The Ultimate Guide to Breitling Serial Number Checks
Introduction to Breitling Watches
Breitling is a globally recognized Swiss watch brand renowned for crafting luxury timepieces since 1884. Best known for their pilot’s watches, they have developed a widespread following, making them one of the most sought-after watchmakers in the market today.
Decoding Breitling Serial Numbers
Understanding Breitling’s Serial and Reference Numbers
Breitling uses a unique dual reference number and serial number system for their watches. These numbers help identify a watch’s production series and track its manufacture and sale. A true Breitling watch is produced with these numbers, and this becomes a key signifier of authenticity.
Where to Find These Numbers
Both the reference number and the serial number can be located on the underside of your watch’s casing. The reference number is a 12-digit code consisting of numbers and letters, whereas the length of the serial number varies depending on the model.
The Meaning Behind The Numbers
The reference number is more of a code, with each digit conveying information about the watch type, movement, and certification. An example of how to break down the code would be AB011012/BF76, which signifies a Breitling Chronomat 44 in polished steel.
Dating Your Breitling Watch
Serial Numbers and Production Dates
While the reference and serial numbers provide ample information about the watch, they do not include the production date. However, some Breitling watches can be dated using the serial number, especially if they were produced around the 2000s when Breitling began stamping watches with production dates. These dates are coded by week and year and are located on the case between the lugs at the bottom of the watch.
Checking the Authenticity of Your Breitling Watch
Serial Numbers and Authenticity
Breitling watches are given a unique serial number to differentiate them from others in the production series. This serial number becomes essential for identifying whether a watch is authentic. Any Breitling watch without these numbers should be subject to scrutiny.
Breitling Chronograph Serial Numbers
| Year(Year of Production) | Serial Number(Serial number of your Breitling) |
|---|---|
| 1944 | 563659-568959 |
| 1945 | 568971-636507 |
| 1946 | 636508-692266 |
| 1947 | 703562-717737 |
| 1948 | 717784-728688 |
| 1949 | 728724-740210 |
| 1950 | 740405-769843 |
| 1951 | 769844-808456 |
| 1952 | 808457-817915 |
| 1953 | 817916-832126 |
| 1954 | 832127-844123 |
| 1955 | 844124-868778 |
| 1956 | 868779-889562 |
| 1957 | 889563-898029 |
| 1958 | 898830-910504 |
| 1959 | 910505-922163 |
| 1960 | 922164-933063 |
| 1961 | 933064-947803 |
| 1962 | 947804-963553 |
| 1963 | 963554-975997 |
| 1964 | 975998-1002734 |
| 1965 | 1002735-1060398 |
| 1966 | 1060399-1122809 |
| 1967 | 1122810-1204581 |
| 1968 | 1204582-1262904 |
| 1969 | 1262905-1337825 |
| 1970 | 1337826-1356899 |
| 1971 | 1356900-1382203 |
| 1972 | 1382204-1406566 |
| 1973 | 1406567-1426969 |
| 1974 | 1426970-1433372 |
| 1975 | 1433373-1439417 |
| 1976 | 1439418-1442922 |
| 1977 | 1442923-1448464 |
| 1978 | 1448465-1448473 |
Breitling Non Chronograph Serial Numbers
| Year(Year of Production) | Serial Number(Serial number of your Breitling) |
|---|---|
| 1920 | 3,815,000 |
| 1921 | 3,880,000 |
| 1922 | 3,945,000 |
| 1923 | 4,047,100 |
| 1924 | 4,148,000 |
| 1925 | 4,250,000 |
| 1926 | 4,500,000 |
| 1927 | 4,625,000 |
| 1928 | 4,750,000 |
| 1929 | 4,886,000 |
| 1930 | 4,959,000 |
| 1931 | 5,031,000 |
| 1932 | 5,104,000 |
| 1933 | 5,177,000 |
| 1934 | 5,250,000 |
| 1935 | 5,333,000 |
| 1936 | 5,416,000 |
| 1937 | 5,500,000 |
| 1938 | 5,750,000 |
| 1939 | 5,850,000 |
| 1940 | 5,950,000 |
| 1941 | 6,140,000 |
| 1942 | 6,331,000 |
| 1943 | 6,522,000 |
| 1944 | 6,713,000 |
| 1945 | 6,904,000 |
| 1946 | 7,106,000 |
| 1947 | 7,309,000 |
| 1948 | 7,511,000 |
| 1949 | 7,713,000 |
| 1950 | 7,915,000 |
| 1951 | 8,225,000 |
| 1952 | 8,535,000 |
| 1953 | 8,845,000 |
| 1954 | 9,183,000 |
| 1955 | 9,521,000 |
| 1956 | 9,859,000 |
| 1957 | 10,201,000 |
| 1958 | 10,543,000 |
| 1959 | 10,885,000 |
| 1960 | 11,211,000 |
| 1961 | 11,538,000 |
| 1962 | 11,864,000 |
| 1963 | 12,368,000 |
| 1965 | 12,621,000 |
| 1966 | 12,873,000 |
| 1967 | 13,839,000 |
| 1968 | 14,834,000 |
| 1969 | 15,000,000 |
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Understanding Reference Numbers and Serial Numbers
Breitling watches, like many other high-end timepieces, come with unique reference numbers and serial numbers. These codes provide specific information about the watch, including the case material, movement type, model type, and more. Here’s a detailed guide on how to decode and understand these numbers on your Breitling watch.
The Meaning of Digits in Breitling Watches
1. Case/Bezel Material
The first digit in a Breitling reference number denotes the case and bezel material. This is represented by a single letter. For instance, ‘A’ refers to a steel bezel and case, ‘B’ indicates a steel bezel and case with gold riders, and ‘X’ denotes a Breitlight® case, among others.
2. Movement Type
The second and third digits represent the movement or calibre used in the watch. Numbers from 10 to 49 indicate mechanical movements, while numbers above 50 are used for quartz movements. Note that many modern Breitling watches use in-house movements marked with BXX, which are always COSC Certified.
3. COSC Certification
The fourth digit denotes whether the watch is COSC Certified. ‘0’ indicates a non-COSC certified watch, while ‘3’ means the watch is COSC Certified.
4. Model Type
The fifth and sixth digits indicate the model type, represented by two numbers without a discernible pattern.
5. Finish Type
The seventh and eighth digits denote the finish type of the watch. For example, ’10’ stands for a satin, brushed, or titanium finish, and ’53’ indicates a diamond bezel.
6. Dial Colour
The ninth digit, a single letter, signifies the dial color. ‘A’ represents colors like the mother of pearl, white, beige, ivory, or Arctica, while ‘B’ stands for black, anthracite, diamond black, royal ebony, and so forth.
7. Dial Design
The last three digits, 10, 11, and 12, represent the design of the dial. These three digits have no specific pattern; they simply denote the model type.
Example
For a practical example, let’s break down the code AB011012/BF76, which corresponds to a Breitling Chronomat 44 in polished steel.
- A – Steel bezel/case
- B01 – In-house movement (COSC Certified)
- 10 – Model type
- 12 – Polished finish
- B – Black dial colour
- F76 – Dial design code
Now that you understand what the reference and serial numbers on your Breitling watch mean, you can, even more, appreciate your timepiece’s intricacies and specifics.
FAQ
</p> <h2>What Do the Numbers on My Breitling Watch Mean?</h2> <p>
The numbers on your Breitling watch are the reference numbers that provide specific information about your timepiece, including the case material, movement type, model type, finish type, dial color, and design. Each digit or group of digits in the reference number has a particular meaning.
</p> <h2>How Can I Tell the Material of My Breitling Watch from Its Reference Number?</h2> <p>
The material of your Breitling watch can be identified by the first digit in the reference number. For instance, ‘A’ stands for a steel bezel and case, ‘B’ indicates a steel bezel and case with gold riders, ‘E’ denotes a titanium bezel and case, and ‘X’ signifies a Breitlight® case, among others.
</p> <h2>How to Identify if My Breitling Watch is COSC Certified?</h2> <p>
The fourth digit in your Breitling watch reference number indicates whether the watch is COSC Certified. If the fourth digit is ‘0’, the watch is non-COSC certified. If the fourth digit is ‘3’, it indicates that the watch is COSC Certified, affirming its precision and reliability.
</p> <h2>What Does the Dial Colour Code Mean on My Breitling Watch?</h2> <p>
The ninth digit in the reference number of your Breitling watch indicates the dial color. For example, ‘A’ corresponds to colors like mother of pearl, white, beige, ivory, or arctica, while ‘B’ stands for black, anthracite, diamond black, or royal ebony, and so forth.
</p> <h2>How do I sell my Breitling?</h2> <p>
Selling your Breitling watch can be straightforward, especially when dealing with a trusted buyer. Precision Watches is an excellent platform that purchases Breitling watches from all over the internet. Here’s how you can sell your watch:
Evaluate Your Watch: Start by understanding the value of your Breitling watch. The model, condition, and current market demand all contribute to its worth.
Reach Out to Our Sales Professionals: Visit our sell your breitling page and navigate to their selling platform. They provide a user-friendly interface where you can submit details about your watch.
Provide Information: Enter all the necessary information about your Breitling watch. The more details you provide, such as the model, condition, unique features, and clear pictures, the more accurate the quote you will receive.
Get a Quote: Precision Watches will assess your information and provide a competitive quote.
Ship Your Watch: If you accept the quote, you can ship your watch to Precision Watches. They usually cover the shipping and insurance costs, ensuring a hassle-free selling process for you.
Get Paid: You will get paid the same day once your watch is received and its condition is confirmed. Precision Watches ensures a smooth and quick payment process.
Remember, when selling a precious item like a Breitling watch, it’s essential to deal with reputable and trusted buyers like Precision Watches to ensure a smooth, safe, and fair transaction.
