Is your Aerospace
the real deal?
The Breitling Aerospace is a legendary pilot's watch combining analog-digital displays with SuperQuartz precision in a titanium case. Its professional heritage and aerospace credentials have made it a prime target for sophisticated counterfeiters. Here's how to verify authenticity.
How to authenticate an Aerospace
LCD Display Quality
The Aerospace features a high-contrast LCD display below the analog hands showing digital time, chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, and calendar functions. Genuine displays are crisp, uniformly segmented, and highly readable in all lighting conditions. The LCD should respond instantly to button presses. Counterfeits have dim, low-contrast displays with uneven segments, slow refresh rates, or non-functional digital features.
Titanium Case Construction
Genuine Aerospace cases are machined from grade 2 titanium with a distinctive brushed finish. The case should feel notably lighter than stainless steel but exceptionally rigid. Case dimensions are precise (40-43mm depending on generation). The integrated bracelet or rubber strap attachment should be seamless. Counterfeits use spray-coated steel that's much heavier, with rougher finishing and loose bracelet integration.
SuperQuartz Movement
The Aerospace uses Breitling's B79 caliber (based on thermally-compensated ETA 988.352), a COSC-certified SuperQuartz movement accurate to ±10 seconds per year. The case back should be engraved with "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" and movement details. Both analog and digital functions should operate flawlessly. Counterfeits use standard quartz movements without thermal compensation, no COSC certification, and unreliable digital functions.
Dial & Hands Quality
Genuine Aerospace dials are matte black or blue with highly legible Arabic numerals and clear minute track. Applied indices and printed markers should be perfectly aligned. Hands are sword-shaped with luminous material matching the indices. The Breitling logo and "AEROSPACE" text are crisply printed. Counterfeits have uneven printing, misaligned markers, cheap luminous paint, and blurry or crooked logos.
Crown & Pushers Operation
The Aerospace crown is titanium with precise knurling and engraved Breitling logo (depending on generation). Crown operation should be smooth for setting time and digital functions. The two pushers control digital modes and should have crisp, positive clicks. All crown threads and pusher springs should feel precise and well-engineered. Counterfeits have rough crown operation, loose pushers, or missing logo engravings.
Case Back Engravings
The titanium case back should have deep, precisely executed engravings including model number (e.g., E79362), serial number, "TITANIUM", "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER", and water resistance rating. Genuine engravings are sharp, evenly spaced, and correctly formatted. The case back should screw down securely with proper gasket sealing. Counterfeits have shallow, uneven engravings, incorrect fonts, missing certifications, or loose case backs.
Aerospace counterfeit warning signs
Heavy "Titanium" Case
Titanium is significantly lighter than stainless steel. If the watch feels as heavy as a typical steel watch, it's likely a counterfeit using spray-coated or plated steel. Genuine Aerospace watches have a distinctive lightweight feel that's immediately noticeable when worn.
Poor LCD Display Quality
The LCD display is a critical authenticity indicator. If the display is dim, has uneven segments, slow refresh rates, pixelated appearance, or non-functional digital features (chronograph, timer, alarm), it's a counterfeit using a cheap LCD module instead of the precision Aerospace display.
Missing COSC Certification
All genuine Aerospace watches are COSC-certified chronometers with "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" engraved on the case back. Missing this certification, wrong spelling, or lack of COSC documentation indicates a counterfeit using a standard quartz movement.
Incorrect Digital Functions
The Aerospace digital module should include chronograph (1/100 second precision), countdown timer, alarm, second timezone, and perpetual calendar—all operating flawlessly. If any function is missing, non-responsive, or operates incorrectly, the watch is counterfeit.
Scan your Aerospace now
Upload a few photos and get an AI-powered authenticity report in seconds. First scan free.
Start ScanningFor high-value purchases, we recommend pairing your AI scan with an in-person inspection by a certified watchmaker for complete peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Breitling Aerospace unique?
The Breitling Aerospace is a professional pilot's watch combining analog hands with digital LCD displays for multifunctional capabilities. Introduced in 1985, it features a lightweight titanium case, COSC-certified SuperQuartz movement (10x more accurate than standard quartz), and functions including chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, second timezone, and perpetual calendar. Its aerospace heritage and used by military pilots worldwide makes it a target for counterfeiters.
What is SuperQuartz and why does it matter?
SuperQuartz refers to Breitling's thermally-compensated quartz movements that are COSC-certified chronometers. Standard quartz watches are accurate to ±15 seconds per month, but SuperQuartz achieves ±10 seconds per year—about 10-20 times more accurate. The Aerospace uses caliber B79 (based on ETA 988.352), which includes both analog and digital displays. Counterfeits use standard quartz movements without thermal compensation or COSC certification.
How can I verify the LCD display is genuine?
Genuine Aerospace LCD displays are crisp, high-contrast, and easily readable from all angles. The digital segments should be uniformly sized with clean edges, and all functions (chronograph, timer, alarm, timezone, calendar) should operate flawlessly. The display should have excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Counterfeits often have dim, low-contrast LCD screens with uneven segments, slow response times, or non-functional digital features.
What should I check on the titanium case?
The Aerospace case is made from lightweight grade 2 titanium with a distinctive brushed finish. Genuine cases feel substantially lighter than stainless steel but extremely robust. Case dimensions are precise at 40-43mm diameter (depending on generation). Engravings on the case back should be deep, sharp, and include model number, serial number, and 'TITANIUM' marking. Counterfeits use heavier steel cases spray-coated to look like titanium, or have shallow engravings and incorrect proportions.