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.
Jahan stainless steel wristwatch
By Jahan
Located in Geneva, CH
Stainless steel wristwatch, signed Jahan. Case diameter: 3.60 centimeters. Length: approximately 17.00 centimeters. Weight: 74.69 grams....
Steel, Stainless Steel
Dm 1.5 in L 7.5 in
Rolex Stainless Steel GMT‑Master II 40mm Men’s Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: This Rolex stainless steel GMT‑Master II wristwatch offers classic sport‑luxury styling with a robust automatic movement and dual‑time functionality, ideal for freq...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Breitling Chronomat GT A13330 Stainless Steel Automatic Chronograph
By Breitling
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
A distinguished Breitling Chronomat GT automatic chronograph, reference A13330, showcasing Breitling’s signature aviation style and precision engineering. Produced in the late 1990s ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Kutchinsky Stainless Steel Diamond Chronograph Wristwatch
By Kutchinsky
Located in Braintree, GB
Kutchinsky Stainless Steel Diamond Chronograph Wristwatch Reference: 467326 Circa: Early 2000s A stylish rectangular Kutchinsky chronograph crafted in stainless steel, featuring a b...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Air-King Rolex Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A true vintage classic, this 1967 Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 offers understated sophistication with a storied pedigree. Featuring a 34mm stainless steel case and powered by a reliable ...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Gevril Men's Watch 7 3/4" Stainless Steel Quartz
By Gevril
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Gevril Movement: Quartz Number of Jewels: 7 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Grey Metal Content: Stainless Steel Fastening Type: Fold-Over Clasp Features: Date window, Roma...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Tourneau Men's Watch 8 1/2" 7 3/4" - Stainless Steel Quartz
By Tourneau
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Tourneau Movement: Quartz Number of Jewels: 5 Warranty: 1 year Movement Maker: Swiss Metal Content: Stainless Steel Fastening Type: Buckle Clasp Features: Numbers marking th...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Omega Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Manual Winding, Cal 30T2
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Omega Stainless Steel wristwatch, Manual Winding, Diameter 32.5 mm, Reference 2390/5 Functions: Hour, minutes, Subsidiary seconds Movement: Mechanical Manual Winding, Caliber 30 T2 Dial: Silver dial, silver Arabic numerals, silver indexes Case: Stainless Steel case, diameter 32.5 mm x thickness 9.4 mm Strap: Brown leather strap with Omega buckle...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Baume & Mercier Vintage Avant-Garde Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Geneva, CH
Baume & Mercier Vintage Avant-Garde Stainless Steel Wristwatch. Wrist length: approximately 15.50 centimeters. We do not guarantee the functioning of ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Galbee Stainless Steel Wristwatch W20060D6
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301555 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2009 Model W20098D6 Serial Number 28********** Metal Stainless steel Stones Sapphire Weight Approximately 115.1 g Condition Excel...
Blue Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
Omega Men's Stainless Steel Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1952 steel Omega manual wind 2667-2 wristwatch with strap. Caliber 420. Natural patina and slight staining to dial. All original. Length: 40.42mm...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch embodies timeless sophistication. Its sleek stainless steel case exudes a modern charm, while the iconic dial showcases a blend of l...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Blancpain Vileret Yellow Gold Steel Men's Wristwatch
By Blancpain
Located in Stamford, CT
This Blancpain Villeret yellow gold and steel men’s day date month moon phase automatic wristwatch reflects the brand’s commitment to timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. 7...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Breitling Steel Old Navitmer Mens Chronograph Wristwatch
By Breitling
Located in Stamford, CT
Breitling Mens steel navitmer chronograph. Recently serviced. New Breitling band. 92.7 grams Length: 47.48m Width: 40mm Band width at case: 22mm Case ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari Stainless Steel Diagono Automatic Wristwatch circa 1995
By Bulgari
Located in Stamford, CT
Simple and classic Bulgari stainless steel Diagono automatic wristwatch, circa 1995. This exquisite timepiece is crafted in durable stainless steel and effortlessly marries robust fu...
Stainless Steel, Steel
