Hublot vs Breitling is one of the harder choices in luxury watches. Both are Swiss brands that cost serious money and get plenty of attention. They’re both popular picks, so it’s a fair question to ask which one is better for you.
The two brands are very different, though. Hublot is known for bold, modern watches made from materials like ceramic and carbon. Breitling is known for pilot’s watches and chronographs, with a long history behind them.
This guide compares how they stack up on the things that matter day to day: the movement, size, water resistance, materials, and price. Keep reading to see which one fits your wrist and your budget.
Hublot Overview
Carlo Crocco started Hublot in 1980 and named it after the French word for porthole. That’s why the bezel is a round ring held down by visible screws. His first watch paired a gold case with a rubber strap. No luxury brand had done that before, and it became Hublot’s signature look.
Hublot stayed small until 2004, when Jean-Claude Biver took over as CEO. He launched the Big Bang in 2005, a large, bold chronograph that became the brand’s most famous watch. Luxury group LVMH bought Hublot in 2008, and it’s still based in Nyon, Switzerland today.
Hublot calls its style the Art of Fusion, which means mixing classic watchmaking with modern materials like ceramic, carbon, and its own scratch-resistant Magic Gold. You’ll also see the name on the FIFA World Cup and alongside Ferrari, which is a big part of why it gets noticed. It suits buyers who want a large, modern watch that stands out.
Browse Our Hublot Collection
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Dial Black Ceramic Bezel Black Rubber Strap Titanium 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 642.NM.0170.RX
Hublot Big Bang Unico Skeleton Dial Black Rubber Strap 18K King Gold 45mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 411.OX.1180.RX
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Limited 1 of 50 Skeleton Dial Green Rubber Strap Black Green Carbon Fiber 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 645.QG.5217.RX
Hublot Classic Fusion 42MM Black Dial Rose Gold Bezel Titanium Black Rubber Strap MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 542.NO.1180.LR
2025 Hublot Big Bang Original Black Carbon Fiber Dial Black Ceramic Bezel Black Rubber Strap Stainless Steel 44mm MINT CONDITION 301.SB.131.RX
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Skeleton Dial Titanium Case Black Rubber Strap 45mm MINT CONDITION 414.N1.1123.RX
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 OBEY Limited Edition Skeleton Dial Shepard Fairey Blue Carbon Blue Leather Strap 45mm MINT CONDITION 414.YL.5179.VR.SHF18
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Limited 1 of 50 Skeleton Dial Green Rubber Strap Black Green Carbon Fiber 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 645.QG.5217.RX
NEW UNWORN Hublot Classic Fusion Green Sunray Dial Titanium Leather Strap 45mm COMPLETE SET 541.NX.8970.RX
Hublot Big Bang "Black Magic" Black Carbon Fiber Dial Black Ceramic Case Black Rubber Strap 44mm FULL SET MINT CONDITION 301.CI.1770.RX
2024 Hublot Big Bang Unico Orange Skeleton Dial Limited Edition Rubber Strap Ceramic 44mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 441.CU.5910.RX
Hublot Big Bang Beige Skeleton Dial Ceramic Bezel 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 451.CZ.4620.CZ
Breitling Overview
Léon Breitling started the company in 1884, so it has over a century of history. It built its name on chronographs, the stopwatches used to time races and flights. Breitling even helped shape the modern chronograph by adding the side pushers that start and reset the timer.
The Navitimer, from 1952, became its most famous watch and even went to space with astronaut Scott Carpenter in 1962. The brand nearly folded during the quartz crisis, but Ernest Schneider bought it in 1979 and revived it. Today, Breitling is majority-owned by Partners Group and based in Grenchen, Switzerland.
Breitling is known for testing. Since around 2000, it has sent its whole range to the COSC for accuracy checks, which few brands do, and in 2009 it built its first in-house movement, the B01 chronograph. It suits buyers who want a tool watch with real function and a tested movement.
Browse Our Breitling Collection
2025 Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 Blue Dial Black Alligator Strap 41mm Stainless Steel MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET A17329161C1P1
Breitling Chronomat Blue Dial Champagne Subdials Blue Leather Strap Two-Tone 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 39mm MINT CONDITION B13050
Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT Stainless Steel Black Dial Black Rubber Strap 44mm MINT CONDITION AB0420
Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph Black Dial Stainless Steel 46mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET AB0127211B1A1
Breitling Superocean Heritage II Green Dial Black Ceramic Bezel Black Rubber Strap Stainless Steel 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET AB2010121L1S1
Breitling Superocean "Steelfish" Cream Dial Stainless Steel 44mm MINT CONDITION A17390
Breitling Navitimer GMT 48 Mercury Silver Dial Stainless Steel MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET AB044121
2025 Breitling Top Time B01 Ford Thunderbird Ivory White Dial Red Leather Strap Stainless Steel 41mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET AB01766A1A1X1
Breitling Chronomat B01 Green Dial Green Rubber Strap Two Tone 18K Rose Gold Stainless Steel 42mm MINT COMPLETE SET UB0134131L1S1
2026 NEW UNWORN Breitling Navitimer Automatic Green Dial Black Alligator Leather Strap Stainless Steel 41mm COMPLETE SET A17329371L1P1
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph Bentley Mulliner Silver Dial Blue Alligator Leather Strap Stainless Steel 42mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET AB0118A71G1P1
Breitling Avenger "Night Mission" Black Dial Black Rubber Strap Titanium 45mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET V32395
Hublot vs Breitling: Most Notable Differences
This is where the two brands really differ. At Majestix Collection, we see buyers care more about these points than the name on the dial.
1. Movement Type
Hublot’s main movement is the in-house Unico, an automatic flyback chronograph with about 72 hours of power reserve, introduced in 2010. But not every Hublot uses it. Many Classic Fusion models run a Sellita or ETA movement instead, so whether you get an in-house movement depends on the model.
Breitling uses its in-house B01 chronograph across much of its main range. Every one of those watches is COSC-certified, so its accuracy is tested before it ships. The B01 holds about 70 hours of reserve. Some older or entry-level models use an ETA or Valjoux movement, but the testing is more consistent across the range.
2. Case Dimensions
Hublot watches tend to be large. The Big Bang is around 42mm to 44mm and over 13mm thick, so it feels heavy on the wrist. Some owners love that; others find it too much by the end of the day. The Classic Fusion is the exception. It goes as small as the low 30mm range and is close to 10mm thin.
Breitling offers more sizes within a single collection. The Navitimer ranges from about 35mm up to 46mm, and the updated Superocean Heritage now starts as low as 36mm. So you can find a smaller size without switching to a different model.
3. Water Resistance
Water resistance is the biggest difference between the two. Hublot’s Big Bang and Classic Fusion usually sit between 50m and 100m. That’s fine for daily wear, washing your hands, and rain, but not for real swimming or diving.
Breitling splits by purpose. The Navitimer is a pilot’s watch, so it only handles about 30m and should stay out of the pool. The Superocean is a real dive watch, rated to 200m or more. If you want to get your watch wet, this is the clearest reason to choose Breitling.
4. Case Materials
Hublot uses the widest range of materials. Its cases come in colored ceramic, carbon, sapphire, and its own Magic Gold, an 18k gold blended with ceramic so it resists scratches far better than normal gold. These are often layered together in one case. Ceramic keeps its finish and resists scuffs, and titanium keeps the bigger models light. If you’re weighing those two materials against each other, our ceramic versus titanium breakdown covers how they differ day to day.
Breitling sticks to more traditional metals: mostly stainless steel, titanium, and gold. These are proven and easier for a watchmaker to service later. The downside is fewer unusual options, and in steel, a heavier watch. Anyone who has handled a full-steel Chronomat will tell you that.
5. Bezel Function
Hublot’s bezel is fixed. It’s held down by 6 H-shaped screws and is part of both the watch’s structure and its look. You can’t turn it to time something or make a calculation. Even so, those H-screws are one of the brand’s most recognizable details.
Breitling bezels usually do a job. The Navitimer’s slide-rule bezel handles flight and math calculations, and the Superocean’s bezel times a dive. So the bezel does real work, beyond how it looks.
Price and Market Demand
Both brands are priced as luxury sports watches, but the starting point depends on the model. Breitling has more affordable options, while Hublot starts higher and gets expensive faster. Here’s a rough guide:
| Brand | Line | Rough price range |
| Breitling | Superocean or Top Time (steel) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Breitling | Navitimer or Chronomat (B01) | $8,000–$10,000 |
| Hublot | Classic Fusion (steel or ceramic) | $9,000–$11,000 |
| Hublot | Big Bang Unico | $16,000–$28,000 |
| Hublot | Gold, skeleton, or limited editions | $28,000+ |
Prices are approximate and change with condition, materials, and the market.
The material and version explain most of the price gap. Titanium, ceramic, and Magic Gold cost more than steel, and limited editions cost more again. There’s also a lot of overlap in the middle, where an expensive Breitling can cost about the same as a basic Hublot.
The references below show the exact prices.
Resale is worth thinking about too. Neither brand holds value like the hardest-to-get names, such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, so both usually sell for less than retail once used. Popular steel models hold value better than gold or rare special editions.
Most of the value drop happens in the first few years, so a used watch in great condition with a full set is the safest buy.
Notable Hublot References
These are the Hublot models buyers most often compare with Breitling. Each one shows the Art of Fusion idea in its own way, and the rest of the range is mapped out in our full Hublot buying guide.
1. Big Bang Unico
The Big Bang Unico is the watch most people picture when they hear Hublot. Its case is built from stacked layers held together by exposed screws. The flyback chronograph resets and restarts in one press, and you can watch it work through the open dial. If you’re deciding between references, our Big Bang buying guide walks through the lineup.
- Reference: 441.CU.5910.RX
- Case size: 44mm
- Material: Orange ceramic
- Movement: In-house Unico flyback chronograph
- Water resistance: About 100m
- Strap: Rubber
- Condition: Complete set, mint
- Price: $27,499
2. Classic Fusion
The Classic Fusion is the slimmest and dressiest Hublot. Its shape goes back to the original 1980 model, so it carries the brand’s oldest design in a thinner case. It’s the easiest one to wear under a cuff, and often someone’s first Hublot. It’s also the line where the movement varies most, so check what’s inside. If you’re torn between this and the bigger model, our Big Bang versus Classic Fusion comparison lays out the differences.
- Reference: 541.NX.8970.RX
- Case size: 45mm
- Material: Titanium (green sunray dial)
- Movement: HUB1110 automatic (Sellita-based)
- Water resistance: About 50m
- Strap: Leather
- Condition: Complete set, unworn
- Price: $9,978
3. Spirit of Big Bang
The Spirit of Big Bang arrived in 2014 as a barrel-shaped version of the Big Bang. The longer case curves down the wrist, so it wears differently from a round watch of the same width. It keeps the layered case and exposed screws of the standard Big Bang, and comes with movements ranging from time-only to tourbillons.
- Reference: 642.NM.0170.RX
- Case size: 42mm, tonneau (barrel)
- Material: Titanium
- Movement: In-house HUB4700 self-winding skeleton chronograph
- Water resistance: About 100m
- Strap: Black rubber
- Condition: Complete set, mint
- Price: $20,900
Notable Breitling References
These are the Breitling models that compete with the Hublots above. They focus on function and testing more than materials, and the full lineup sits in our Breitling buying guide.
1. Navitimer
The Navitimer is Breitling’s signature pilot’s watch and one of the best-known chronographs around. The turning slide-rule ring lets you work out fuel burn, speed, and distance without a calculator, the way pilots once did. The design has barely changed in decades. This is the large, full-size version, with smaller sizes offered elsewhere in the line, all of which our Navitimer buying guide breaks down.
- Reference: AB0127211B1A1
- Case size: 46mm
- Material: Stainless steel (black dial, silver subdials)
- Movement: In-house B01, COSC-certified chronograph
- Water resistance: About 30m
- Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Condition: Complete set, mint
- Price: $8,520
2. Superocean
The Superocean is Breitling’s modern dive watch, a line that goes back to 1957. The turning bezel tracks how long you’ve been underwater, and the screw-down crown and thick case keep water out. Large glowing markers make it easy to read in dark or murky water. It’s a real sports diver, but easy to wear every day too.
- Reference: A17366
- Case size: 42mm
- Material: Stainless steel (blue dial and bezel)
- Movement: Breitling Caliber 17 automatic, COSC-certified
- Water resistance: 500m (50 bar)
- Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Condition: Complete set, mint
- Price: $2,956
3. Chronomat
The Chronomat is Breitling’s all-rounder, a sports chronograph tough enough for daily wear. Its bracelet, with rounded five-piece links, is one of the brand’s most recognizable designs and sits comfortably flat on the wrist. The stopwatch pushers are easy to use on the move, and the case handles water well enough for swimming. If you’re comparing the two-tone and steel versions, our Chronomat buying guide covers the variants.
- Reference: UB0134
- Case size: 42mm
- Material: Two-tone stainless steel and 18k rose gold (blue dial)
- Movement: In-house B01, COSC-certified chronograph
- Water resistance: About 200m
- Bracelet: Two-tone rouleaux
- Condition: Complete set, mint
- Price: $9,899
Which Watch Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on how you’ll use the watch. Each brand is better at different things, so use the lists below to see which one fits you.
Choose Hublot if:
- You want a large watch with strong wrist presence.
- You want modern materials like colored ceramic, carbon, or Magic Gold.
- You prefer a fixed, screwed-down bezel and a layered case.
- You specifically want the in-house Unico flyback chronograph.
- You want a lighter feel from a titanium build.
Choose Breitling if:
- You want a COSC-certified movement across more of the range.
- You need real water resistance for swimming or diving.
- You want a bezel that does a job, like a slide rule or dive timer.
- You want a wider choice of case sizes, including smaller ones.
- You prefer traditional metals that are simpler to service.
Where to Buy Authentic Hublot and Breitling Watches
The safest place to buy a Hublot or Breitling is a pre-owned specialist that checks each watch is genuine first. Both brands are widely copied, so a seller you can trust matters as much as the watch. At Majestix Collection, every watch listed above is a complete set in mint or unworn condition, and you can see what’s currently in stock anytime.
You can also browse marketplaces like Chrono24, eBay, and Grailzee. These have plenty of choice, but the sellers vary, so check each one’s rating and return policy before you buy. If you go the marketplace route, our walkthrough of buying on Chrono24 covers what to check before you commit.
Whichever way you go, look for the same things: full box and papers, honest photos, a fair return window, and a seller with a good track record. Those are what protect you from a fake or an overpriced watch.
Final Thoughts on Hublot vs Breitling
The Hublot vs Breitling choice depends on how you’ll use the watch. Hublot suits you if you want bold, modern design, materials like ceramic and Magic Gold, and a large watch that stands out. Breitling suits you if you want a tested, COSC-certified movement, real water resistance, and more sizes to choose from.
Before you buy, think about the everyday things: how big a watch you like, whether you’ll swim or dive with it, and your budget. A steel Breitling can start at a few thousand, while a gold or limited Hublot runs well past twenty thousand. That gap, along with the size and water-resistance differences, is what should guide your pick.
Try each watch on both a bracelet and a strap, because the band changes how it feels more than the numbers suggest. These are mechanical watches that need a service every few years, so include that cost.
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