Vendor:EW Watches
Vendor:EW Watches
Breitling Superocean 42 A17375E71C1S1
€4.100,00
Vendor:EW Watches
Vendor:EW Watches
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Vendor:Breitling
Breitling - Instruments for Professionals
Heritage & History
Breitling, founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, is renowned for its precision chronographs and its strong ties to the aviation world. From pioneering the independent chronograph push-piece to developing the slide rule bezel, Breitling has consistently positioned itself as a creator of "instruments for professionals," particularly pilots.
Key Milestones:
- 1884: Léon Breitling establishes his workshop, specializing in chronographs and timing devices.
- 1915: Breitling invents the first independent chronograph push-piece at 2 o'clock.
- 1923: Develops the second independent chronograph push-piece (for reset), creating the modern chronograph configuration.
- 1934: Patents the second start/stop push-piece, making chronographs usable with one hand.
- 1952: Launches the iconic Navitimer, incorporating a circular slide rule for aviation calculations.
- 1962: Scott Carpenter wears a Navitimer Cosmonaute into space, making it the first Swiss wrist chronograph in space.
- 1969: Part of the "Project 99" consortium that invented the first automatic chronograph movement.
- 2017: CVC Capital Partners acquires a majority stake, leading to a brand refresh under Georges Kern.
Brand Philosophy: Breitling's philosophy revolves around precision, innovation, and functionality. It crafts robust, reliable, and highly legible timepieces designed for demanding professions, especially in aviation and diving. The brand's commitment to COSC-certified chronometer movements across its entire range underscores its dedication to accuracy.
Signature Collections & Iconic Models
Navitimer
- Launch Period: 1952
- Key Models: Navitimer B01 Chronograph, Navitimer Automatic, Navitimer Cosmonaute
- Distinguishing Features: The ultimate pilot's watch, instantly recognizable by its signature circular slide rule bezel (a "navigation computer" for pilots), busy but highly functional dial, and often a chronograph complication. It embodies Breitling's aviation DNA.
- Market Position: The flagship collection and a true icon of watchmaking. It appeals strongly to aviation enthusiasts, watch collectors, and those who appreciate a technically sophisticated and historically significant timepiece.
Chronomat
- Launch Period: 1940s (early models), 1980s (modern iteration)
- Key Models: Chronomat B01, Chronomat Automatic 36, Chronomat GMT
- Distinguishing Features: Re-launched in 1984, the modern Chronomat is known for its distinctive "Rouleaux" (roller) bracelet, rider tabs on the bezel, and often a robust chronograph functionality. It's designed as an all-purpose sports watch combining elegance with robustness.
- Market Position: A versatile and highly popular collection that balances sporty performance with a more refined aesthetic, making it suitable for both professional and dressed-up occasions. It's a core line that appeals to a broad audience.
Superocean
- Launch Period: 1957
- Key Models: Superocean Automatic (various sizes), Superocean Automatic Chronograph
- Distinguishing Features: Breitling's dedicated line of modern dive watches. They feature clear, legible dials, often with bold numerals and indices, robust cases, substantial water resistance, and unidirectional rotating bezels. Designed for professional divers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Market Position: A highly functional and stylish collection of dive watches that offers excellent value and performance. Its broad range of sizes and color options makes it accessible and appealing to a diverse market seeking a reliable and attractive sports watch.
Superocean Heritage
- Launch Period: 2007 (re-interpretation of 1957 original)
- Key Models: Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic, Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph
- Distinguishing Features: A vintage-inspired dive watch collection that pays homage to the original 1957 Superocean. It features a minimalist aesthetic, often with a mesh "Milanese" bracelet, a polished ceramic bezel insert, and a classic-looking dial without the modern Superocean's boldness.
- Market Position: Appeals to collectors who appreciate retro design combined with modern watchmaking standards. It offers a more elegant and versatile take on the dive watch, suitable for both casual wear and more formal settings.
Avenger
- Launch Period: Early 2000s
- Key Models: Avenger Automatic, Avenger Chronograph, Avenger B01 Chronograph
- Distinguishing Features: A collection of robust, oversized, and highly masculine tool watches. Known for their strong military-inspired aesthetic, rugged construction, legible dials (often with stenciled numerals), and substantial crown/pusher protection. Built for extreme conditions.
- Market Position: Targets those who prefer large, bold, and highly durable watches with an assertive presence. It's a popular choice for adventurers, military personnel, and watch enthusiasts looking for a no-compromise, performance-oriented timepiece.
Top Time
- Launch Period: 1960s (original), relaunched with re-editions
- Key Models: Top Time Classic Cars Collection (e.g., Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Shelby Cobra)
- Distinguishing Features: A collection of stylish chronographs with a strong vintage racing spirit. Known for their "Zorro" dials, "panda" or "reverse panda" layouts, and vibrant colors. Often associated with retro car culture.
- Market Position: A highly successful re-issue line that captures the cool, motor-racing aesthetic of the 1960s. It attracts a younger demographic and watch enthusiasts who appreciate a fun, distinctive, and historically relevant chronograph.
Premier
- Launch Period: 1940s (original), relaunched as a modern collection
- Key Models: Premier B09 Chronograph, Premier B25 Datora, Premier B15 Duograph
- Distinguishing Features: Breitling's elegant and sophisticated dress watch collection. These watches feature cleaner lines, often with bi-compax or tri-compax sub-dials, refined finishes, and an emphasis on classic proportions. Some models house complex in-house movements like rattrapante chronographs.
- Market Position: Represents Breitling's commitment to refined watchmaking beyond its tool-watch image. It provides elegant options for those who appreciate Breitling's horological capability but seek a more understated and traditional aesthetic.
Classic AVI
- Launch Period: 2021 (a collection within Aviation sector)
- Key Models: Classic AVI Chronograph Tribute to P-51 Mustang, Classic AVI Chronograph Mosquito
- Distinguishing Features: A collection directly inspired by four legendary aircraft from the mid-20th century. These chronographs feature large, highly legible Arabic numerals, oversized crowns, and often color schemes and case backs commemorating the specific planes. They are more straightforward pilot watches than the Navitimer.
- Market Position: A dedicated niche for aviation history buffs and collectors who want a direct connection to iconic aircraft. It offers a blend of vintage charm and modern robustness, focusing on legibility and functionality.
Professional
- Launch Period: Broad category, includes various purpose-built watches
- Key Models: Emergency, Endurance Pro, Aerospace, Exospace
- Distinguishing Features: This is a broad category encompassing technically advanced, often quartz-powered, ultimate tool watches designed for specific professional needs. Features can include emergency beacons (Emergency), ultra-light materials (Endurance Pro), and super-quartz movements with digital displays and multiple functions.
- Market Position: Highlights Breitling's heritage as a supplier of highly specialized instruments. It appeals to adventure seekers, athletes, and professionals who demand extreme precision, durability, and specialized functionalities beyond traditional mechanical watches.
Market Performance & Investment Value (2025 Update)
Entry-Level Models:
- Price Range: €3,000 - €5,000
- Price Trend: Generally stable, with slight annual increases of 2-3%. These models provide an accessible entry point to the brand.
- Popular Model Reference Prices:
- Endurance Pro (Quartz): ~€3,300
- Superocean Automatic 36 (steel, rubber strap): ~€4,500
Mid-Range Models:
- Price Range: €5,000 - €8,000
- Price Trend: Fairly stable with 3-5% annual growth, driven by strong core offerings.
- Popular Model Reference Prices:
- Navitimer Automatic 36/41 (steel): ~€5,000 - €5,500
- Chronomat Automatic 36 (steel): ~€5,500
- Superocean Heritage 42 (steel, mesh bracelet): ~€4,800
- Avenger Automatic GMT 44 (steel): ~€4,500
High-End Models (In-House Movements, Complications, Precious Metals):
- Price Range: €8,000 - €25,000+
- Price Trend: Strong value retention and steady appreciation for models with in-house movements (B01), especially those in precious metals or limited editions, often seeing 5-8%+ per year.
- Popular Model Reference Prices:
- Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 (steel): ~€8,000
- Chronomat B01 42 (steel): ~€8,500
- Premier B09 Chronograph (steel): ~€8,500
- Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon (limited, gold): ~€100,000+ (Note: Bentley collab is discontinued but a reference for ultra high-end)
Market Dynamics Analysis:
- 2023-2024 Price Changes: Under current leadership, Breitling has executed a significant brand refresh, streamlining its collections and enhancing its luxury positioning. Prices have seen consistent, strategic increases, reflecting an optimized product portfolio, a higher perceived value, and a strong brand narrative. The focus on in-house movements (B01) has particularly bolstered its premium offerings.
- Future Price Forecast: In 2025, Breitling is expected to continue its growth trajectory. The brand's strategic partnerships (e.g., with specific aircraft or car manufacturers), strong marketing campaigns, and continuous refinement of its core collections will support sustained demand and moderate price increases. The emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing will also add to its appeal.
- Investment & Collection Advice: For discerning collectors, Breitling models with the in-house B01 chronograph movement offer excellent long-term value, especially within the Navitimer and Chronomat lines. Limited editions and historically significant pieces (like early Navitimers or Cosmonautes) tend to appreciate well. The brand's commitment to COSC certification across its range ensures exceptional accuracy, making all Breitling watches a reliable choice for everyday wear or collection.