Collector's Reference
Breitling has equipped aviators and adventurers since 1884. Their serial number system — numeric through the 1960s, then letter-prefix from 1969 onward — allows any Navitimer, Superocean, Chronomat, or Avenger to be dated from records.
Enter your Breitling serial number — found stamped or engraved on the caseback. For modern watches, the reference number appears on the caseback alongside the serial. Enter the full serial including any letter prefix (e.g., 1K123456 or 180000).
Approximate Production Year
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Results are approximate. For letter-prefix serials, enter the full serial including the 1–2 letter/digit prefix. Pre-1969 Breitling watches use a purely numeric serial with no letter prefix.
Breitling has used two distinct serial number systems across their history. Understanding which system your watch uses is the first step to dating it accurately.
System 1 — Numeric (before 1969)
Early Breitling watches (1884–1968) used a sequential numeric serial with no letter prefix. The number alone indicates approximate production date based on the table below.
Example: Serial 230,000 → approximately 1965.
System 2 — Letter Prefix (1969–present)
From 1969, Breitling prefixed serials with a letter or letter+digit combination that changes each year. The prefix identifies production year; the following 6 digits are sequential within that year.
Example: Serial 1K123456 → prefix "1K" → 2001–2002.
Breitling's early numeric serials run from the founding in 1884 through 1968. Enter a purely numeric serial in the lookup tool above to find the approximate production year.
From 1969, Breitling changed to a letter-prefix system. A single letter was used from 1969 to approximately 1991, after which a two-character prefix (digit + letter) was adopted. Note that the letter "I" was skipped to avoid confusion with the numeral "1".
Single-Letter Era (1969–1991)
Two-Character Era (1992–present)
The reference number on a Breitling is stamped or engraved on the caseback or inner caseback. On modern pieces with the B-series references (e.g., AB0121), the full alphanumeric reference uniquely identifies the model, material, and bracelet combination.
The serial number location on a Breitling varies by era and model, but follows consistent conventions across their lineup.
Caseback (All Eras)
The serial number is stamped or engraved on the caseback. On screwback cases, the serial is typically visible around the outer ring of the caseback. It begins with the year-prefix letter(s) for post-1969 models.
Reference Number Location
The reference number appears on the caseback or inner caseback. On vintage pieces, it may also appear on the pushers or crown. Modern B-series references (AB, EB, etc.) are printed prominently on the caseback.
Breitling serials consist of a 1–2 character prefix (letter or letter+digit) followed by 6 digits. The prefix identifies the production year — for example, a serial beginning with "1K" was made in 2001–2002. Pre-1969 Breitling watches used a purely numeric serial. If your serial starts with digits only, use the numeric table above; if it starts with a letter, use the letter-prefix table.
The Navitimer ref. 806 (especially with the AOPA logo and stepped pushers from the 1950s–60s) commands the highest prices. The Chronomat from the 1980s and the Co-Pilot are also highly sought. Early 1-letter prefix serials (A through Z era) correspond to the golden age of Breitling's tool-watch production and are the most desirable vintage pieces.
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