Breitling Serial Number Guide: Date, Decode & Authenticate

The complete reference — full vintage production tables from 1944 to 1978, the modern serial system explained, a position-by-position reference number decoder, date codes, and how to spot a fake.

By the Watch Experts at Le Watch Buyers  |  Updated: 2025  |  Reading time: ~12 min  |  Focus: Breitling Serial Numbers · Dating · Authentication · Reference Decoder

Where to Find the Serial & Reference Numbers

Both the serial number and reference number are engraved on the underside of the watch case — the outside of the caseback at the 6 o’clock position. The reference number is typically in a larger font and always begins with a letter. The serial number sits just below it in a slightly smaller font and consists entirely of digits (on pre-1979 watches) or digits preceded by a letter (post-1979).

Serial Number vs. Reference Number: What Each Does

These two numbers are frequently confused, but they serve entirely different purposes and carry different information.

Vintage Serial Number Dating Tables (1944–1978)

Before Ernest Schneider’s acquisition of Breitling in 1979, the company used a single sequential numbering system that can reliably date a watch’s production year. There is one critical detail that almost every other guide gets wrong: Breitling used two completely separate serial number ranges — one for chronographs and one for non-chronographs. The ranges do not overlap and are not interchangeable. Using the wrong table will give you a wrong date by decades.

Chronograph Serial Numbers by Year (1944–1979)

Applies to: Navitimer, Chronomat, Cosmonaut/Cosmonaute, Premier, Top Time, Sprint, Datora, Duograph, and all other chronograph-function models.

Non-Chronograph Serial Numbers by Year (1944–1978)

Applies to: Co-Pilot, Unitime, Aerospace precursors, Colt, and all non-chronograph models. Note the entirely different serial range and the gaps in production years.

The Post-1979 Modern Serial System

When Ernest Schneider acquired Breitling in 1979, the entire identification system was overhauled. The new system abandoned the sequential single-stream serial approach in favour of a structure tied to model reference numbers, where each reference receives its own serial sequence. This means modern Breitling serial numbers cannot be used to date production year — the sequences are not universal across the catalogue.

Modern serials typically consist of 6–8 digits. They may begin with a letter that corresponds to the case material, mirroring the reference number’s first character. For example, a steel Navitimer might carry a serial beginning with A, while a gold model might begin with K.

The serial’s primary purpose from this era onward is uniqueness — ensuring no two Breitling watches share an identifier. For production dating on post-1979 watches, the tools to use are the lug date code (from ~2003 onward) or a formal archive inquiry with Breitling directly.

The Date Code Between the Lugs (~2003–Present)

Beginning approximately in 2003 (with some earlier examples as far back as 2001 on select references), Breitling began stamping a production date code on the case between the lower lugs at the 6 o’clock position. This code is separate from both the serial and reference numbers.

The code is four digits encoding the week and year of manufacture:

To read the code: remove the strap or bracelet and look between the lower lugs. You will need a loupe or strong light. The code will be engraved in small characters — on some models it is very faint. Some Navitimer Montbrillant Légende references have the date code on the back of the lug rather than between them.

Metal Breitling bracelets may also carry a production date stamp on the inside of the clasp in the same week/year format, which can be used to confirm approximate manufacture date even if the case code is worn.

Breitling Reference Number: The Full Decoder

The modern Breitling reference number (used from approximately 1990–91 onward) is a 12-character alphanumeric code that systematically encodes the watch’s key specifications. It is the most information-dense part of Breitling’s identification system, and understanding it is essential for buying, selling, or authenticating any modern Breitling.

Position 1: Case & Bezel Material — The Complete Code

The first character of any modern Breitling reference number identifies the case and bezel material combination. This is the most consistently applied element of the entire system.

Positions 2–4: Movement, Calibre & COSC Certification

Positions 2–3: The Calibre Number

The second and third characters identify the movement calibre. Any number from 10–49 indicates a mechanical movement. Any number 50 or above indicates a quartz movement. When the calibre number is preceded by a B (e.g., B01, B04), it designates a Breitling in-house manufactured movement — all of which are COSC-certified by default.

Position 4: COSC Certification

The fourth character specifically relates to chronometer certification:

• 0 — Not COSC certified (used on third-party movements pre-2000)
• 3 — COSC certified chronometer (±4/+6 seconds per day accuracy standard)
• 1, 4, 6, 8 — Used on specific highly specialised models with non-standard movements (Astromat 1461, certain Bentley editions, Co-Pilot module)

From approximately 2000 onward, virtually all Breitling mechanical watches carry COSC certification. In-house movements (B01, B04, etc.) are always COSC-certified and the B prefix effectively replaces this position in the code.

Positions 5–12: Model Type, Finish & Dial

Positions 5–6: Model Type

These two digits identify the model family, but there is no universal pattern across the catalogue. Breitling assigns these digits per collection, and the same digits can appear on entirely different models in different eras. They are best understood as collection-internal identifiers rather than universal codes. When you know a specific reference (e.g., all Navitimers ending in 20 at positions 5–6 in a certain era), that pattern holds within that family.

Positions 7–8: Case & Bezel Finish

Five codes are consistently documented across the range:

Position 9: Dial Colour

The ninth character identifies the dial colour family using a letter code:

Positions 10–12: Dial Design

The final three characters describe the dial’s layout and design specifics — sub-dial configuration, index type, presence of date windows. No universal pattern exists; these codes are consistent within model families but not across the catalogue. Research the specific reference for model-level detail.

Authentication: Genuine vs. Fake

Breitling is among the most counterfeited luxury watch brands. The serial and reference numbers are the first authentication checkpoint — but they are not sufficient on their own, since sophisticated fakes now replicate these numbers accurately. Use them as a starting point, not a conclusion.

Contacting Breitling Directly

For definitive authentication, production dating, or extract from archives on any Breitling — vintage or modern — Breitling SA maintains official channels:

• Breitling Archive Service: Available at breitling.com/service. Breitling can confirm whether a serial number is in their records and provide production details for a fee.
• Authorized Service Centres: Any official Breitling service centre can check a serial number against factory records during a service appointment.
• Authorized Dealers: Breitling ADs can typically run a serial lookup through their dealer system for recently produced models.

For vintage pieces where records may be incomplete, specialist dealers and the collector community (particularly the Breitling Source forum and Watch Forums vintage sections) often have more complete database coverage of specific references than official channels.

Quick Reference: Which Table or System to Use

Le Watch Buyers · Watch Education & Blog Series · lewatchbuyers.com · Serial number tables reflect collector-documented production data and are accurate to within 6–12 months for vintage pieces. Modern serial numbers (post-1979) are not sequential across models and cannot be used for production dating. Reference number decoder based on published collector research; Breitling does not officially publish position-by-position documentation. For insurance or legal purposes, obtain official confirmation from Breitling SA directly.