onzenuub 309 Posted December 16, 2009 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. 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. 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted December 16, 2009 Looks like Petem's post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onzenuub 309 Posted December 16, 2009 Looks like Petem's post. Nope, the link to the op is gone Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 82 Posted December 16, 2009 Looks like Petem's post. I'm sure he stole it from Onze Not that I actually give a damn about Breitlings, but excellent post anyhow. Thanks Onze Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinCaidk 0 Posted December 16, 2009 Cool.. Thanks Titmaster Onze Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted December 16, 2009 Cool.. Thanks Titmaster Onze and who is the shavensnatch master? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onzenuub 309 Posted December 16, 2009 Cool.. Thanks Titmaster Onze and who is the shavensnatch master? I am, you're just a postwhoring threadcrapper Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted December 16, 2009 Cool.. Thanks Titmaster Onze and who is the shavensnatch master? I am, you're just a postwhoring threadcrapper very well then. I can only try to be like the great OZ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onzenuub 309 Posted December 16, 2009 Cool.. Thanks Titmaster Onze and who is the shavensnatch master? I am, you're just a postwhoring threadcrapper very well then. I can only try to be like the great OZ. See! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteM 0 Posted August 20, 2013 (edited) I just found this ...yes I am like lightning... superfast A thief ??!! Me... I am outraged Greg...that is scurrilous and defammatory.... Slated without chance of answering... http://www.repgeek.c...g+model+numbers Edited August 20, 2013 by PeteM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
