BREITLING
BREITLING AVENGER CHRONOGRAPH 45 SWISS AIR FORCE TEAM
3 990.00 CHF
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Buy a pre-owned Breitling watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Breitling is the reference manufacture for professional chronographs and aviation watches. Official supplier to the British Royal Air Force from 1936 and the US Air Force from 1942, the brand built its reputation on a simple rule: every watch must be a reliable instrument before being an object of desire. All its watches are COSC chronometer-certified. From the legendary Navitimer to the robust Superocean and the iconic Chronomat, Breitling offers timepieces with strong character. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Breitling watches evolves constantly, with every piece being unique.
History of Breitling : 140 Years of Exceptional Chronographs
Origins and Chronographs (1884–1936)
In 1884, Léon Breitling founded his manufacture in Saint-Imier with a clear ambition: to specialise in precision chronographs and counters. In 1915, Breitling revolutionised the wristwatch chronograph by moving the push-piece from the crown to 2 o'clock : an innovation that made single-handed operation of the chronograph considerably easier. In 1923, the manufacture introduced a second independent push-piece to stop the chronograph, laying the foundations of the modern chronograph as we know it today.
The Pilot's Watch (1936–1960)
In 1936, Breitling became the official supplier to the British Royal Air Force, then to the US Air Force in 1942. In 1952, Breitling launched the Navitimer : a contraction of "navigation" and "timer". Fitted with a slide rule bezel enabling complex aeronautical calculations, it quickly became the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), whose logo appears on the dial.
Into Space (1962)
In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute aboard the Aurora 7 capsule to orbit the Earth : making Breitling one of only two watch brands to have accompanied astronauts into space (alongside Omega). A special 24-hour dial version was developed to distinguish day from night in orbit.
The Modern Era (1984–Today)
In 2009, Breitling launched its first manufacture calibre (the B01) a fully in-house automatic chronograph, COSC-certified. Today the manufacture is based in Grenchen, Switzerland, and remains one of the world's most respected watchmakers in the professional instrument segment.
Collections & Iconic Models
Key References & Secondary Market Values
AB0138211B1A1 Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43mm Steel
CHF 6,500 – CHF 9,500
A13356121B1A1 Chronomat B01 42mm Steel
CHF 6,000 – CHF 9,000
A17377211C1A1 Superocean Automatic 36mm Steel
CHF 3,500 – CHF 5,000
A17376211C1A1 Superocean Automatic 44mm Steel
CHF 4,000 – CHF 5,500
A13317101G1X1 Avenger Automatic 42mm Steel
CHF 2,500 – CHF 4,000
Values vary based on condition, presence of box and papers, and year of production. Contact our TSC experts for a precise estimate.
Breitling vs Omega vs TAG Heuer : Which to Choose ?
Breitling
It's the choice for aviation enthusiasts, explorers and lovers of instrument watches with strong character. All its watches are COSC-certified, and its manufacture B01 calibre is one of the most reliable on the market. Ideal for those seeking a watch with character, history and genuine functionality.
Omega
It's more versatile, from diving (Seamaster) to space (Speedmaster), with a slightly higher secondary market value on flagship models. More widely recognised by the general public.
TAG Heuer
Shares with Breitling the universe of sporty chronographs, but with a more accessible positioning and a heritage more linked to motorsport than aviation.
Our The Swiss Collector verdict
If you are looking for a functional, robust watch with a strong aeronautical heritage, Breitling is hard to match. The Navitimer for history, the Chronomat for sport, the Superocean for the sea.
Breitling & Iconic Personalities
Breitling has maintained strong ties with aviation, sport and cinema :
- Scott Carpenter : American astronaut, wore a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute during his Earth orbit in 1962
- Brad Pitt : official ambassador, global face of Breitling campaigns
- Tom Cruise : avid Breitling fan, worn in several of his films including Top Gun
- Erling Haaland : Norwegian football star, Breitling ambassador with his own limited-edition Chronomat
- Royal Air Force : official supplier since 1936 (the brand's strongest institutional bond)
- Patrouille Suisse : historic partnership with the Swiss aerobatic display team
Buying Guide : Pre-owned Breitling at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : pre-owned Breitling watches start from around CHF 600 for vintage out-of-catalogue models, and from CHF 2,500 for current references such as the Avenger. Navitimer and Chronomat B01 models start from around CHF 6,000.
- Condition : every piece is graded across four levels (like new, very good, good or fair condition) with high-definition photographs.
- Rigorous selection : every watch is carefully selected and evaluated by our experts before being listed for sale.
- TSC Guarantee : all our watches come with a 12 to 24-month warranty depending on condition and configuration.
- Box & papers (full set) : clearly identified in our selection.
- Secure worldwide delivery : fully insured and tracked shipping worldwide.
Servicing & Maintenance of a Pre-owned Breitling
Recommended service interval
Breitling recommends a full service every 5 to 7 years depending on the model. COSC-certified B01 calibres are renowned for their robustness, but regular maintenance remains essential to preserve chronometric precision.
Signs of good preservation
Bezel without excessive play, correctly screwed crown, smooth chronograph push-pieces, original bracelet with complete links.