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Cracking the code - How to decipher Breitling model numbers

Breitling uses a 12 digit reference number for each of it's watches of which only the first 6 digits are engraved on the case back. The breakdown of the first 6 digits is well documented but after a lot of research, I believe this is how to break the full 12 digit reference down.

Note this information is not taken from any official Breitling source but has been gleaned from a multitude of internet sources including, of course, breitlingsource.com. I acknowledge their work and take full responsibility for all errors and omissions. Any amendments and additions will be gladly received via this thread.


Example of a 12 digit code: A2332212/B635
Breaking it down by position we have
1 - Single letter representing the case material
2 & 3 – Two numbers representing the movement used
4 – Single number designating if the movement is COSC certified
5 & 6 – Two numbers representing the model type
7 & 8 – Two numbers representing the bezel/case finish
9 – Single letter representing the dial colour
10, 11 & 12 - Three numbers representing the design of the dial


1 – Case material
A = steel bezel/case
B = steel bezel/case/gold riders
C = rose gold bezel/steel case
D = yellow gold bezel/steel case
E = titanium bezel/case
F = not used
G = white gold bezel/steel case
H = 18kt rose gold bezel/case
I = not used
J = 18kt white gold bezel/case
K = 18kt yellow gold bezel/case
L = platinum bezel/case
M = blacksteel bezel/case
N = not used
O = not used
P = platinum bezel/steel case
Q = not used
R = red gold bezel/case
S = not used
T = palladium bezel/case


2 & 3 – Movement (Calibre)
10-49 - Mechanical movements
50 and above – Quartz movements
The first of the modern in-house movements is designated B01, suggesting that they will use numbers less than 10.

Details here: http://www.breitlingsource.com/movements_calibers.shtml


4 – COSC Certification
Virtually all models have either a 0 or a 3.
0 = non-COSC
3 = COSC

In addition, the following are/have been used.
1 = only used for Co-Pilot module
4 = used exclusively on the Astromat / Astromat 1461 / Astromat Longitude models
6 = used exclusively on the Shark Quartz / Chrono Shark Quartz models
8 = used exclusively on the Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon

Since 1999/2000, all Breitling watches produced (excluding UTC/Co-Pilot modules) have been COSC certified.


5 & 6 – Model type
Two numbers with no discernable pattern represent the model type. The same numbers are frequently used for completely different models whilst different numbers are used for the same model. The latter is usually used to differentiate an updated version.


7 & 8 – Finish (bezel/case)
There seems to be no documentation whatsoever regarding what these 2 digits represent but I am now convinced they relate to the bezel/case finish.

Five codes are consistently used across the range. These are:-
10 Satin/brushed/titanium finish
11 No special finish
12 Polished finish
13 Satin & polished sections
53 Diamond bezel

In addition, the following codes are currently used with no discernable pattern:-
06 SuperOcean
09 Chrono Avenger titanium
15 Airwolf steel - blue dial & Skyracer - blue dial
16 SOH Chrono - blue dial
18 Avenger Seawolf titanium
21 Montbrillant Legende - black, bronze dial
23 Airwolf steel - black dial & Skyracer - black, slate grey dial
24 SOH Chrono - black dial & Montbrillant Legende - silver dial
33 SOH Chrono - bronze dial
34 Airwolf steel - silver dial & Skyracer - silver dial
38 Airwolf steel - slate grey dial

I have also seen paperwork relating to special edition squadron dials which use an alpha-numeric 7th & 8th digit eg D4.


9 – Dial Colour
A = MOP, White, Beige, Ivory, Arctica
B = Black, Anthracite, Diamond Black, Royal Ebony
C = Blue, Moroccan Blue, Meteor, Neptune Blue, Peacock Blue
D = not currently used
E = Rhodium
F = Slate, Slate-Grey
G = Silver, Silver Storm
H = Champagne, Amber, Desert Dune
I = Yellow
J = Smoke Grey
K = Red, Burgundy, Sunset, Rose
L = Green, Turquoise, Laurel Green, Spruce
M = Graphite, Titanium
N = not currently used
O = Coral
P = not currently used
Q = Bronze, Havana, Grey Violet, Burnt Oak


10, 11 & 12 – Dial design
Three numbers with no discernable pattern represent the dial type.


So A2332212/B635 is
A = Steel case
23 = Calibre 23 mechanical movement
3 = COSC certified Chronometer
22 = Navitimer
12 = Polished bezel/case
B = Black dial
635 = Silver sub-dials, batons




Hope this helps you understand the system!

Sharky

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For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
http://f4buz.com/watches/breitling/fakes/fakes.html

Good info, but I think that 7 & 8 mark just different model of the watch with same main ref# (noticable with the last two SO designs).
Interesting theory about dial design.

The only thing I could possibly say is it is just amazing the ammount of knowledge one can suck into their head hanging around here!

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Breitling Bentley 6.75
White Baton Super Avenger
Rolex DSSD

Impressive!

Does anyone have a theory (conspiracy or otherwise) as to why this info has been like cracking the Enigma code? I know that for years you can type in a Seiko ref online and get an accurate description of the watch.

Although Breitling has had such a plethora of models over the years with documented “anomalies”…maybe they like to keep us guessing?

Very, very good information.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together Sharky.
Much appreciated.

Great job!
Don't let Breitling keep us in the dark!

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Breitling Headwind SS Blue Dial (Current)
Breitling Colt Ocean Automatic (Sold)
Breitling Colt Quartz (Sold)

Thanks for taking the time Sharky - very interesting read

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"