Breitling
Breitling is a Swiss watch brand originating with Léon Breitling's workshop in Saint-Imier in 1884. Chronographs, watches incorporating a stopwatch function, occupy a central place in its history. The brand name alone does not fully describe the movement or functions of an individual watch.
Navitimer and the slide rule
The Navitimer combines a chronograph with a circular slide rule. Breitling's own history dates its development for the pilots' organisation AOPA to 1952. Navitimer, Chronomat and Superocean are different model families, not interchangeable names for one watch. A family can also encompass many references from different periods.
What needs identifying?
Record reference number, serial number, case diameter and all visible inscriptions. Compare dial, hands, crown, pushers and case back with documentation for the particular reference. A logo alone cannot establish that all components originally belonged together. Describe a later service replacement rather than automatically presenting it as the original production-year specification.
Condition and use
Ask for specific evidence of servicing and checks of any chronograph functions. Separate cosmetic from technical condition. A sealed case or a water-resistance rating from when the watch was new does not establish its current resistance. Do not immerse an older watch merely to test whether it remains watertight.
Browse watches and pocket watches.
