Pre-Owned Breitling Chronomat
The Breitling Chronomat
A pre-owned Breitling Chronomat carries one of the more colourful origin stories in watchmaking. Breitling developed it for the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic display team, who needed a chronograph bezel that could be operated by a gloved hand mid-flight. The solution was four raised “rider tabs” around the bezel, interchangeable so a pilot could set them for either timing a flight or counting down to a start, paired with an easy-grip “onion” crown and a distinctive articulated steel bracelet that became known as the Rouleaux. Breitling launched the design publicly in 1984, timed to the brand’s 100th anniversary, and those elements, rider tabs, onion crown, Rouleaux bracelet, remain Chronomat signatures on every generation since.
The collection has evolved considerably across four decades: the 2004 Chronomat Evolution refined the original design, 2009 brought the first Breitling in-house movement, the Manufacture Caliber 01, to the line, and a 2020 redesign updated the collection into the generation sold today. Because the Chronomat has changed so often, its pre-owned market spans genuinely distinct watches rather than small variations on one theme.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Chronomat?
Several Chronomat generations exist only on the secondary market. The Chronomat 44, produced through the 2010s, was discontinued around 2019 and replaced by the current Super Chronomat B01 44. The earlier Chronomat Evolution from the 2000s, and Chronomat references from the 1980s and 1990s, are similarly out of production. If you want the proportions or details of an earlier Chronomat, pre-owned is the only route.
The Chronomat is also one of the more accessible ways into a Swiss chronograph with a genuine in-house movement. Many Chronomat references carry the Manufacture Caliber 01, the same chronograph movement found across Breitling’s higher-priced watches, which makes a well-kept pre-owned example a strong value. Buying from a dealer with watchmakers on site means the chronograph, rotating bezel, and Rouleaux bracelet have all been verified before the watch reaches you.
Chronomat Generations and References
Super Chronomat : The current generation, in a 44mm case with ceramic bezel accents, ceramic pushers and crown, and a choice of Rouleaux bracelet or rubber strap. Powered by the in-house Manufacture Caliber 01.
Chronomat 44 : The earlier 44mm generation, produced through the 2010s and discontinued around 2019, sharing the same rider-tab and Rouleaux design language in proportions no longer sold new.
Chronomat Evolution : The 2004 refinement of the original Chronomat, a distinct pre-owned generation with its own following among collectors who prefer its earlier proportions.
Chronomat B01 42 and GMT : The current smaller time-and-date and GMT references in 42mm and 40mm, offering the modern design in a more compact case.
Chronomat 32, 36, and 38 : The women’s sizes, sharing the same rider-tab bezel and Rouleaux bracelet in more compact, jewellery-adjacent proportions.
Pre-Owned Chronomat Prices
Pre-owned Chronomat prices depend on generation, size, and materials. Earlier Chronomat 44 and Evolution references are generally the most accessible way into the collection, current Super Chronomat and B01 42 references with the in-house Caliber 01 run higher, and two-tone, gold, and ceramic examples cost more still. Women’s 32mm and 36mm references vary by metal and dial. Box, papers, and overall condition all affect value. Our inventory changes regularly, so contact us if you are looking for a specific generation or reference.
Authenticated and Serviced In-House
The Chronomat’s rider-tab bezel, chronograph pushers, and Rouleaux bracelet all see real wear, and their condition affects both function and value. Every pre-owned Chronomat we sell is examined by our on-site watchmakers, who verify the movement and chronograph operation, check the bezel and rider tabs for wear, assess the bracelet and clasp, and confirm serial and reference numbers. Every pre-owned Chronomat carries our two-year warranty, with service handled directly by our own watchmakers.
Sell or Trade Your Chronomat
We buy pre-owned Breitling Chronomat watches outright and accept trades toward anything in our showroom. Our team evaluates each watch on its generation, reference, condition, and current market demand. Start with our Sell Your Breitling page or bring the watch into the store for an in-person evaluation.
Related Collections
Looking at the wider Breitling range? The Navitimer is the brand’s aviation chronograph, and the Superocean is its dive line. You can also browse our full selection of pre-owned Breitling watches.
How much is a pre-owned Breitling Chronomat?
Earlier Chronomat 44 and Evolution references are generally the most accessible way into the collection. Current Super Chronomat and B01 42 references with the in-house Caliber 01 movement cost more, and two-tone, gold, and ceramic examples run higher still. Generation, size, condition, and original box and papers all affect the final price.
What is the difference between the Chronomat and the Super Chronomat?
The Super Chronomat is the current 44mm generation, introduced with ceramic bezel accents, ceramic pushers and crown, and a choice of Rouleaux bracelet or textured rubber strap. The Chronomat 44 is the earlier generation it replaced, discontinued around 2019, sharing the same core design without the ceramic detailing. Both use rider-tab bezels and the Rouleaux bracelet; the Super Chronomat is the more refined, current execution.
Is the Breitling Chronomat 44 still made?
No. Breitling discontinued the standalone Chronomat 44 around 2019, replacing it with the current Super Chronomat B01 44. The earlier Chronomat 44 remains available only on the pre-owned market, where it is a popular choice for buyers who want the design in proportions no longer sold new.
What is the Rouleaux bracelet on a Breitling Chronomat?
The Rouleaux is the Chronomat’s signature bracelet, made from small, articulated rounded links that give it a distinctive textured, almost beaded appearance and a notably comfortable fit. It has been part of the Chronomat’s identity since the original 1984 design and remains one of the collection’s most recognisable features.
Why does the Chronomat bezel have raised tabs?
The four raised “rider tabs” on the bezel were designed for the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic pilots, who needed to operate the rotating bezel while wearing flight gloves. The tabs at 3 and 9 o’clock are interchangeable, letting a pilot set them for timing a flight or counting down to a start. They remain a defining Chronomat feature on every generation.
Do your pre-owned Chronomat watches come with a warranty?
Yes. All pre-owned watches from Precision Watches include our two-year international warranty covering mechanical defects, with warranty work handled by our on-site service center.
Can I trade my current watch toward a pre-owned Chronomat?
Yes. We accept trade-ins toward any watch in our inventory. Our team evaluates the brand, condition, and current market demand for your watch, then applies the agreed value to your purchase.
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