Quick Guide to Serial Numbers for Breitling Watches
Breitling watches are renowned for their distinctive style and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether you already own one or are contemplating a purchase, gaining insight into your Breitling watch’s serial and reference numbers can offer valuable information about its authenticity and heritage.
Serial numbers are integral to the world of Breitling watches, serving as unique identifiers that offer valuable insights into each timepiece’s authenticity, production details, and history. Here’s a brief overview of Breitling serial numbers.
Serial numbers on Breitling watches serve as indicators of the time and place of manufacture and are typically found on the case back of most watches. In addition to the serial number, each watch is also assigned a model reference number that specifies the watch’s model. While the serial number is distinct for each watch, the reference number is not unique and can apply to multiple watches of the same model.
If you’ve come across the reference numbers on a Breitling watch, you might have found them to be quite overwhelming. Unlike brands like Patek Philippe with shorter reference numbers (e.g., 5711), Breitling’s reference numbers are extensive combinations of letters, dots, and numbers, making them virtually impossible to commit to memory.
While this complexity may make it challenging to discuss a particular timepiece by referring to its reference number, it’s worth noting that Breitling’s intricate reference numbering system serves a meaningful purpose and has been carefully designed for specific reasons.
Breitling has relied on a dual system of reference numbers and serial numbers for many years to manage the identification of its watch production series, monitor manufacturing processes, and track sales. These numbers hold significant importance as they are a fundamental indicator of a timepiece’s authenticity, as genuine Breitling watches are always accompanied by these identifying marks.
Here’s how the system works: Each watch within a series is assigned an identical reference number, documenting that they share the same design, materials, and movement specifications. Subsequently, each individual watch is engraved with a distinct serial number, setting it apart from others within the same production series. This dual identification system allows for the classification of watches within a specific production run while ensuring that each watch maintains its unique identity.
Case/bezel material – single letter | A – Steel bezel/case | |
B – Steel bezel/case/gold riders | ||
C – Rose gold bezel/steel case | ||
D – Yellow gold bezel/steel case | ||
E – Titanium bezel/case | ||
F – 18kt bezel/titanium case | ||
G – White gold bezel/steel case | ||
H – 18kt rose gold bezel/case | ||
J – 18kt white gold bezel/case | ||
K – 18kt yellow gold bezel/case | ||
L – Platinum bezel/steel case | ||
M – Blacksteel bezel/case | ||
N – Carbon case | ||
P – Platinum bezel/steel case | ||
R – Red gold bezel/case | ||
T – Palladium bezel/case | ||
V – Black titanium bezel/case | ||
X – Breitlight® case | ||
Y – Ceramic bezel/steel case | ||
2 & 3 | Movement (calibre) used – two numbers or letters | 10–49 – Mechanical movements |
50+ – Quartz movements |
Breitling timepieces, you will find in-house movements denoted by the marking BXX, comprising a ‘B’ and two numerical digits. These movements consistently bear COSC certification, and the additional digit used for marking the movement effectively substitutes the fourth number typically seen in COSC Certified designations (as outlined below).
| 4 | COSC Certified – single number | 0 – Non-COSC certified |
| 3 – COSC Certified | ||
| 5 & 6 | Model type – two numbers | Two numbers of no pattern are used to represent the model type. |
| 7 & 8 | Finish type – two numbers | 10 – Satin/brushed/titanium finish |
| 11 – No special finish | ||
| 12 – Polished finish | ||
| 13 – Satin and polished finish | ||
| 53 – Diamond bezel | ||
| 9 | Dial colour – single letter | A – Mother of pearl, white, beige, ivory, arctica |
| B – Black, anthracite, diamond black, royal ebony | ||
| C – Blue, Moroccan blue, meteor, Neptune blue, peacock blue | ||
| E – Rhodium | ||
| F – Slate, slate-grey | ||
| G – Silver, silver storm | ||
| H – Champagne, amber, desert dune | ||
| I – Yellow | ||
| J – Smoke grey | ||
| K – Red, burgundy, sunset, rose | ||
| L – Green, turquoise, laurel green, spruce | ||
| M – Graphite, titanium | ||
| O – Coral | ||
| Q – Bronze, Havana, grey violet, burnt oak | ||
| 10, 11 & 12 | Design of the dial – three digits | Three digits of no pattern are used to represent the model type. |
You can locate both the reference number and serial number on the underside of your watch’s casing. The reference number comprises a 12-character code, featuring a combination of numbers and letters, such as A2332212/B635. In contrast, the length of the serial number may differ depending on the specific watch model.
If you’re looking to add a beautiful Patek Philippe to your collection, BQ Watches is the place to go. We have an incredible inventory of vintage and modern Patek Philippe timepieces for you to choose from. If you already have a Patek Philippe, but you can’t decipher the serial number, feel free to send it to us for an appraisal. Our team of experts can help you determine the approximate year of your watch.
If you’re not in the market for a Patek Philippe, we have an extensive inventory of pre-owned watches like Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philip, Bremont, IWC, Breitling, Omega, Tudor, Panerai, and many others. We also offer comprehensive sourcing services if you’re looking for something specific.
Once you know what luxury watch service you’re needing, simply fill out our contact form and let us know. A member of our team will reach out shortly to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
To determine the manufacture date of a Breitling watch, look for a four-digit number positioned between the lower lugs at 6 o’clock. To reveal this number, you may need to detach the bracelet. The initial two digits signify the week of the year, while the final two digits indicate the year in which the watch was produced.
In the previous year, Breitling manufactured a total of 150,000 watches, and notably, every one of these watches received COSC certification, affirming their precision. This certification is granted to only 2 percent of all Swiss watches, underscoring the exceptional accuracy of Breitling timepieces. The only other brand achieving a 100 percent COSC certification rate in its production is Rolex.
