How Much is My Breitling Worth?

Breitling watches have been highly prized by adventurers and connoisseurs alike for one hundred and thirty 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 soared 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 fortunate enough to own a Breitling, you may wonder what it would be worth on today’s market. Here at Crown & Caliber, we handle and evaluate many precious watches every day, and over the years, we’ve built up a thorough understanding of what makes the pre-owned watch market tick. Our passion for fine watches has given us the opportunity to encounter luxury timepieces across the spectrum of value. When a watch owner asks us “How much is my Breitling worth?,” we look at three distinct factors:

Model matters.

There have been hundreds of Breitling models made over several the decades, and each one holds a unique value, which can range from about $1000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re unsure which model you own, first check the paperwork that came with your watch. If it’s unavailable, you’ll have to look deeper. Current Breitlings, from the 1970s onwards, all carry a reference number which consists of a letter and five numbers. Older models use a range of serial number configurations. Your best bet is to bring your watch to a professional, who can locate and interpret your watch’s identification number.

Age appreciates.

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

Condition counts.

Any scratches, dings, discolorations or damage will bring down the price of your watch. Breitling watches, on the whole, are extremely sturdy, but accidents do happen. Be careful when having the watch repaired and only go to a certified dealer: unoriginal parts and unprofessional repairs can cost you much more in the end by depreciating your timepiece.

Paperwork pays

The original paperwork and watch will add to the resale appeal of your Breitling watch. Not only is it the best way to prove authenticity, it also preserves the history of the watch.

Providing the box with the watch will also increase it’s value. The box can serve as a storage unit for the watch when it is not being worn and many watch enthusiasts are willing to pay more when a watch has it’s original box.

Crown & Caliber knows that luxury watches mean a lot to their owners, and that style and sentimental value remain important factors in what a watch is worth to you. Markets fluctuate, and with it, so will the financial worth of any watch. Still, a fine timepiece like a Breitling will generally hold its resale value quite well over the years, and whether you’ve bought it as an investment, or are thinking about upgrading, it’s helpful to know what you’re dealing with. If you’d like 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 for the highest possible price.