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Breitling Comparison Guide: Navitimer, Chronomat, Superocean & Top Time

Use exact references—not family averages—to compare the functions, proportions, movements, water ratings and configurations that change the ownership experience.

The figures below describe named full references verified July 27, 2026. They do not automatically transfer to another dial, metal, bracelet or generation.

View featured Breitling watches Source a Breitling Breitling guide directory
Aviation iconNavitimer for the circular slide rule and dense dial.
All-purpose sportChronomat for Rouleaux identity and stronger water rating.
Modern diverSuperocean for direct tool-watch construction.
Compact current choiceTop Time B31 38 for a thinner three-hand manufacture automatic.
Five exact references

Representative current Breitlings at a glance

Exact configurations verified July 27, 2026.
Family and exact reference Diameter × thickness Calibre / reserve Water rating Defining feature
Navitimer B01 43 AB0138211B1A1 43 × 13.69 mm B01 / approx. 70 h 30 m Bidirectional circular slide rule
Chronomat B01 42 AB0158101C1A1 42 × 13.77 mm B01 / approx. 70 h 200 m Chronograph and Rouleaux bracelet
Superocean 42 A17375211B1A1 42 × 12.56 mm Breitling 17 / approx. 38 h 300 m Modern unidirectional dive bezel
Superocean Heritage B31 42 AB3111241B1A1 42 × 12.03 mm B31 / approx. 78 h 200 m Time/date and polished mesh
Top Time B31 38 AB3113281A1A1 38 × 10.31 mm B31 / approx. 78 h 100 m Compact motoring-led time/date design
Function before prestige

Choose by intended use

Navitimer prioritizes aviation design and its slide rule. Chronomat is the stronger everyday choice when a 200 m rating, screw-locked crown and integrated-style bracelet matter. Superocean is the more direct dive watch, while Superocean Heritage preserves meaningful water capability in a thinner, more polished package. Top Time is the casual motoring-led route.

Avenger, Premier, Professional and Classic AVI occupy separate branches: rugged aviation tool, elegant complications, electronic instruments and Ref. 765-inspired aviation chronographs. Their family guides sit beside the direct comparisons rather than being forced into one winner.

Calibre and function

Choose by movement and complication

B01 supplies the automatic chronograph in the compared Navitimer and Chronomat. B31 gives the three-hand/date Heritage and Top Time a longer listed reserve and slimmer presentation. Breitling 17 supports the straightforward automatic Superocean.

Manufacture status is not a substitute for choosing the correct function. A buyer who wants a clean dive dial may rationally prefer Breitling 17; a buyer who values chronograph architecture may prefer B01; a buyer who wants simplicity and reserve may prefer B31.

Proportions and configuration

Choose by diameter, thickness and attachment

The Top Time B31 is the smallest and thinnest reference in the matrix. The Heritage B31 is thinner than both 42 mm chronographs/dive references. The Navitimer's visually dense dial and slide-rule chapter can make it read differently from a simpler dial at similar diameter.

Bracelet and strap matter. Rouleaux, polished mesh, a seven-row Navitimer bracelet and a conventional three-row dive bracelet distribute mass differently. The fit guide prohibits transferring a published weight between configurations.

Decision library

Eight direct Breitling comparisons

Navitimer vs. Chronomat B01 against B01: slide rule and 30 m versus Rouleaux and 200 m. Read the guide → Superocean vs. Superocean Heritage 300 m modern diver versus thinner 200 m B31 heritage diver. Read the guide → Avenger vs. Superocean Aviation functions and rugged casework versus dedicated dive identity. Read the guide → Premier vs. Top Time Dressier complication range versus casual motoring design. Read the guide → Navitimer B01 41 vs. 43 vs. 46 One B01 platform at three scales. Read the guide → Chronomat B31 40 vs. B01 42 vs. Super Chronomat 44 Time/date versus two chronograph tiers. Read the guide → Superocean 42 vs. 44 vs. 46 Shared 300 m fundamentals with different scale and bezel execution. Read the guide → Top Time B31 38 vs. B01 41 Compact time/date versus larger chronograph. Read the guide →
The watch still matters

Reference-level comparison does not replace individual inspection

Two watches with identical specifications can differ materially in polishing, bracelet completeness, movement performance, water resistance, service history and documentation. Compare reference architecture first, then inspect the individual watch.

On a pre-owned watch, original factory water rating is not proof of present seal condition. A pressure test, functional review and documented service scope belong in the transaction decision.

Live Shopify product references

Representative watches from the Breitling comparison system

Compare the exact reference, size, movement, configuration, condition, and transaction terms before choosing a watch.

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 Blue Dial Bracelet A17329161C1A1 UNWORN 2026 Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 Blue Dial Bracelet A17329161C1A1 UNWORN 2026 $4,700.00 Available now View exact watch Breitling Chronomat B31 Automatic 40 Blue Dial Bracelet AB3114101C1A1 UNWORN 2026 Breitling Chronomat B31 Automatic 40 Blue Dial Bracelet AB3114101C1A1 UNWORN 2026 $5,600.00 Available now View exact watch Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 Black Dial Bracelet A17375211B1A1 UNWORN 2026 Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 Black Dial Bracelet A17375211B1A1 UNWORN 2026 $4,200.00 Available now View exact watch Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 42 Black Dial Bracelet AB3111241B1A1 UNWORN 2026 Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 42 Black Dial Bracelet AB3111241B1A1 UNWORN 2026 $5,400.00 Available now View exact watch Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Blue Dial Bracelet AB0145171C1A1 UNWORN 2026 Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Blue Dial Bracelet AB0145171C1A1 UNWORN 2026 $7,650.00 Available now View exact watch Breitling Top Time B31 Cream Dial Bracelet AB3113281A1A1 UNWORN 2026 Breitling Top Time B31 Cream Dial Bracelet AB3113281A1A1 UNWORN 2026 $4,800.00 Available now View exact watch
Frequently asked questions

Breitling comparison FAQs

Navitimer or Chronomat for everyday wear?

Choose by intended use. The compared Chronomat has a 200 m rating and screw-locked crown, while the Navitimer emphasizes its slide rule and aviation design.

Superocean or Superocean Heritage?

The compared Superocean 42 offers 300 m and a modern dive design. The Heritage B31 42 offers 200 m, a thinner case and a polished mesh-bracelet presentation.

Which current comparison reference is smallest?

The Top Time B31 reference used here is 38 mm in diameter and 10.31 mm thick.

Which references use the B01 chronograph calibre?

The Navitimer B01 43 and current Chronomat B01 42 in the matrix both use Breitling Manufacture Calibre B01.

Does a larger diameter always wear larger?

No. Thickness, lug geometry, bracelet articulation, dial opening and wrist shape also affect perceived fit.

Which compared Breitling is best for water?

Within the matrix, the Superocean 42 has the highest stated rating at 300 m, but a pre-owned watch should still be pressure-tested.

Continue researching

Continue through the Breitling guide system

Primary sources

Sources and verification

Breitling official current watch catalog · Breitling Navitimer collection · Breitling Navitimer history · Breitling Chronomat collection · Breitling Chronomat history · Breitling Superocean collection · Breitling Superocean history · Breitling Superocean Heritage collection · Breitling Superocean history

Current-reference specifications were checked against Breitling's official US catalog on July 27, 2026. Live price, imagery, URL and availability come from the canonical Superlative Watch Co. Shopify product record on each render.

Editorial review: July 27, 2026. Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury-watch dealer and is not affiliated with or authorized by Breitling. Product availability, pricing and specifications can change. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.