Breitling, founded in Saint-Imier in 1884, pioneered the modern chronograph. Léon Breitling created the first independent chronograph pusher (1915) and the first separate reset pusher (1934) — innovations that define every chronograph made today. The Navitimer (1952) became the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Available below retail on the secondary market at 25% discount, this model offers exceptional value for buyers willing to purchase pre-owned. This pricing makes it one of the better value propositions in the chronograph watch category.
The WVS Value Score of 68/100 reflects the balance between this watch's specifications, brand positioning, and market dynamics. While not the highest-scoring watch in its category, it may offer advantages in other areas such as design, availability, or raw specification value.
The estimated annual cost of ownership is $568 per year, accounting for depreciation, servicing, and insurance. While this is higher than some alternatives, it should be weighed against the wearing pleasure and prestige the watch provides daily.
Understanding the true cost of owning a luxury watch requires looking beyond the purchase price. Our cost-of-ownership model calculates the annual net expense of keeping the Breitling Chronomat AB0134101B1A1 on your wrist, factoring in three key components.
First, depreciation: based on historical pricing data for this reference and similar Breitling models, we estimate annual value change at 6%. This depreciation rate is typical for this price segment and brand positioning. Second, servicing: Breitling recommends periodic maintenance to ensure accuracy and water resistance. We amortize the estimated service cost across the recommended interval, arriving at $80 per year. Third, insurance: at approximately 1.5% of market value, annual insurance costs $98 to protect against theft, loss, or accidental damage.
Combining these factors yields a net annual cost of $568. That's roughly $1.56 per day — comparable to a daily coffee habit.
Estimated market price trend based on aggregated public listing data. Prices reflect average asking prices for complete sets in excellent condition. Updated monthly.
Our proprietary score rates every luxury watch on a 0-100 scale across five dimensions. Scores above 85 indicate exceptional value retention and market positioning. The formula is transparent and weight-based.
When considering the Breitling Chronomat AB0134101B1A1, it helps to understand how it compares to alternatives in the chronograph watch category. The highest-scoring alternative is the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a Value Score of 76/100, slightly above the AB0134101B1A1's 68/100. The comparison table below provides a detailed side-by-side analysis of all key metrics.
| Watch | Market Price | Size | WR | Own/Yr | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breitling Chronomat AB0134101B1A1 | $5,500–$7,500 | 42mm | 200m | $568/yr | 68 |
| Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.001 | $5,500–$7,000 | 42mm | 50m | $549/yr | 76 |
| Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 310.32.42.50.01.002 | $5,200–$6,800 | 42mm | 50m | $530/yr | 76 |
| Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.002 | $6,000–$7,500 | 42mm | 50m | $586/yr | 75 |
| TAG Heuer Monaco CBL2111.BA0644 | $5,000–$6,500 | 39mm | 100m | $511/yr | 69 |
| TAG Heuer Carrera CBS2210.BA0928 | $4,500–$6,000 | 44mm | 100m | $474/yr | 69 |
A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function, activated by pushers on the case side. Originally developed for timing horse races and scientific experiments, modern chronograph watches appeal to those who appreciate mechanical complexity and sporty aesthetics.
Important chronograph features include the type of movement (integrated vs modular), number of sub-dials (typically 2 or 3), column wheel vs cam-actuated mechanism, flyback capability, and chronograph running time. Column wheel chronographs are generally more refined but more expensive to service.
Chronographs range from dress-appropriate (thin case chronographs like the JLC Master Chronograph) to sporty and bold (Breitling Navitimer, Hublot Big Bang). Case thickness is a key consideration — chronograph movements add 2-4mm compared to time-only calibres.
Breitling watches are readily available with significant discounts. Grey market prices run 25-40% below retail, and even ADs may negotiate 10-15% off. The brand's aggressive pricing on the secondary market makes pre-owned Breitling watches exceptional value — you get a genuine manufacture chronograph for the price of many quartz watches.
Breitling manufactures in-house chronograph movements (B01 family) alongside outsourced calibres. The B01 is a column-wheel, vertically-coupled chronograph with 70-hour power reserve — a technically excellent movement. All Breitling movements are COSC-certified. The Breitling 01 is arguably one of the best chronograph movements available under $10,000.
Breitling recommends servicing every 4-6 years. Service costs are $500-$900 for the B01 chronograph, less for simpler models. Breitling offers a 5-year warranty on new watches, providing reasonable protection for the initial ownership period.
Breitling watches depreciate 35-55% from retail, making them a buyer's market on the pre-owned side. The Navitimer retains value best due to its iconic status. The brand's recent efforts under Georges Kern to reposition as a modern luxury brand may improve resale trajectory over time.
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| Ref | Variant | Retail | Score | Own/Yr | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB0134101B1A1 | B01 42 Steel/Black ◂ | $8,650 | 68 | $568/yr | $5,500–$7,500 |
Value Score 68/100 · $568/year to own · 94% retention