Based on Breitling's annual sales data, we present the top 5 most popular models for 2024. This time, we'll be focusing on women's models. Breitling claims to provide "instruments for professionals," and is particularly skilled in chronographs. However, since Georges Kern became CEO in 2017, the brand has been expanding its lineup of simpler, more versatile three-hand models, as well as compact models for women. This ranking will likely be important data for not only women, but also watch enthusiasts, to understand Breitling's current stance.
Text by Shinichi Sato
[Article published on January 26, 2024]
Breitling's Top 5 Women's Models for 2024
Since its founding in 1884, Breitling has been manufacturing instruments for professionals. Its history of producing aircraft instruments dates back to the 1930s, when aviation technology was rapidly developing, and its Navitimer, a synonymous pilot's watch, has become a popular collection. In recent years, the company has redefined the Chronomat collection as one that combines elegance with the functionality required for professional use, and has expanded its lineup of compact three-hand models for women. The Superocean collection, which boasts high water resistance, has also expanded to include pop colors that are suitable for city use while maintaining its water resistance, as well as cool, one-tone white models.
This time, we will introduce the top 5 most popular ladies' models for 2024 based on Breitling's annual sales data.
5. Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham
Automatic winding (Cal. 10). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. 18K yellow gold case (diameter 36mm, thickness 10.01mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide. Price: 4,141,500 yen (tax included).
Coming in fifth place is the Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham, a model that combines an elegant and sparkling 18K yellow gold case with a chic and toned midnight blue dial.
This model was designed in collaboration with Breitling, a fashion brand launched in 2008 by Victoria Beckham. In addition to this model with a midnight blue dial, other dial colors are available, including refreshing peppermint and soft sand. Additionally, the stainless steel case model also comes in a lineup of navy blue, peppermint, and dove gray combinations. Another special detail for this model is that the second hand and bracelet feature Victoria Beckham's initials, "VB."
The Chronomat collection, based on a model produced for the Italian Air Force's aerobatic team, remains popular today as a professional chronograph. In 2020, the women's line expanded to include the Chronomat Automatic 36, which served as the basis for this model, as well as the Chronomat 32. These models feature the Chronomat in a simple three-hand design, while incorporating iconic features such as a rotating bezel, removable and repositionable rider tabs on the bezel, and a Rouleaux bracelet with a series of cylindrical components. The design, which combines the ruggedness derived from tool watches with elegance, is typical of Breitling's current style, and it is this aspect that earned it this ranking.
Bonus: The Growing Popularity of the Small-Diameter Three-Hand Chronomat Model
Quartz (Cal. 72). 3 jewels. Stainless steel case (diameter 32.0 mm, thickness 8.4 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 594,000 yen (tax included).
As mentioned above, the Chronomat has been a popular chronograph model for many years, but the lineup has expanded with the introduction of three-hand models such as the Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham. The Chronomat 28 is particularly popular.
The Chronomat 28 is a women's model that retains the Chronomat design codes but has a 28mm case diameter. Released in the fall of 2024, it didn't make it into this year's top five, but it has garnered significant attention and sales are growing. Two models with blue or pink mother-of-pearl dials are particularly popular and are expected to make the rankings in 2025. Each model features lab-grown diamonds in the indexes, and the pale blue and pink tones create a soft, glamorous impression that sets them apart from the stoic tool watch aesthetic.
4th place: Navitimer 32
Quartz (Cal. 77). 3 jewels. Stainless steel case (diameter 32.0 mm, thickness 8.0 mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 594,000 yen (tax included).
Coming in at number four is the Navitimer 32. The Navitimer collection strongly reflects Breitling's history of manufacturing aircraft instruments and contributing to the aviation industry since the 1930s. Among these, the chronograph model with a rotating slide rule on the bezel is one of Breitling's most iconic pilot chronograph models.
Three-hand Navitimers like this one were first introduced as a men's model in 2018, and considering that Georges Kern became CEO in 2017, it's likely one of the new Breitling's earliest additions to its lineup. This women's model features a mother-of-pearl dial and diamond-set indices, and its limited finished thickness of just 8.0mm is another factor contributing to its elegance. The rounded, textured bezel and five-link bracelet with diagonal lines are common design elements throughout the collection, adding impact to this compact 32mm watch.
3rd Place: Navitimer Automatic 36
Automatic movement (Cal. 17). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 38 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36.0mm, thickness 11.4mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
Coming in third place is the Navitimer Automatic 36. Following on from fourth place, it continues to rank among the Navitimers, demonstrating its popularity. This model features a 36mm case diameter and is notable for its rotating slide rule, a feature characteristic of the Navitimer. The silver dial, which complements dressy outfits, is paired with gold-colored indices and hour, minute, and second hands. The textured bezel, which gives the chronograph model a stoic tool watch feel, is interestingly incorporated into this model as a decorative element that adds elegance.
While we're focusing on this model as a ladies' model, its 36mm case diameter suggests that it would also be suitable for male Breitling fans who typically wear chronograph models and choose this model with a suit. It would also be a good choice for sharing this model with a partner.
2. Superocean Automatic 36
Automatic winding (Cal. 17). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 38 hours. SS x 18K red gold case (diameter 36.0 mm, thickness 12.2 mm). 300m water resistant. 891,000 yen (tax included)
Coming in second place was the online boutique-exclusive model of the "Superocean Automatic 36," which boasts high water resistance.
The Superocean collection inherits the design of the Superocean Slow Motion, which was sold in the 1960s when scuba diving was popular, and is water resistant to 300m, making it suitable for marine sports. The large square pointer, a characteristic of the Superocean Slow Motion, is also an iconic feature of this model.
This model is made of stainless steel and has a compact case diameter of 36mm for a diving watch. It is paired with an 18K red gold bezel and crown, and the white ceramic bezel insert and white dial create a refreshing and glamorous finish. The eye-catching design is accented by the colorful indexes and hands, which are coated with Super-LumiNova, a luminous paint, in a rainbow gradient.
Breitling's models are often designed with a sturdy, massive look, reflecting their background as professional instruments, and a chic feel inherited from their historic models, but this timepiece's popularity may be due to its more pop design. The white rubber strap, which matches the dial color, is also a perfect match for the style of this timepiece.
1. Superocean Automatic 36
Automatic movement (Cal. 17). 26 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 38 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36.0mm, thickness 12.2mm). Water resistant to 300m. Price: 1,298,000 yen (tax included).
Taking the top spot is the Superocean Automatic 36, which follows on from the second place winner. This model is finished in a single tone of white and is characterized by its sporty, cool, and elegant urban impression.
The bezel insert is made of white ceramic, which has a vibrant color and an appealing luster inherent to the material. The indices and hands are also coated with white Super-LumiNova, creating a unified look. It's paired with a white rubber strap. While the watch is monotone white, the variety of textures—ceramic, silver-colored edges on the hands and indices, and case, matte, and embossed rubber—may be the secret to its popularity.
This model has high water resistance and is ideal for marine sports. Its cool look makes it the top choice, which perhaps gives us an idea of the type of female users who choose Breitling.
