Reference numbers are generally a good thing, because they can be used to accurately identify the models of any given manufacturer. However, the sequences of numbers and letters – which are sometimes quite long – are not very intuitive and can often be a bit daunting, especially for beginners. Breitling is no exception here. Understanding Breitling reference numbers is actually quite simple. What Breitling has in mind with these codes is explained in the following guide to Breitling reference numbers.
Is the reference number the same as the serial number?
First of all, the difference between a reference number and a serial number is important, as the two are often confused. A reference number is always assigned to a specific model line. This reference number also includes information about the materials, the color of the dial, the caliber, or the bracelet. This means that there will always be more than one watch with the same reference number that share the same characteristics. A serial number, on the other hand, is unique and allows each watch to be precisely identified. For example, you can use a serial number to find out when a particular watch was manufactured and to track its sales and service history. The serial number of a watch is also essential to verify the watch’s authenticity and originality.
Where can I find the serial number on a Breitling watch?
Breitling serial numbers are engraved on the outside of the case lid. It’s located at 6 o’clock, just below the reference number. If the watch is fitted with a metal bracelet, the serial and reference numbers can also be found on the inside of the bracelet. A little tip on distinguishing between the two numbers: The reference number is often in a larger font and usually starts with a letter.
Breitling Reference Numbers Explained
Now we come to the reference number. As mentioned above, this number is extremely helpful if you have a specific model in mind. You’re unlikely to find the exact model you’re looking for if you search for it on the Internet using only the name of the watch line. However, if you add the reference number to your keyword search, the exact model you’re looking for will usually be displayed or suggested to you in the results. Nevertheless, many people are confused about what all the numbers and letters mean. That’s why we’ve created this guide to give you an insight into the composition of Breitling reference numbers. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on the reference numbering system that Breitling has used for its watches since 1991. We must also point out that Breitling is sometimes quite flexible in assigning its reference numbers, and that individual models may deviate from the system. Therefore, when in doubt, you may wish to consult a professional who can help you find your dream watch. Broadly speaking, however, most Breitling references can be traced using the following system.
Where can I find the reference number on a Breitling watch?
Finding your Breitling watch’s reference number is easy. All you have to do is turn the watch over and take a look at the case back. The reference number is engraved at 6 o’clock, usually directly above the watch’s serial number. To avoid confusion, please note that the reference number almost always begins with a letter. Along with the engraving on the case back, you’ll also find the reference number in the watch’s papers.
Deciphering Breitling’s Letter and Number Codes
Now that we know where to find a watch’s reference number, what is it for? And how is it different from a serial number? Let’s look at the exact meaning of each letter or number in the code.
First Position
The first position in a Breitling reference number refers to the case material. Each letter corresponds to a different material or combination of materials:
- A: Stainless steel
- B: Stainless steel with 18-karat yellow gold tabs
- C: Stainless steel with 18-karat rose gold bezel
- D: Stainless steel with 18-karat yellow gold bezel
- E: Titanium
- F: Titanium with 18-karat yellow gold tabs
- G: Stainless steel with white gold bezel
- H: 18-karat rose gold
- I: (Not currently in use)
- J: 18-karat white gold
- K: 18-karat yellow gold
- L: Platinum
- M: Black steel
- N: Carbon
- P: Stainless steel with platinum bezel
- R: Case and bezel in rose gold
- T: Palladium case and bezel
- V: Black titanium
- W: Stainless steel with tungsten bezel
- X: Breitlight
- Y: Stainless steel with ceramic bezel
To give you a better understanding of how exactly the reference number system works, let’s use the Avenger II A13381111B1A1 as an example from now on. According to the list above, the first position in the reference number A13381111B1A1, in this case an “A”, indicates that the watch is a model with a stainless steel case.
Second & Third Positions
The second and third positions in the reference number describe the caliber. New models with a “B” at front of the caliber designation have an in-house movement. For example, “B01” stands for the Breitling in-house caliber 01. If there is no “B” before the number, it means that a third-party caliber was used. In such cases, the movement was purchased from a third-party movement manufacturer and modified and refined by Breitling. However, those who think that these calibers are inferior to in-house movements are mistaken. Many of these movements come from renowned manufacturers such as ETA or Lemania. Numbers 50 and above indicate quartz movements.
| Number | Caliber | Number | Caliber |
| 10 | ETA 2892A2 | 43 | ETA 7758 Valjoux |
| 11 | Lemania 1873 | 44 | ETA 2892A2 |
| 12 | Lemania 1873, with 24-hour clock | 45 | ETA 2834-2 |
| 13 | ETA 7750 Valjoux | 47 | ETA 2892A2 |
| 14 | ETA 2892A2, with date / 12-hour chronograph; or ETA 2897 | 48 | ETA 7763 Valjoux |
| 15 | ETA 2892A2 | 49 | ETA 2896 |
| 17 | ETA 2824; 2824-2 | 51 | Miyota Y652 |
| 18 | ETA 2892A2, with 12-hour chronograph / moon phase / perpetual calendar | 52 | ETA 956.112 |
| 19 | ETA 2892A2, with 12-hour chronograph / moon phase / four-year calendar | 53 | ETA 251.262 |
| 20 | ETA 7750 Valjoux, with second time zone | 55 | Piguet MecaQuartz 1270 |
| 21 | ETA 7751 Valjoux | 56 | ETA 988.322 |
| 22 | ETA 2892A2, with flyback / 12-hour chronograph / 24-hour clock | 57 | ETA 955.412 |
| 23 | ETA 7753 Valjoux | 58 | ETA 955.112 |
| 24 | ETA 7754 Valjoux | 59 | Miyota C3510 |
| 26 | ETA 2892A2 | 61 | Ronda 732 |
| 27 | ETA 2892A2 | 64 | ETA 955.612 |
| 30 | Module ETA 2892A2, with date / 12-hour chronograph | 65 | ETA 998.332 |
| 32 | ETA 2892A2, with GMT complication | 67 | ETA 956.612 |
| 33 | ETA 2892A2, with 3-hour chronograph / date | 68 | ETA E20.331 |
| 34 | Frédéric Piguet 1186 | 69 | Piguet MecaQuartz 1271 |
| 35 | ETA 2892A2, with flyback / 3-hour chronograph | 72 | ETA Thermoline 956.152 |
| 36 | ETA 2892A2 | 73 | ETA Thermoline 251.232 |
| 37 | ETA 2895-2 | 74 | ETA Thermoline 956.652 |
| 38 | ETA 2892A2 | 75 | ETA Thermoline 988.352 |
| 39 | ETA 2892A2 | 76 | ETA Thermoline 988.352 |
| 40 | ETA 2892A2 | 77 | ETA Thermoline 956.652 |
| 41 | ETA 2892A2 | 78 | ETA Thermoline 956.652 |
| 42 | ETA 2892A2 |
In the case of our example model (ref. A13381111B1A1), the numbers 1 and 3 tell us that this Avenger II is powered by an automatic ETA 7750 Valjoux movement. So, just by looking at the first three positions in the reference number, we know that this is a stainless steel watch with a chronograph function and an automatic movement.
Fourth Position
The number in the fourth position also denotes the caliber. If the base movement was made by an third-party manufacturer rather than by Breitling, a 0 in the fourth position indicates that the caliber is not a certified chronometer. A 3 in the fourth position of the reference number means the caliber is COSC-certified. However, as mentioned above, you can’t be 100% certain here, as some models have different numbers at this point. The number 3 in the fourth position of our watch (ref. A13381111B1A1) is an indication that the ETA caliber has chronometer certification.
Fifth & Sixth Position
The fifth and sixth positions in the reference number indicate the watch’s model type. Unfortunately, Breitling doesn’t seem to follow a fixed pattern here either, which is why different models can have the same combination of numbers or letters. In our example reference A13381111B1A1, the fifth and sixth positions are 8 and 1. In this case, this appears to be the code for the Avenger II.
Seventh & Eighth Position
The seventh and eighth positions in a Breitling reference number probably refer to the finish and the bezel of the model in question. However, due to the brand’s flexible assignment of reference numbers, there are some exceptions here as well. Nevertheless, there are five pairs of numbers that can be clearly assigned. These five numerical codes are:
- 10: Matt, brushed, or titanium
- 11: Standard surface
- 12: Polished
- 13: Polished with matt surfaces
- 53: Diamond bezel
Some of the codes that don’t fit the pattern in positions seven and eight are the following:
- 06: Superocean
- 09: Chrono Avenger models in titanium
- 15: Airwolf in steel with a blue dial, Skyracer models
- 16: Superocean Heritage (Chronograph) with a blue dial
- 18: Avenger Seawolf in titanium
- 21: Montbrillant Légende with a black and bronze dial
- 23: Airwolf in steel with a black dial
- 24: Superocean Heritage Chronograph with a black dial
- 33: Superocean Heritage Chronograph with a bronze-colored dial
- 34: Airwolf in steel with a silver-colored dial
- 38: Airwolf in steel with a slate gray dial
Accordingly, our example model (ref. A13381111B1A1) tells us that the bezel of the Avenger II could be a model with a standard finish, due to the two consecutive “1”s in the seventh and eighth positions.
Ninth Position
The ninth position usually contains a letter indicating the dial color:
- A: Mother-of-pearl, white, beige, ivory, Arctica
- B: Black, anthracite, diamond black, “Royal Ebony”
- C: Blue, Moroccan blue, meteor, Neptune blue, peacock blue
- D: (Currently not in use)
- E: Rhodium
- F: Slate, slate gray
- G: Silver, silver storm
- H: Champagne, amber, desert dune
- I: Yellow
- J: Smoke gray
- K: Red, burgundy, sunset, rose
- L: Green, turquoise, laurel green, spruce
- M: Graphite, titanium
- N: (Currently not in use)
- O: Coral
- P: (Currently not in use)
- Q: Bronze, Havana, gray-violet, “Burnt Oak”
The number 1 is in the ninth position in our example (A13381111B1A1). Due to Breitling’s loose allocation of reference numbers, it’s not entirely clear whether this “1” is still part of the bezel indicated by positions seven and eight, perhaps referring to the bezel’s rider tabs. This might make sense, considering that the next position in the sequence is a “B,” indicating a black dial.
Next Three Positions: No Recognizable Pattern
The next three positions after the dial color do not have a clearly recognizable pattern, but give information about the dial type and should reveal more about the functions and arrangement of the complications. In the case of our Avenger II ref. A13381111B1A1, we have the number and letter combination “1A1.” This part of the sequence could indicate a chronograph with line indices, but it could also indicate a date window at 3 o’clock, with subdials at 6, 9, and 12. Unfortunately, no further details are known. As you can see, the reference number can tell you a lot about your Breitling watch, even if the system isn’t always as clear as that of other manufacturers.
What about vintage models?
Vintage Breitling watches from 1944 to 1978 also have two different numbers on the case. Along with the serial number, there is a reference or part number. This is only three or four positions long in the case of prominent models like the Navitimer. We’ve compiled a few reference numbers for various vintage Breitling Navitimer models below:
| Reference | Features | Caliber | Iteration |
| 806 | First Navitimer | Venus 178 (Valjoux 72 in rare instances) | Generations I, II, III, IV, and V |
| 7806 | Navitimer with date | Valjoux 7740 | Generation VI |
| 7806-S | Navitimer with date and two subdials | Valjoux 7740 | Generation VII |
| 816 | Navitimer with large case | Venus 178 | Generation VIII |
| 1806 | Navitimer Chronomatic | Breitling caliber 11 or 12 | Generation IX |
| 8806 | Navitimer Chronomatic with small case | Breitling caliber 12 | Generation X |
| 9106 | Navitimer LED quartz, large case | Quartz movement | Generation XI |
| 9406 | Navitimer LCD quartz, small case | Quartz movement | Generation XII |
| 9416 | Navitimer LCD quartz, large case | Quartz movement | Generation XIII |
Can you decode these references?
If you’d like to put your newly acquired knowledge to the test, we invite you to decipher the following three Breitling references and discover the timepieces they represent by clicking on them. Have fun!
- Number 1: A17376211L2S1
- Number 2: AB012012BB01447A
- Number 3: CB0110121B1C1
