For pilots and others in love with flight, no brand is more closely associated with the world of aviation than Breitling. From the beginning, watchmaker Léon Breitling, who opened his shop in the Swiss Jura Mountains in 1884, was focused on chronographs and their uses in the burgeoning fields of sports, science and industry.
After Léon’s death, in 1914, his son Gaston continued along his father’s trajectory. An early fan of aeronautics, Gaston introduced one of the first wrist-worn chronographs, a welcome upgrade for pilots used to executing complex maneuvers while juggling a pocket watch.
In 1934, Gaston’s son Willy made another leap in the chronograph’s evolution, patenting the first wristwatch with two pushers — one to start and stop elapsed time and one to reset — a feature now taken for granted.
But perhaps the most significant development under Willy’s leadership was the Chronomat watch. Introduced in 1942, it featured a patented rotating slide-rule bezel for making calculations on the fly. This innovation led to the 1952 creation of the brand’s signature timepiece: the Breitling Navitimer.
Designed in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, it was adopted as the official watch of the AOPA in 1959 and remains the world’s most iconic pilot’s watch. Not content to rule just the air, Breitling developed dive watches as well, including the Superocean, released in 1957, and the Transocean, which followed in 1958. The house also took its show on the road, producing dashboard clocks and then watches in partnership with luxury automaker Bentley.
The Navitimer, however, still reigns supreme among pilots everywhere. Given the stature earned by Top Gun since its release — as well as the excitement around Top Gun: Maverick — it's never too late to pick up a vintage Breitling Top Gun Navitimer, displaying the official logo of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, for yourself or your favorite wingman.
Find a range of Breitling watches on 1stDibs.
Breitling Top Time 2002‑33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind – 1969
By Breitling
Located in London, GB
Breitling Top Time 2002‑33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind – 1969 Just arrived back in stock on 28 April, this outstanding Breitling Top Time reference 2002‑33 has undergone a comp...
Breitling Top Time Ref. 2006 Silver Dial 37mm Square Case 1967
By Breitling
Located in London, GB
The Breitling Top Time Ref. 2006, dating from circa 1967, represents the bold design shift that defined the late 1960s. This rare reference features a distinctive 37mm square stainle...
Chronographe Suisse Incabloc – 1950s – Manual Wind –Chronograph
Located in London, GB
Chronographe Suisse Incabloc – 1950s – Manual Wind – Waterproof Chronograph – Landeron 248 This Chronographe Suisse Incabloc is a genuinely rare and special find. Dating to the 1950s by serial number, it represents one of the earlier attempts at producing a waterproof chronograph, achieved through a patented case construction designed to protect the movement from moisture — an impressive technical feature for the era. At approximately 35mm, the case size is notably generous compared to many chronographs of its time, giving it excellent presence on the wrist while remaining true to mid‑century proportions. Key Details • Model: Chronographe Suisse Incabloc • Era: 1950s • Case Size: Approx. 35mm • Case Material: Stainless steel • Dial: Black gilt gloss • Hour Markers: Painted Arabic numerals • Hands: Matching gilt/painted hands • Crystal: Acrylic • Caseback: Signed • Movement: Landeron 248 manual wind chronograph with Incabloc shock protection • Strap: Generic leather strap • Water Resistance: Historically waterproof by design; not guaranteed today due to age Condition Report Case: Very good vintage condition with honest wear consistent with age. Dial: Excellent gilt gloss dial with strong colour, clear print and attractive patina. Hands: Original and well matched to the dial. Crystal: Clear acrylic with light age‑appropriate wear. Movement: Clean and operating correctly. Overall: A very strong and well‑preserved example of a rare 1950s chronograph...
Steel
Wagner German Military WWII Watch – 36mm – Original Dial – c.1940s
By Wagner Preziosen
Located in London, GB
Wagner German Military WWII Watch – 36mm – Original Dial – c.1940s An honest and original Wagner German military wristwatch from the Second World War, prese...
Steel
Rolex Precision – 9ct Gold – 32mm – Cal. 1200 – Vintage c1955
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Precision – 9ct Gold – 32mm – Cal. 1200 – Vintage A classic and elegant Rolex Precision, presented in a 32mm solid 9ct yellow gold case, showcasing the timeless design and unde...
Yellow Gold, Gold
Longines DolceVita Chronograph L5.655.6.4 – 28 x 41mm – Full Set
By Longines
Located in London, GB
A stylish and elegant Longines DolceVita Chronograph, reference L5.655.6.4, presented as a complete set with its original inner and outer boxes, warranty card and instruction manual....
Breitling Geneve ref 2907, 36mm gold plated stainless steel case, manual, c1950
By Breitling
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Breitling Geneve reference 2907 features a 36mm (inc crown) gold plated stainless steel case with gold coloured dial, powered by a manually wound movement. This ...
Breitling Chronomat Automatic Chronograph, Steel and 18KT Gold, Ref. B13047
By Breitling
Located in Braintree, GB
Breitling Chronomat automatic chronograph in stainless steel and 18KT gold, reference B13047, the grey dial with three black registers and a date aperture, on the rotating bezel with...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Breitling Top Time Ref 2009, 37mm Gold Plated Stainless Steel, Cal 188, c1969
By Breitling
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and very cool Breitling Top Time reference 2009 features a 37mm gold plated stainless steel case with silver panda dial and manually wound Venus cal 188 movement. Present...
Gold Plate
Charles Nicolet Rose Gold Filled New Old Stock Chronograph, circa 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Charles Nicolet STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 47mm X Diameter 40mm MOVEM...
Rose Gold
Breitling Premier Rose Gold
By Breitling
Located in PARIS, FR
Combining vintage charm with timeless elegance, the Breitling Reference 787 from circa 1945 is a rare treasure for watch enthusiasts. Its 35 mm rose gold case radiates classic sophis...
18k Gold
Movado Yellow Gold Art Deco Triple Register Chronograph Manual Watch
By Movado
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Movado Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Triple Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm CIRC...
