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Breitling Reference Model Numbers Explained

Reference Number Dissected

Each current Breitling (since about 1990 onward) uses this reference numbering system, which gives you COSC indication and caliber identification.

The number consists of six characters. A letter, followed by 5 numbers. For ease of explanation, I will use the example A17360, which is the reference number for a Breitling SuperOcean that is COSC certified.

The first letter indicates the composition of the case. The chart below explains what each letter represents.

A - all stainless steel
B - stainless steel, 18K gold rider tabs, crown, and pushers
C - stainless steel, 18K rose gold bezel
D - stainless steel, 18K yellow gold bezel
E - all titanium
F - titanium and gold
H - 18K rose gold
J - 18K white gold
K - 18K yellow gold
L - platinum
M - black steel
P - stainless steel, platinum bezel
R - 18K red gold

The next two numbers indicate the caliber of the watch. So in our example, A17360, the movement is a Caliber 17.

The third number is either a 0 or a 3 depending on whether the watch is COSC certified or not. A number 3 indicates that the watch is a certified Chronometre. In some cases, a number 4 is used when the watch is not COSC certified, the reason is unclear to me why as of this time.

The last two number indicate the model number of the watch. In this case the 60 indicates a SuperOcean or SuperOcean steelfish. This number is often repeated with different calibers.