that fakes will not boast. One is anti-glare coating on a Breitling crystal to reduce facial glare. If the watch you’re examining emits a very bright glow when reflected off a light source, you can bet it’s a fake.

8. A collector’s treasure

One of Breitling’s popular men’s watches is the Emergency, which was one of the first watches to have an emergency transmitter. This gold and steel chronometer is a perfect example of Breitling watch craftsmanship. The Superocean and the Chronomat are other legendary Breitling models. When you buy a new Breitling make sure you get a certificate of authenticity and having the same available on a pre-owned model makes your authentication job a lot easier. Buy from trusted sellers with a good history and dedication to luxury collectibles.

“Swiss made” is not a term casually tossed around in the watchmaking world. The epitome of craftsmanship is often represented by a watch made in the picturesque cantons of this landlocked country. Grechen-based Breitling has been raising the bar for precision instruments since its founding in 1884, encouraged by a typically Swiss approach to design and luxurious craftsmanship. Owning a Breitling is like owning a treasure, a collector’s favorite and a symbol of wealthy and discerning taste. Enjoy the feel, look and mechanism of this iconic watch.

ALSO READ: Top 5 Cartier Watch Collections

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known for its chronographs

For the aerobatic team, see Breitling Jet Team

Breitling SA (German pronunciation: [ˈbraɪtlɪŋ]) is a Swiss luxury watchmaker based in Grenchen, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Breitling is known for precision-made chronometers for aviators.

history [edit]

Breitling Cosmonaute in the Aurora 7 spacecraft on May 24, 1962. Astronaut Scott Carpenter on May 24, 1962 inside the spacecraft.

Breitling SA was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier in the Bernese Jura.[1] When Léon Breitling died in 1914, the business passed to his son Gaston and then to his son Willy in 1935. Willy’s children were not interested in continuing the family business, so the Breitling factory in La Chaux de Fonds closed in December 1978. Willy, already in poor health, died in May 1979.

Ernst Schneider, owner of the Sicura company in Grenchen, bought the Breitling name from the founding Breitling family in 1979. The production of “Breitling” watches was then moved to the Sicura factory, which later changed its name to Montres Breitling AG and then Breitling AG in 1994. The Schneider family retained ownership until April 2017. Ernst’s son, Theodore Schneider, sold majority stake (80%) in Breitling for over $870 million to CVC Capital Partners. Theodore Schneider retained 20% control of Breitling until November 2018 when he sold that remaining 20% ​​to CVC.[2][3] In the past, Breitling has sourced movements from suppliers such as Valjoux, ETA and Venus, rather than producing movements in-house. In 2009, Breitling developed the B01, an in-house self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement that was used in the Breitling Chronomat 01 and later the Navitimer 01.[4]

Products [ edit ]

The company equips all of its watches with mechanical or quartz movements that are chronometer-certified by the COSC.[5] Watches are usually marketed for either diving (SuperOcean) or aviation (Navitimer). Flight models such as the Navitimer largely offer flight functions as complications since their function in aviation has largely been replaced by modern electronic instruments. The styling of the Breitling watches features polished cases, bracelets, and large dials designed to improve legibility. Many models have a purely mechanical (i.e. no electronic components) self-winding mechanism and often have complications. Breitling has also supported pilots with group orders personalized with logos. By the 1990s the use of logos for military aviation customers had also spread to various unit logos on the Aerospace and Chronospace Auto models, primarily those of squadrons and usually part of a group purchase by the pilots and navigators/flight officers of that particular unit 6]

Navitimer[edit]

In the 1940s, Breitling added a circular slide rule to the bezel of its Chronomat models, which could be used as a slider. This bezel was most associated with the Navitimer, released in 1954. The name Navitimer comes from two words used to describe its purpose: navigation and timer.[7] A version of the Navitimer with the AOPA logo on the dial was offered by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1961, Scott Carpenter, one of the first astronauts in the Mercury space program, approached Breitling with the idea of ​​incorporating a 24-hour dial instead of the normal 12-hour dial. This was needed because of the lack of day and night during spaceflight. Breitling complied, producing the 24-hour Navitimer that Carpenter wore on his space flight in 1962. Breitling then produced a commercial version of the 24-hour version as the so-called Cosmonaute Navitimer – under both Breitling and AOPA logos.[8] The first automatic Navitimer chronograph was presented to the public in 1969. The movement was jointly developed by Breitling, Dubois-Depraz, Heuer and Hamilton.[7]

Chronomat[edit]

The Chronomat is a line of Breitling collections that was first released in 1942[9] and remains one of the best-selling models ever made by the Swiss manufacturer.[10]

The first Chronomat had a circular slide rule and its design followed the excitement of the military watch era.[9] The movement of the first Chronomat was the Venus 175 with 17 jewels, a hand-wound movement.

The current Chronomat was released in 2009 and was the first fully Breitling watch to feature the in-house caliber B01.[11] The B01 movement has a power reserve of 70 hours and is COSC certified.[12]

emergency [edit]

Breitling’s emergency watch contains a civil aviation radio transmitter that transmits on the distress frequency of 121.5 MHz and serves as a backup for ELT-type aircraft beacons.[13] For military users, the Emergency features a miniaturized transmitter that operates on the 243.0 MHz military aviation emergency frequency. Under normal conditions—flat terrain or calm seas—the signal can be picked up up to 90 nautical miles (170 km) away by search planes flying at 20,000 feet (6,100 m).[14] As of February 1, 2009, the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system no longer monitors the 121.5/243.0 MHz frequency; However, the signal sent by the Emergency was never strong enough to be received by satellites and Breitling has announced that there are no plans as these frequencies continue to be monitored by aviation, particularly during the localization phase of a rescue attempt to change the frequency of the signal. [citation required]

Reuters reported that in January 2003, two British pilots, Squadron Leader Steve Brooks and Flight Lieutenant Hugh Quentin-Smith, crashed their helicopter in Antarctica and were rescued after activating their Breitling emergency transmitter watches.[15]

Emergency is available to customers who do not have a pilot’s license, but they must sign an agreement that they will pay the full cost of a rescue call if they activate the distress signal.

The model was heavily promoted by the Breitling Orbiter 3 – both Brian Jones and Bertrand Piccard wore the Emergency. Breitling sponsored the Orbiter 3 project, which in 1999 became the first balloon to completely orbit the earth without landing. An Orbiter 3 commemorative version of the Emergency watch was subsequently produced with a run of 1,999.

Emergency II[ edit ]

In April 2013, Breitling announced a new version of the emergency watch.[16] This upgrade broadcasts on the 121.5MHz frequency but adds the 406.04MHz signal monitored by satellites. It has a separate rechargeable battery for the transmitter.

Breitling for Bentley[ edit ]

In 2002, Breitling designed the dashboard clock for the Bentley Continental GT.[17] The following year, Breitling began manufacturing chronographs for Bentley Motors. As part of the 10th anniversary of a Breitling-Bentley partnership, the Bentley B04 GMT, B05 Unitime and B06 (based on the COSC-certified Breitling caliber B04, B05 and B06 respectively) were produced.[18] In 2015, Breitling designed the Mulliner Tourbillon dashboard clock for the Bentley Bentayga, which rotates three times every 15 minutes.[19]

Versions[edit]

Breitling Aerospace Avantage with titanium case. Breitling Navitimer wristwatch with circular slide rule. Breitling Emergency wristwatch. Breitling Chronomat Blackbird.

Breitling sponsors aeronautical projects including the first flight around the world in a balloon (Breitling Orbiter), Yves Rossy’s fixed-wing jetpack flights, aerobatic teams such as the Breitling Jet Team and Breitling Wingwalkers, and the Reno Air Races from 2002 to 2015. Breitling sponsored Team Bentley during the Le Mans 24 Hours campaign, which ran from 2001 to 2003.

In popular culture[edit]

In the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball, Q gives Bond a Breitling Top Time that includes a Geiger counter that allows Bond to track two stolen nuclear warheads. After the film was made, the watch disappeared and later reappeared at a flea market in England in 2012, where it was bought for GB£25. It was later sold at Christie’s auction house for over GB£100,000.

Jerry Seinfeld wears either a Navitimer or a Chronomat in almost every episode of the TV series Seinfeld, and frequently appeared wearing the Navitimer in promotional photos for the later seasons of the series. As of 2019, he still owns the watches shown on screen.

See also[edit]

After almost two decades, Breitling and Bentley represent the world’s longest-standing partnership for luxury automobiles and watches

With manufacturing of the last Bentley Breitling Tourbillon complete, the two brands look back on their best-in-class union and significant shared achievements

Bentley and Breitling began their partnership in 2002 when Bentley designed the iconic Continental GT and its signature Breitling dashboard clock

The two brands separate and celebrate 19 years of exceptional wristwatches, on-board clocks, events and experiences

(Crewe, August 3, 2021) Swiss watch brand Breitling and British luxury carmaker Bentley have been working together for 19 years, the longest-ever partnership between a watch brand and a luxury carmaker. The partnership began in 2002 when Bentley and Breitling came together to design the dashboard clock for the first-ever Bentley Continental GT, which debuted in 2003. Since then, the partnership has created some of the most notable watches in Breitling history. The last Bentley Breitling Tourbillon now leaves the factory – destined to be an iconic collector’s watch for generations to come – and represents the final collaboration between the two brands.

Over the past two decades, Bentley and Breitling have together achieved exceptional levels of luxury for their customers. Today they announce that they will split up at the end of 2021 and remain firm friends after sharing many experiences and successes together.

Some of the most memorable collaborations between the two brands are: the Breitling Bentley Supersports Light Body watch, the Breitling Bentley GT3 Limited Edition, the Bentayga Dashboard Tourbillon watch, the Continental GT Speed ​​Breitling Jet Team Series, the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green and the Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition.

In April 2021, the new Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited Edition was launched, joining a number of other collaborations between the two brands. The final piece of this latest timepiece is now complete and will soon be enjoyed by its new owner.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, commented: “The longstanding collaboration between Bentley and Breitling has shown that authentic collaboration between two like-minded brands enhances the performance of both. We look back on the past two decades with great affection and send our heartiest congratulations to the Breitling team for the future.”

Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling said: “We are proud of what we have achieved together and after 19 years, Breitling and Bentley embark on their own new journey. I know Bentley will continue to define excellence in the automotive industry. The last Bentley Tourbillon to leave our factory is a moment of positive reflection for all of us.”

It’s time to look back at some of the highlights of the last two decades. The partnership can be traced back to 2002 when Bentley designed the car that would later become the Continental GT. Bentley commissioned Breitling to create an onboard clock that would reflect the unparalleled luxury, quality and performance of the new grand tourer that debuted in 2003.

Breitling’s official sponsorship of Team Bentley at the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a highlight for both brands. Bentley returned to Le Mans in 2003, where the famous “Bentley Boys” had achieved their greatest victories in the late 1920s. Breitling was the proud main sponsor of Team Bentley and celebrated this with the Bentley Le Mans Limited Edition Chronograph.

Bentley’s high-speed performance wasn’t limited to the race track. In 2011, a special version of the Bentley Continental GTC Supersports set a new world record on ice when driver Juha Kankkunen, wearing a limited edition Breitling Bentley Supersports Light Body watch, achieved a speed of 205 mph (331 km/h) and shattered the previous record set by Bentley four years earlier. The trip took place on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea.

In 2014, Bentley successfully returned to motorsport competition in the GT3 category with its high-performance speed machine, the Continental GT3, which enjoyed numerous podium finishes. Breitling’s limited-edition Bentley GT3 watch, launched a year later, featured a sporty black titanium case and race-car-inspired carbon fiber dial.

In the same year, Breitling also created a dashboard watch with a tourbillon complication for the ultimate luxury SUV, the Bentley Bentayga. In fact, this is the most valuable part Bentley has ever put on a car, apart from the cars themselves! It’s products like these that demonstrate the power of the two brands’ joint effort.

In 2015, Breitilng and Bentley introduced the Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​Breitling Jet Team Series at the Seattle Boeing Seafair Airshow. As a tribute to the team’s engineers, air traffic controllers and pilots, a limited edition of just seven completely unique Bentley Continental GT Speeds was commissioned by Breitling. The magnificent seven cars sported two-tone Onyx and Hallmark exterior colors to reflect the striking Breitling jet livery.

In 2018, Breitling launched the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green. Powered by Breitling’s flagship Manufacture Caliber 01, the in-house mechanical movement, visible through a unique transparent case back featuring a metalized Bentley logo. These watches also feature an engraved plate with a “Bentley” inscription inspired by the dashboard of the historic 1929 supercharged “Blower” Bentley.

A year later, to mark Bentley’s centenary and to celebrate 100 years of excellence in its partner’s luxury automobile, Breitling launched the Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition. They were made in 18K red gold and stainless steel versions and featured unique brown elm dials, a nod to the wood inserts in their Continental GT Number 9 Edition, derived from the seat of Sir Tim Birkin’s iconic 1930 Bentley Blower.

As Breitling and Bentley’s journey together draws to a close after almost two decades, it is fitting that the final chapter should be defined by the ultimate in luxury watchmaking, the Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited Edition, presented in an exclusive series of 25 pieces pieces are produced. The last piece of the series is now on its way to its owner. It marks the fitting conclusion of a partnership that has always been characterized by the shared commitment of two great brands to pioneering spirit, craftsmanship, exquisite design and technological excellence.

– END –

Notes for editors

Bentley engines

Bentley Motors is the most desirable luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe hosts all of its activities, including design, research and development, engineering and production of the company’s three model ranges, Bentayga, Continental and Flying Spur. The combination of fine craftsmanship with skills passed down through generations, technical know-how and cutting-edge technology is unique to British luxury car brands like Bentley. It is also an example of quality British manufacturing at its finest. Bentley employs around 4,000 people in Crewe.

Breitling

Since 1884, Breitling has built a worldwide reputation for high-precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the brand’s storied association with aviation, Breitling has shared the finest moments of mankind’s conquest of the skies. Known for its innovative spirit, it has also earned a privileged place in the world of science, sport and technology. Breitling manufactures its own movements in-house and, like the movements of all Breitling watches, the quality of each one is attested by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, made in Switzerland.

A pocket watch by Patek Philippe

This list of the most expensive watches at auction documents watches sold at auction worldwide for at least US$1.5 million. The final price shown is the total price paid by the buyer, converted to US dollars according to the exchange rate at the time of the auction. This price is the sum of the hammer price (i.e. the highest bid or selling price at the auction) plus any buyer’s premium paid to the auction houses (if any and in accordance with the rates charged by the relevant auction house). [1][2] While buyer rates vary between auction houses (rates may also vary within each auction house depending on the type of lot and its value), most auction houses publish their results including the buyer premium and the following rankings are therefore based on the dated Total price paid by the buyer: for the watch itself (hammer price or sale price) and for the services and administration costs of the auction house (buyer’s premium). Inflation-adjusted prices are also included for reference. If a watch has been auctioned several times, only the highest final price will be considered. Finally, all auctioned watches without public online records from auctioneers (e.g. major auction houses) will not be included in the ranking.

As of December 2021, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. is the most expensive watch (and wristwatch) ever sold at auction. 6300A-010, which fetched $31.19 million (31,000,000 CHF) in Geneva on November 9, 2019.[3][4] The most expensive pocket watch ever sold at auction is the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication, which fetched US$23.98 million (CHF23,237,000) on November 11, 2014 in Geneva.[5][6][7][ 8th]

As of December 2021, at least 101 watches have been auctioned for over US$2 million and at least 160 watches for over US$1.5 million. Among the top 10 of these watches are eight watches from Patek Philippe and two watches from Rolex.

Summary (as of December 2021) [ edit ]

Auction records [ edit ]

Worldwide : The most expensive watch ever sold at auction worldwide is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300A-010, which fetched US$31.19 million (31,000,000 CHF) in Geneva on November 9, 2019 (by Christie’s) . [3] [4]

: The most expensive watch ever sold at auction worldwide is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300A-010, which fetched US$31.19 million (31,000,000 CHF) in Geneva on November 9, 2019 (by Christie’s). Asia: The most expensive watch ever auctioned in Asia is the Patek Philipe Gobbi Milan Double Signed “Heures Universelles” Ref. 2523, which fetched US$8.967 million (HKD70,175,000) on November 23, 2019 in Hong Kong ( from Christie’s). [9] [10]

: The most expensive watch ever auctioned in Asia is the Patek Philipe Double Signed “Heures Universelles” Ref. 2523, which fetched US$8.967 million (HKD70,175,000) on November 23, 2019 in Hong Kong (by Christie’s) . Europe: The most expensive watch ever auctioned in Europe is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300A-010, which fetched US$31.19 million (31,000,000 CHF) on November 9, 2019 in Geneva (by Christie’s). [3] [4]

The most expensive watch ever auctioned in Europe is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300A-010, which fetched US$31.19 million (31,000,000 CHF) in Geneva on November 9, 2019 (by Christie’s). North America: The most expensive watch ever sold at auction in North America is Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, which fetched $17.75 million in New York on October 26, 2017 (from Phillips).[11]

Auction houses[ edit ]

The table below shows the breakdown of the auction houses that have sold the most expensive watches at auction (for at least $2 million). As of December 2021, there are at least six auction houses that have sold watches for no less than $2 million: Christie’s, Phillips, Antiquorum, Sotheby’s, Audemars Piguet, and Poly Auction.[12]

A Patek Philippe chronograph watch

Ranking range Christie’s Phillips Sotheby’s Antiquorum Audemars Piguet Poly Auction 1st – 101st 38 51 12 9 1 1st

The table below has a threshold of $1.5 million.

Ranking range Christie’s Phillips Antiquorum Sotheby’s Poly Auction RR Auction Audemars Piguet 1st – 160th 57 70 17 17 1 1 1st

Manufacturer [edit]

The table below shows the make distribution of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction (for at least $2 million). As of December 2021, there are fourteen manufacturers that have produced watches that have been auctioned for at least $2 million: Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet, Audemars Piguet, Philippe Dufour, F.P. Journe, George Daniels, Richard Mille, URWERK, Zenith, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Tag Heuer, Jehan Cremsdorff (Paris) and attributed to Piguet & Capt. Philippe Dufour, F.P. Journe, George Daniels, Richard Mille, URWERK, Jehan Cremsdorff and Attributed to Piguet & Capt are independent watchmakers.[13]

A Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 wristwatch

Ranking Patek Philippe Rolex Breguet George Daniels F.P. Journe Philippe Dufour Audemars Piguet Richard Mille Omega URWERK Vacheron Constantin Jehan Cremsdorff Zenith Tag Heuer 1st – 10th 9 1 1st – 101st 86 10 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1st

The table below has a threshold of $1.5 million. Two other manufacturers are added: Chopard and Bulova

Manufacturers with more than one piece ranked area Patek Philippe Rolex Breguet Vacheron Constantin George Daniels F.P. Journe Philippe Dufour Audemars Piguet Richard Mille Omega 1st – 160th 115 18 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2nd

Manufacturers with only one piece Ranking range URWERK Jehan Cremsdorff Chopard Zenith Bulova Tag Heuer Attributed to Piguet & Capt 1st – 160th 1 1 1 1 1 1 1st

Ranking (as of December 2021) [ edit ]

Top 101[edit]

The table below details the 101 watches that have sold at auction for at least $2 million, ranked by their original auction prices. The inflation-adjusted price is the inflation-adjusted value of the consumer price index in US dollars in 2021.

The table below details the watches that have sold for nearly $2 million (but not reached) at auction, ranked by their original auction prices. The threshold is $1.5 million. The inflation-adjusted price is the inflation-adjusted value of the consumer price index in US dollars in 2021.

Provisional list (January – December 2022) [ edit ]

The table below provides details of the latest auction results from January to December 2022. The information will be updated in the main list at the end of the year.

Rank Manufacturer Watch model Style Price new (USD million) Adjusted price (USD million) Auction date Auction location Auction house Ref. no. 1 Patek Philippe Gobbi Milano pink gold Ref. 2499 1957 Wrist 7,680 7.68 04/25/2022 Hong Kong Sotheby’s [230] 2 Patek Philippe Pink Ref. 1518 1947 Wrist 3.330 3.33 08/05/2022 Geneva Phillips [231] 3 Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002R-001 2010 Wrist 3.114 3.11 24/05/2022 Hong Kong Christie’s [232] 4 Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Luminous Ref. 2499 1958 Wrist 2.977 2.98 25/04/2022 Hong Kong Sotheby’s [233] 5 Patek Philippe pink gold Ref. 1518 1958 Wrist 2,900 2.9 04/25/2022 Hong Kong Sotheby’s [234] 6 Patek Philippe Ref. 3974 1990 Wrist 2,498 2.5 05/27/2022 Hong Kong Phillips [235] 7 Patek Philippe Ref. 5217 2015 Wrist 2.284 2.28 04/26/2022 Hong Kong Sotheby’s [236] 8 Rolex pink gold Ref. 6062 1953 Wrist 2.271 2.27 23/04/2022 Monaco Monaco Legend Auctions [237] 9 Audemars Piguet Gérald Genta Royal Oak Ref. 5402 1978 Wrist 2.107 2.11 10/05/2022 Geneva Sotheby’s [238] 10 Patek Philippe World Map Ref. 605HU 1948 Pocket 2.045 2.05 05/24/2022 Hong Kong Christie’s [239] 11 Rolex Eric Clapton Crazy Doc Ref. 6239 1968 Wrist 1.743 1.74 07/05/2022 Geneva Phillips [240] 12 Cartier Cartier London Crash 1967 Wrist 1.654 1.65 05/05/2022 Online Lupe This [241] 13 Rolex Jack of All Diamonds Daytona Ref. 6269 1985 wrist 1.630 1.63 05/09/2022 Geneva Christie’s [242]

Unrated results[ edit ]

The table below lists some of the most expensive watches sold at auction with no public online records from auctioneers (e.g. major auction houses). This list may not be complete.

Rank Manufacturer Watch Model Style Original Price (USD Million) Adjusted Price (USD Million) Auction Date Auction Location Comments – Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5524T 2018 Wrist 2.33 2.51 10/15/2018 Geneva children’s campaign 2018 auction (with Christie’s) [243][244]

See also[edit]

Notes [edit]

^ The movement was made in 1895 and the case in 1927. ^ The movement was made in 1970 and the watch was encapsulated in 1975. ^ The movement was made in 1942 and the case in 1948. ^ The movement was made in 1951 and the watch was cased in 1957. ^ The lot included the sandals, bowl, plate and pair of glasses that belonged to Mahatma Gandhi along with his pictures and letters of authenticity issued by prominent Indian historians.

A W12 engine is a twelve-cylinder piston engine that uses a W configuration.

W12 engines with three banks of four were used by several aircraft engines from 1917 to the 1930s. A three-bank design was also used on an unsuccessful W12 engine set to compete in Formula One in 1990.

Although less commonly used in automobiles than V12 engines, a W12 petrol engine has been produced by the Volkswagen Group since 2001. This four-bank engine – based on two VR6 engines sharing a common crankshaft – was used in various cars sold under the Audi brand. Bentley and Volkswagen brands.

Aircraft engines[edit]

The Napier Lion was a three-bank W12 engine (also called the “Broad Arrow” design) produced in the United Kingdom from 1917 to the late 1930s. It had a capacity of 24 liters (1,465 cu in) and produced 336–671 kW (450–900 hp). As well as being used in various military and racing aircraft, the Lion has also been used in land speed record cars (such as the Napier-Railton and Napier-Campbell Blue Bird) and racing boats (such as the Miss Britain III).

In the 1920s, the Farman 12We aircraft engine was manufactured in France. The 12We produced 500 hp (373 kW) and was one of the company’s best-selling engines in the 1920s.

The Lorraine 12E Courlis is another W12 aircraft engine manufactured in France in the 1920s and 1930s.

Racing engines[ edit ]

For the 1990 Formula One season, Italian team Life Racing Engines built a three-bank W12 engine with a displacement of 3.5 L (214 cu in). The Life Racing Engine F35 used a central main connecting rod with a secondary rod located on each side of the main rod rather than directly on the crankpin. This meant there was no offset between the cylinders, reducing the length of the crankpins.[1] The engine was used in rounds 1–12 of the 1990 season, but was unreliable and underpowered, and the car failed to pre-qualify for races. [1] [2] [Self-published source] The W12 engine was replaced with a third-party V8 after lap 12.

Street Car Engines[edit]

The only mass-produced W12 engine is the Volkswagen 6.0 WR12 48v, a four-bank design released in 2001. This engine was used in several Audi, Bentley and Volkswagen branded models and a turbocharged version was released in 2003.

The motor is constructed by mating two narrow 15° VR6 motors with a 72° cant angle. The narrow angle of each cylinder set allows only two overhead camshafts to drive each bank pair, so the W12 engine has the same number of camshafts as a V12 engine. The W12 engine has a very compact design for a 12-cylinder engine, with the overall size of the 6.0 L (366 cu in) being smaller than the contemporary 4.2 L (256 cu in) from Volkswagen.

The first application of the Volkswagen W12 was the 2001 Volkswagen W12, a mid-engined concept car that broke the 2001 24-hour endurance world record with a distance of 7,085.7 kilometers (4,402.8 miles) and an average speed of 295 km/h (183 km/h). The first production car with a W12 engine was the Audi A8 (D2) from 2001.[4] Other cars that use the W12 engine include the 2003 Bentley Continental GT, the 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the 2015 Bentley Bentayga, the 2004–2011 Volkswagen Phaeton W12, and the 2005–2010 Volkswagen Touareg W12. The engine was also used in the small-batch 2006 Spyker C12 La Turbie and 2008 Spyker C12 Zagato sports cars.

Do you know the Bentley logo? For many car enthusiasts, the Bentley badge is more than just the badge on the back of a car, it’s a symbol of luxury and prestige. The question is, where does this identity come from and what does it mean?

The Bentley logo is a coveted insignia among classic car collectors, motor enthusiasts and fans of British manufacture.

Today we’re going to look at the history of the Bentley car logo, what it means, and why it’s become such an enduring icon.

Bentley History: The Bentley car logo today

Before we embark on a journey into Bentley’s automotive history, let’s take a look at the vehicle manufacturer’s symbol as it is today. The official Bentley logo features a row of silver wings shaped almost like an airplane pilot’s insignia, with a capital “B” emblazoned at the center.

According to Bentley, the wings on the logo are a symbol for the “heavenly”. Before Bentley began manufacturing automobiles, the organization was involved in the development of aircraft engines for World War I. The decision to use wings as a central part of the logo seems obvious for this reason.

The meaning of the “B” is obvious, but what makes the Bentley logo interesting is its versatility.

When the company started using the winged emblem, the color and number of feathers used varied depending on the version of the car. Classic cars have 14 heels on the right and 13 on the left, while Derby cars have 11 and 10.

Bentley: Brand Overview Founded: January 18, 1919 Founders: H.M. Bentley, W.O. Bentley Headquarters: Crewe, England Website: www.bentleymotors.com Logo Downloads: PNG Vector Bentley is a British automobile company founded by Walter Owen in 1919. The market seemed to be the most promising. Luxury was in high demand at the time, although Bentley struggled to immediately garner the attention it deserved. At first, Bentley cars failed in the market because of their higher price, but eventually the company’s promotional efforts, which revolved around price as an indicator of engineering excellence, paid off. As Bentley continued to produce new cars and the brand’s popularity grew, the meaning of the Bentley logo took on new forms. Manufacturers began adding different numbers of springs to the Bentley insignia to determine the type of cars. The simplest cars usually have wings with 10 feathers on each side, while asymmetric wings are more common on racing cars, as this is considered good luck.

The old Bentley logo: Bentley car symbols through the years

Part of what makes the symbol of Bentley cars so special is its longevity. The first version of the logo was created in 1919 and has remained consistent ever since.

Bentley’s wing logo has accompanied the company from the moment it began manufacturing automobiles. The only thing that has changed about this emblem is the number of feathers on the wings surrounding the capital “B”.

While the Bentley symbol may seem a bit complex compared to other logos from companies like Ford and Audi, it is a testament to the company’s artistic nature and creativity.

As other brands have simplified and modernized their logo, the Bentley crest is seen as a symbol of heritage and class. Even the capital “B” font is the same as it was over 100 years ago.

While the number of feathers on each wing varies for each car type, the Bentley logo emblem maintains a constant appearance on every vehicle produced by the marque. You may not even notice the spring difference until you look closely.

Bentley car emblem: what does the Bentley logo mean?

The Bentley emblem is an artistic expression of creativity and freedom. Like many winged logos, the Bentley logo evokes thoughts of speed and euphoria. The connection to the company’s earlier activity in aircraft development is also evident in the use of the wings.

The wings appear to be placed on a silver circle with another, smaller black circle stamped in the center. Here we see the capital “B” in a serif font with lots of bold curves. The “B” of course stands for Bentley.

The Bentley badge pays homage to speed, heritage and the freedom of the open road, but it’s also a glimpse into the brand’s unique personality.

The decision to change the number of feathers on the emblem’s wings for different cars is an interesting quirk that we wouldn’t normally see from most vehicle manufacturers.

Bentley Logo Colors: The color of the Bentley logo

The color choices of the Bentley logo, like the rest of the unique design, have remained the same since the brand’s early days.

However, it is possible to find alternate versions of the logo depending on where you look. For example, there are different contrasting versions of the logo also designed for marketing campaigns.

The most common colors used in the Bentley logo are black and white, but shades of silver are also common in 3D versions of the emblem.

In color psychology, the color white signals purity and grace as well as creativity and clarity. Black often represents sophistication, elegance and superiority – all qualities that Bentley has in abundance.

Silver, when appearing in the colors of the Bentley logo, is an excellent symbol of modern design and British aristocracy. In some cases, standard Bentley cars and racing cars have used different colors over the years.

The oval between the fenders of a racing car can be green, while it appears red on some exclusive classic cars. This helps identify the style of the car, much like using a different number of wing feathers.

Bentley logo font: What font is the Bentley logo?

The font of the Bentley logo hasn’t changed for more than a century – an unusual thing among many historic brands. In recent years in particular, many older companies have updated their emblems by replacing serif fonts with sans serif alternatives.

For Bentley, the decision to use the same typeface is a way to emphasize the company’s respect for traditions.

The Bentley “B” is a bold capital letter written in a unique font customized exclusively for the Bentley brand. Sometimes you may also see a sans serif “Bentley” name written in all caps below the central emblem.

The Bentley logo today

At first glance, the Bentley logo seems to be just another interesting car logo. However, a closer look at this symbol reveals a lot of valuable information.

The Bentley symbol is a testament to the history of the brand and the origin of the vehicle manufacturer. It’s also a wonderful expression of freedom and creativity – values ​​that the company holds dear.

The logo’s unique elements, such as the choice to use different numbers of springs in the fenders for different vehicle types, provide a glimpse of Bentley’s playful and intriguing personality as a brand.

Breitling watches have been valued by adventurers and connoisseurs alike for 130 years. Their history of fine engineering and precision manufacturing has built their reputation as one of the finest Swiss brands. A long association with aviation has made Breitling the choice of many intrepid explorers. Their watches have flown above the clouds, plunged to the depths of the ocean, and even been launched into space (on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter).

If you are lucky enough to own a Breitling, you may be wondering what it would be worth in today’s market. Here at Crown & Caliber we handle and value many valuable timepieces every day and over the years have built a thorough understanding of what makes the pre-owned watch market tick. Our passion for fine timepieces has given us the opportunity to encounter luxury timepieces across the value spectrum. When a watch owner asks us, “How much is my Breitling worth?” we look at three different factors:

model counts.

Hundreds of Breitling models have been made over the decades, and each has a unique value that can range from around $1000s to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are not sure which model you own, first check the documentation that came with your watch. If it’s not available, you need to look deeper. Current Breitlings from the 1970s all carry a reference number consisting of one letter and five digits. Older models use a variety of serial number configurations. It is best to take your watch to a professional who can find and interpret your watch’s identification number.

age estimates.

The value of Breitling watches also depends on when they were made. For many models, the older your watch is, the more valuable it can be. Vintage is king, provided the watch has been well cared for.

Condition counts.

Scratches, dents, discoloration or damage will lower the price of your watch. Broadly speaking, Breitling watches are extremely robust, but accidents happen. Be careful when getting the watch repaired and only go to a certified dealer: non-genuine parts and unprofessional repairs can end up costing you a lot more by devaluing your watch.

Paperwork pays off

The original documentation and the original watch contribute to the resale value of your Breitling watch. Not only is it the best way to prove authenticity, it also preserves the history of the watch.

The delivery of the box with the watch also increases its value. The box can act as a storage unit for the watch when not being worn, and many watch lovers are willing to pay more for a watch to have its original box.

Crown & Caliber knows that luxury watches mean a lot to their owners and that style and emotional value are important factors in determining what a watch is worth to you. Markets fluctuate and so does the financial value of each watch. Still, a nice watch like a Breitling will generally hold its resale value quite well over the years, and whether you bought it as an investment or are considering an upgrade, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. If you want a professional valuation of your watch, you can request a quote from our specialists. We can determine the current value of your watch and help you sell it at the highest possible price.

It is not uncommon for someone to suddenly and unexpectedly become the owner of a watch. The watch may have been inherited, given as a gift or found in the attic. If you don’t know what watch model you have, the decision of whether to keep it or sell it becomes even more difficult and you won’t be able to learn more details about it.

Imagine you have inherited a watch, but the face has become so worn over time that there is no indication as to which model it is. Or maybe the watch is in good condition but you want to know what year it was made. In this article, we describe a few ways you can find out which watch you own.

The dial is the first clue

Rolex Datejust with jubilee bracelet, image: Bert Buijsrogge

The dial usually displays the brand of the watch and sometimes even the model name. The maker’s name is usually found below the hour marker at 12 o’clock. With a bit of luck, there will also be a reference to the model above 6 o’clock. This is either in the form of the model name or the movement (e.g. “automatic”). In addition, one often finds the water resistance (e.g. “200m”) or other special features (e.g. Omega’s “Co-Axial” escapement).

If you’re lucky, you now have a few names and terms to help you pinpoint the exact model. But there is a catch: Some models are available in countless variants and designs. An example of this is the popular Rolex Datejust. You will always find the same model name on its dial: “Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust”. If that’s the case and you still want to know exactly what edition you own in order to determine its value or age, there are still a few steps to take.

Use obvious details

Breitling Top Time Chronograph, Image: Christopher Beccan

If the model name on the dial is ambiguous or has become unrecognizable with age, make note of the watch’s features and details. A combination of the brand name and watch details will likely get you there. Note each feature, even if it may seem trivial at first.

What material is your watch made of? Gold? Stainless steel? A mix of both? What color is the dial? Does the watch have a date display, a chronograph or other functions? Is the bezel rotating or set with diamonds? Take a close look at your watch. This is where people often find features for the first time.

Take advantage of the Internet

Here it goes online! Social media and Google image search can be the solution to your problem. Based on the inscription on the dial (brand, model) or the characteristics, you can search Google or Instagram for suitable images to narrow your search for the exact edition of your watch. If you find your watch in a picture, pay attention to the description and origin of the picture. This often tells you which watch you are dealing with. A prerequisite for this is of course that the source information is correct. It’s wise to have more than one match so you don’t look in the wrong direction for the next few steps.

Find success with a filter search on Chrono24

Image searches usually return quick results. Unfortunately, these results are not 100% accurate or exact. Use the filters on Chrono24 to find out exactly which version you own. Start with the same steps you used for your Google search. Enter make and model – if available – in the search bar.

Now the details come into play. You can narrow the search results using filters such as case material, watch face, features, strap material, etc. This makes it easier for you to find the right watch. Scroll through the results. is your watch there Then click on the offer and look at the key data and the watch description. Here you will find the name, reference number and other information about your watch. At the same time, you also get an idea of ​​the current market value.

Now search for your watch on Chrono24:

Chrono24 – The watch market of the world

Reference and serial numbers

Rolex reference number, image: Bert Buijsrogge

The various numbers on your watch are usually used for dating and proof of authenticity. While the reference or model number stands for the entire watch, components such as the case and movement also carry numbers. They are typically used to determine whether a particular component is an original part of the watch. This is especially important for fans of vintage watches with original parts.

The reference number is the model number. It identifies the watch model as a whole. The reference number can usually tell you information such as watch type, material, dial, and movement. Since there is no single rule as to what information a reference number must contain, you may find watches with identical reference numbers that are actually different versions of the same model. This can sometimes be the case with Rolex watches.

As mentioned above, you can find the Datejust with the reference number 16013 with different bezel designs in white gold, gold or stainless steel. This is particularly important for the valuation of your watch. In some cases, the reference number is engraved on the case. For example, reference numbers for Rolexes sit between the lugs at 12 o’clock. To see it you have to remove the tape. Other manufacturers may place it on the caseback or, in rare cases, on the dial itself.

The serial number is engraved on the case back of almost every watch. Older Rolex models have it between the lugs at 6 o’clock, while newer models have it on the inner bezel. This number is unique to each watch and can tell you when it was made. This is especially useful for Google and filter searches.

Once you have successfully identified your watch, you can find out its market value on Chrono24 with just one click.

Find out the value of your watch here:

Chrono24’s new rating tool

credentials

police

“The support from THE WATCH REGISTER team continues to be of great investigative value for the police and goes a long way towards reuniting stolen goods with their rightful owners. The Art Loss Register has the largest database of stolen watches and can provide instant information, with results for officials, retailers and the broader watchmaking industry. This has proven extremely successful in recent years and they are a great asset in the fight against crime.” – Metropolitan Police, Flying Squad

Act

“The Fish Brothers Group is both a pawnbroker and a traditional jewelery dealer. In recent years we have seen strong growth in the pre-owned watch sector in both companies. THE WATCH REGISTER was hugely important to that. Before its launch and after Rolex closed its loss and theft record, we operated in a world of mercy; We always strive to do our best for our customers, but we are very aware of the weak points. However, with the implementation of THE WATCH REGISTER we have been able to work in the knowledge that we have done our best to prove the good provenance of every watch we have purchased. In this extremely fast-moving world, THE WATCH REGISTER keeps up. Their response times are always extremely quick and if a stolen watch turns up they are very quick to get in touch and are able to hold our hands through the process of returning the watch to its rightful owner. Their online portal is also extremely easy to use. We ourselves have had bad luck in the past and have had a number of watches stolen in the past and THE CLOCK REGISTER is always our first port of call when this has happened.” – Fish Brothers Group

“I have no affiliation or ax to grind in unreservedly supporting ALR’s (Art Loss Register) THE WATCH REGISTER as a market leader that members and traders really need to leverage. Increasingly, it is the established resource that police, insurance companies, the watch trade and others automatically point to. Any other database can be additionally checked, but should not be replaced. Whilst THE WATCH REGISTER is a commercial company it has registered over 70,000 watches and in my experience is the market leader in terms of data and service. While there is a small cost to run reviews, these are discounted for volume users and the service is elegant and operated entirely online for us. The free downloadable certificate confirming that an inspection has been carried out satisfies most customers and probably covers more than the cost of our research, giving a perceived value to watches that otherwise have no paperwork.” – Haywood Milton, Miltons jewelers

“We have used the Art Loss Register service for over five years and have found it exceptionally efficient and easy to navigate. With offices in the UK, New York and Beverly Hills it is important that we have a tool that we can rely on and the Art Loss Register helps us ensure we are not loaning any stolen items which in turn helps us identify the to comply with regulations.” – Borro Ltd

“An indispensable service for anyone who buys and sells watches. You can send your request via SMS and you will receive an answer within a few minutes. I’ve been using it for years and highly recommend it.” – Pandeli Enterprises, Hatton Garden

“The WATCH REGISTER database is such a convenient service that it gives security to our shop when buying watches and the SMS response is very efficient; You will receive an answer within 5 minutes.” – RPM pawnbroker

insurance

“We have been associated with THE WATCH REGISTER since 2016 and during that time have been able to recover a number of lost and stolen watches, and that includes reuniting precious timepieces with their grateful owners. THE CLOCK REGISTER is an invaluable tool in the work of LMG and the feedback we receive from the many insurance companies we work with is always positive. We look forward to continuing our relationship with THE WATCH REGISTER and making it an even more successful partnership in the future.” – Loss Management Group (LMG)

“I am really very impressed that you found this watch. It is clear that the register really works and I will continue to use it for any watch-related claim I can.” – Michael Kennedy Associates

victim of theft

“The Art Loss Register was fantastic as it secured us a very significant benefit from the sale of a Rolex that was stolen about ten years ago. While I do not wish anyone the need for legal counsel, if you find yourself in a situation that would justify their services, I would highly recommend the Art Loss Register.” – Victim of theft represented by the Art Loss Register in recovering a stolen Rolex

“My watch was identified by the Art Loss Register and the Rolex database and restored to me today. I could not afford to have it replaced and it is amazing to have my watch back in excellent condition and I am very pleased with how the Metropolitan Police Service in conjunction with Rolex and the Art Loss Register handled this case is.” – Victim of a theft whose Rolex was found following a criminal investigation initiated by a comparison against THE WATCH REGISTER database

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Art Loss Register team for the excellent job in locating and retrieving my stolen Rolex. I really had little hope that it would be restored and am so grateful for your help.” – American citizen whose Rolex was stolen in London

Rolex vs Breitling

There are those who swear by every brand, but which one is the best for you?

Rolex VS Breitling: Which is Better?

We hear “What’s a better watch, Breitling or Rolex?” more often than you think and it can be answered in different ways depending on the context of the question.” So let’s answer them all, right?

We’re here to answer some key questions you’re probably asking when comparing Rolex to Breitling. Is Breitling better than Rolex? These two luxury brands are both very popular and are often considered when looking for a luxury watch from a well-known Swiss watchmaker. You may be considering a purchase and want to find out which watch Breitling or Rolex is better. Both brands produce some really great watches. That being said, in the case of Breitling VS Rolex, let us find out whether Rolex or Breitling is the best brand for you.

For your convenience, we’ve created two buttons linking to each brand in case you want to compare their products visually while reading this comparison. Clicking one of the buttons will open a new tab so you can see them side by side.

Click here to view Breitling watches. Click here to view Rolex watches

Which brand is better, Rolex or Breitling? There are 16 watch brands that are among the top 50 Swiss brands. This will give you an idea of ​​how important watchmaking is in Switzerland and how big these brands really are. In terms of recognition, Rolex compares to Breitling like this. Comparison between Rolex and Breitling Rolex is the #1 most famous Swiss watch brand with almost 100% brand awareness internationally and is in fact the 3rd largest Swiss watch brand in the world, ahead of only Nescafe and Nestlé in 1st and 2nd place. Breitling Breitling is the 15th. best-known Swiss watch brand in the world. Is Breitling a major watch brand? Yes! Very important, but most people remember the Rolex brand more than Breitling. In terms of the number of comments you’ll receive wearing each watch, chances are you’ll hear, “Hey, beautiful Rolex!” more common as a higher percentage of people (many of whom are not “watch people” per se) will remember Rolex compared to Breitling. However, anyone who knows about watches knows that Breitling is an excellent watch brand. *Source: Most Valuable Swiss Brands by Interbrand, an agency that measures brand equity. Rolex Prices vs Breitling Prices Is Breitling more expensive than Rolex? Rolex prices start at around twice the price of the cheapest Breitling. Right now, the cheapest new Rolex would be the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm men’s watch, which starts at around $6,000, followed by the Rolex Datejust 31mm women’s watches, which are only around $200 more. They use automatic calibers, which are purely mechanical movements and are all COSC-certified chronometers. They also have the Superlative Chronometer designation. Rolex is also creating a more affordable brand called Tudor, with entry-level prices closer to the prices of Breitling’s most affordable watches. Breitling prices start at less than half the price of a Rolex. With more affordable watches like the 45mm Breitling Colt Skyracer for men powered by a COSC-certified Breitling SuperQuartz™ Caliber 74 movement for around $2,000. Their mechanically powered automatic watches like the Chronomat Colt Automatic 44mm start at an MSRP of around $3,240. But let’s compare apples to apples. Rolex doesn’t make quartz watches, period. They pride themselves on only making mechanical watches which are considered more prestigious by watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Yes, there used to be quartz Rolexes. The Rolex Oysterquartz was last featured in their catalog in 2001 but since that last run they have scrapped the idea and instead focused on only making high quality and high precision mechanical calibers for their watches. So what determines the value of the cheapest Rolex caliber versus the cheapest Breitling quartz movement? Which leads to the next question. Breitling or Rolex: Which Holds Value Best? Is Breitling a good watch? Yes. An excellent watch. However, there is a direct correlation between brand value, brand awareness and resale value. While there are some watches that have a high resale value for other reasons such as a watch’s rarity or iconic status; Generally speaking, the better the brand, the more you get back when you try to sell it. This applies to most products, not just watches. When it comes to the street value of Rolex watches, that’s really not a broad brush to say. In terms of the percentage of what you originally paid for a Rolex or Breitling versus what you can sell them for, you typically get more when reselling your Rolex watches than when you resell your Breitling watch. It’s almost a given every time. What’s better than a Rolex? In terms of the average resale value of a watch? Nothing. Well, why would you want to sell a Rolex or Breitling watch? Beats me. However, let’s look at the most common reasons why some people would (or wouldn’t) buy a Breitling or a Rolex watch. Pros and Cons of Buying Breitling Watches PROS They have a reputation for being very professional watches like the Breitling Navitimer 01 which is designed for aviators such as pilots, astronauts, military personnel, search and rescue operations and more

Breitling even has a few smartwatches like the Exospace B55 watches, which are smartwatches designed with special smart features for pilots and aerospace professionals

Breitling has a watch called the Breitling Emergency that has a distress beacon and tracking device, which is great in emergencies

They have a guarantee period of 5 years from the date of purchase

They are significantly cheaper than Rolexes

There are literally thousands of models to choose from

They have some special edition watches and limited edition watches

Breitling has several different rubber strap options available and you can have a rubber strap on any of their watches. While Rolex currently has few rubber strap options in the Yachtmaster line and has some Rolex Daytonas on a rubber strap.

Breitling has quartz models that offer more precision and require less maintenance than mechanical watches. CONS They are a very large watch brand, but not a well-known watch brand like Rolex

They don’t usually have the same resale value as Rolex watches

They don’t produce as many super expensive blingy models as Rolex (if that’s what you’re looking for)

While watch connoisseurs would recognize a Breitling as an amazing watch and a highly respected brand that offers both mechanical and quartz watches, some watch connoisseurs, who normally marvel at micromechanics, tend to praise brands that only offer purely mechanical watches. This isn’t necessarily a downside as there are also many people who prefer quartz watches, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. As you can see from the above pros and cons, Breitling, through its unique line of products, has positioned its brand in the luxury watch market as a manufacturer that makes watches for professionals. Some even have special features tailored to specific situations. They have many high quality tool watches that are customizable with different types of straps. They are inexpensive. Pros and Cons of Buying Rolex Watches PROS They are the most recognized brand of luxury watches in the world

They generally have a better resale value than most luxury watch brands

They have a guarantee period of 5 years from the date of purchase

They have many sparkling models with diamond bezels, pavé dials (diamond set dials), precious metals of all kinds… if that’s what you’re into

Many innovations are patented by Rolex such as Parachrom Blue, Osterflex bracelets, Oysterlock, Everose gold alloy (rose gold), Cerachrom bezel inserts, Triplock crown and more

Rolex makes some iconic watches like the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex Explorer, Sea-Dweller and more

Their mechanical watches are all superlative chronometers, which are highly accurate and precise mechanical movements with a minimum accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day. CONS They are usually less affordable than Breitlings

You can’t choose the exact bracelet like you can with Breitling

They don’t have that many special edition watches and limited edition watches

Breitling has more different rubber strap options than Rolex

As of now, Rolex doesn’t offer smartwatches, nor has it alluded to the idea that they ever will. Click here to view Breitling watches. Click here to view Rolex watches es. Thanks very much!