Always wanted to know more about the heritage and history of the Breitling Navitimer? Read all about it here.
Many discerning watch collectors would agree that the Navitimer by Breitling is the gold standard of pilot watches. Why? Because it provides everything needed to perform airborne calculations. More specifically, I’m talking about the slide rule bezel, otherwise known as “the navigation computer”. Located on the rotating bezel, the slide rule bezel is a revolutionary design that Breitling borrowed from its earlier Chronomat timepiece. In short, it can help with calculating fuel consumption, air speeds, rates of climb, nautical miles, and gallon-to-litre fuel conversions amongst other things. Aside from this innovative feature, the Breitling Navitimer has all the attributes one would expect of any solidly built and beautifully manufactured pilot's watch. Wondering whether to take the plunge and add one to your collection? Read on.
The History of the Navitimer
The Breitling Navitimer watch takes its name from a mix of the words “Navigation” and “timer” makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Aviation and timekeeping are inextricably linked and have been ever since the early 1900s when pilots began realising the convenience of a wrist-worn instrument as opposed to a pocket watch. The Navitimer was actually a collaborative effort between Breitling and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (the AOPA). It debuted in 1952 and the AOPA immediately adopted it as their choice of watch. Earlier models were fitted with a Valjoux movement before the Venus 178 Calibre took its place. The first models to feature a date window arrived in the 1970s, marking the end of what devoted Navitimer aficionados consider the true Navitimer.
Breitling even equipped some of the models from this era with quartz movements, followed by LCD options. The historical range offered many dial colours, while the original model was a black dial variant. Suffice to say, Breitling fell on hard times during the quartz crises and the Navitimer all but disappeared until 1986, when a version with a Lemania 1872 manual-winding movement appeared. Two years later, an automatic version arrived. Breitling began focussing on upping its water-resistant efforts in Navitimer watches of the 1990s. It was 2009, however, when Breitling really upped its game in mechanical mastery. The brand released its first in-house mechanical engine – the B01, which sat at the heart of the Navitimer. It signified the glory of Breitling’s return to the industry as a serious contender on the market.
There are still many dial options, strap configurations and sizes to choose from within the modern Navitimer watch collection. The brand offers both chronograph and non-chronograph options and while all Navitimer 01 models are reminiscent of the Navitimer 806 (the brand’s popular 1950s model), no models are more true to form than the 2019 806 recreation, a model that is accurate down to the finest of details, including the numbers of beads in the bezel decoration. Even so. It’s hard to discount any Navitimer watch from Breitling’s catalogue, old or new. The Navitimer is one of those watches that despite retaining all the most loved features of this popular pilot's watch, its design has continued to improve with each new release.
The Breitling Navitimer 41 A17326
This Navitimer 41 ref. A17326 from Breitling’s catalogue was manufactured in 2022 and features a stainless steel case topped with a robust sapphire crystal glass front. As the Swiss watchmaker’s flagship model, it boasts the distinctive slide rule bezel adorned with red accents and luminous treatment on its hands and hour markers. The watch points to its 1952 birth year, with details that evoke a classic charm. These looks aside, however, the Navitimer promises a sturdy case and a durable design that is perfect for wearing on the wrist every single day. Breitling experts equip this watch with 30 meters of water resistance and a black alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching that runs down the sides.
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph UB0127
Complete with the chronograph complication, showcased in a reverse panda design, a clue to the Navitimer Chronograph B01 watch’s sophistication can be found in its name. The B01 movement is a home-grown mechanical movement equipped with a column wheel and a 70-hour power reserve. The tricompax layout features sub-counters at 3 o’clock (30 minutes), 6 o’clock (12 hours) and 9 o’clock (small seconds), while a striking red central chronograph seconds hand injects a shot of colour into the display. This Navitimer watch features the slide rule bezel in a contrasting off-white hue to match the centre sections of the sub-counters, along with an 18ct rose gold frilled bezel. The rest of the design is constructed from stainless steel for durability, while the top of the case is once again fitted with anti-glare and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. This 30-meter water-resistant watch is fitted on a black alligator leather strap and measures a confident 46mm diameter. No doubt, this watch will garner some attention when worn and comes complete with a classic set of pushers to guarantee effortless actioning of the chronograph timings.
If you’d like to enquire further into any of the Navitimer watches you see on our website here at Charles Martin Watch Company, call and speak to a member of our sales team at 01889 560 002 or email us on https://charlesmartinwatchcompany.com/pages/contact-us. Looking for a Navitimer? Take a look at what we have in store and organise a viewing at a time convenient for you.
