Antique Breitling Watches
1870s Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
19th Century Antique Breitling Watches
Late 19th Century Antique Breitling Watches
Ruby, Gold
Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Breitling Watches
Ruby, Gold
Late 19th Century French Antique Breitling Watches
Ruby, Rose Gold
1910s Swiss Art Deco Antique Breitling Watches
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Breitling Watches
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Late 19th Century Antique Breitling Watches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Late 19th Century Antique Breitling Watches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Breitling Watches
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Antique Breitling Watches
Steel
1890s Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
Yellow Gold
2010s Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
19th Century Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Antique Breitling Watches
Silver, Enamel
Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique Breitling Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Japanese Modern Antique Breitling Watches
1990s Antique Breitling Watches
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
Diamond, Rose Gold
19th Century Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
Rose Gold
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Breitling Watches
Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Swiss Modern Antique Breitling Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Antique Breitling Watches
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
19th Century Antique Breitling Watches
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel
1970s Italian Antique Breitling Watches
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Breitling Watches
Stainless Steel
1920s European Art Deco Antique Breitling Watches
Sterling Silver
1850s Swiss High Victorian Antique Breitling Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Finding the Right watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Breitling watches are so special due to their precise timekeeping, and this precision is why no brand is more closely associated with the world of aviation than Breitling. Since the founding of the watchmaker in 1884, Breitling has developed innovations to make its watches more accurate and easy for pilots to use. An example is 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. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association adopted the Navitimer as its official watch in 1959, and it remains the world’s most iconic pilot’s watch to this day. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Breitling watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021As the name suggests, the Breitling Emergency watch has an integrated antenna system and is used in emergency situations. When the beacon is activated, the watch broadcasts a distress signal of approximately 100 miles and remains operational for 48 hours unless turned off. Find a wide range of vintage Breitling watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, many people consider Breitling watches to be luxury. Breitling is associated with quality workmanship and luxe materials all over the world, and the price of its timepieces at retail reflect that reputation. 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. Shop a collection of Breitling watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Breitling Colt a good watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Breitling's streamlined and minimalistic Colt watch is a good watch for everyday. Though it's not considered a luxury watch, it is a great option for anyone interested in a functional sports watch.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, anyone can buy Breitling’s Emergency watch. This watch is one of Brietling’s masterpieces and includes an internal locator beacon which can send a distress signal to local emergency services. Shop a collection of properly vetted Breitling watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023At 100 years of age or more, a watch is generally considered an antique. A vintage watch is a timepiece that is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique, vintage and modern watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An antique fob watch works with the help of a winding mechanism. Turning the winder puts tension on the clockwork gears, allowing them to move. Depending on the watch, you may wind it with a specially designed key or a winding crown located on the stem of the timepiece. You'll find a collection of antique fob watches on 1stDibs.
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