facebook pixel
Search Menu

Why choose a Pre-Owned Breitling from Prestons?

17 February 22

Here, we explore what makes a Breitling a compelling choice for your next pre-owned watch.

A Rich Heritage

Léon Breitling founded Breitling in 1884 in Grenchen, Switzerland. The brand is synonymous with luxury timepieces and has, since its launch, been renowned as a chronograph specialist, including having presented the first self-winding chronograph in 1969. Each model in the collection is uniquely equipped with chronometer-certified movement, exquisitely manufactured in the Breitling workshops.  

Exemplarily of the finest Swiss craftsmanship, Breitling has a longstanding relationship with aviation, having historically specialised in “instruments for professionals”. Today, it maintains this same level of technicality and precision, producing sophisticated and performance-led watches of the highest quality.

A Comprehensive Selection  

At Prestons, we specialise in pre-owned watches, an ever-changing and growing market. We are fortunate to have a wide selection of pre-owned Breitling watches, many of which are offered in unworn, as new or excellent condition, with their original box and papers.

This collection includes the sporty Breitling Superocean Heritage B20 – a diving watch inspired by the distinctive design of the 1957 Superocean – ­and the Breitling Chronomat in Stainless Steel, a model dating back to 1941, as well as many other models, each of which offer excellent value compared to their original recommended retail price.

The Breitling Superocean

The Breitling Superocean Heritage was inspired by the 1950s original Superocean, Breitling’s first diving watch which came in two models – a chronograph and a time only diver. The latter was designed for style-conscious gentlemen at the beach who wanted an elegant timepiece, while the former was performance-led with a sportier aesthetic. This came at a time when interest in nautical sports was booming, and amateur enthusiasts were seeking a reliable companion for their underwater escapades. The Superocean achieved just that, offering exceptional water resistance (up to 200m) and easy legibility.

The Superocean Heritage B20 and Superocean Heritage Chronograph, each available to view on our website, both offered in unworn condition and complete with their original box and papers, dated 2021. The model remains the epitome of functional sophistication and a favourite for over 60 years, it is a style that has demonstrated it can stand the test of time.

The Breitling Chronomat

The story of the Chronomat begins in 1941, after Breitling patented the design of its rotating slide-rule wristwatch. After various adaptations, it then underwent a significant rebirth in the early 1980s, when the pilots of the Italian Frecce Tricolori Jet team were in search of a new chronograph. Upon meeting the team, Breitling’s Ernest Schneider learned that they would often accidentally break their watch crystals against the aircraft’s metal frame when opening its canopy. The solution, he decided, was to better protect the bezel with four ‘rider tabs’, which today is Chronomat’s most recognisable feature.

Interestingly, the name Chronomat didn’t come about until 1984, in a coming together of the words: chronograph and automatic. Staying faithful to many elements of the original, the design has enjoyed global success, and is a popular watch among sportsmen, businessmen, and celebrities alike.

A great all-rounder, a Chronomat is perfect for those looking for a reliable watch that stands out on the wrist, with examples featured in our collection with a green dial, pink dial or blue dial.


The Breitling Navitimer

Also born from the Chronomat was the Breitling Navitimer, which became not only the first wrist chronograph to be worn in space (travelling with Scott Carpenter in 1962), but it is the oldest mechanical chronograph in today’s production line. A classic pilot’s watch, the Navitimer has evolved into a variety of styles, but still maintains its predecessor’s innovative slide-rule function.  

Our current pre-owned collection includes a Breitling Navitimer with a blue dial, in stainless steel. The watch is complete with its original box and papers, dated 2006, and offered in excellent condition. This model is steeped in history and is an impressive choice for connoisseurs who – with a little dedication and mathematical thinking ­– are ready to use it in place of a calculator. 

Pre-Owned at Prestons

Our Pre-Owned Watch Manager, Chris Haynes, and each of our teams are here to support our clients by telephone, email and in our showrooms. From enquires about a particular Breitling model, to the heritage or story behind each watch, we are on hand to guide you through everything you may need to consider when purchasing from us.

Your pre-owned buying experience should be as enjoyable and with the same level of confidence as when buying a brand-new watch from Prestons and that is why every single pre-owned watch we retail is offered with our industry-leading P36 three year warranty and, in some instances, the brand’s original manufacturing warranty.

It is possible to purchase from our pre-owned watch collection through multiple platforms. Our showroom in Leeds, 43 Commercial Street, houses our entire collection of pre-owned watches in one setting. Our collection is also showcased on our website. We offer both home delivery and click and collect services: complimentary sizing and gift-wrapping services are included should you wish.

Finally, if you would prefer to view a watch before committing to a purchase or do not live locally to our Leeds showroom, we would be delighted to arrange a no-obligation viewing at one of our showrooms in Wilmslow or Guildford.

If you would like to explore our selection of pre-owned watches, or our entire pre-owned collection, discover more here.

Our Showrooms

Over the years, generations of families have become customers of Prestons, and many have gone on to become friends. Today, our teams look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms in Wilmslow, Guildford, Norwich and Leeds.

Prestons Guildford

Surrey

Our Guildford showroom, which is now located on the opposite side of the high street, is designed to reflect the architectural merit of the Edwardian building it now occupies. The store features newly extended spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases, alongside a comfortable lounge to allow our clients to explore our bridal and fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom

Prestons Wilmslow

Cheshire

Located in the heart of Wilmslow, this showroom features a selection of spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases. Of course, the bridal collections Prestons have always been famous for remain a prominent feature of the store and surround the famous Aquarium Bar which sits at its centre. Explore This Showroom

Rolex by Prestons, Leeds

Yorkshire

This showroom, located in Victoria Gate, features extensive Rolex showcases alongside a discrete VIP lounge. Every element of the interior design radiates the values of the Rolex crown: excellence, precision and attention to detail from louvre walls in walnut, to the careful calibration of colours and patterns within the fittings and furnishings. Explore This Showroom

Prestons Norwich

Norfolk

Located on the historic Norwich high street, Prestons Norwich has been expanded and redesigned to reflect the character of the building it has occupied for over 150 years. The showroom features collections by Patek Philippe, Rolex and TUDOR alongside our fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom
Guildford showroom