The Breitling Navitimer is an iconic timepiece which was originally introduced in 1952, after Breitling’s first pilot watch, the Chronomat.
Just like the Chronomat, the first Breitling came equipped with a chronograph and a rotating slide rule bezel that allowed pilots to perform all necessary flight calculations easily on their wrist. Back then, these pilot watches were powered by ETA manual movements. It was not until the late 60’s when Breitling finally equipped a Navitimer with an automatic chronograph movement. The famous Chronomatic (Caliber 11) which came about thanks to the collaboration of Heuer, Dubois and Hamilton.
Fast forward to 2022, Breitling released an updated Navitimer with refinements done to the case and the dial. When compare to the previous generation, the dial looks cleaner and now comes with the famous AOPA Wing logo (without the phrase) under the 12 O’clock just like the original Navitimers of the 1950s. The new Navitimer Chronograph B01 collection is now offer with cases measuring 41mm, 43mm and 46mm with all new color dials that are more in line with today’s trends.
The timepiece shown here has a 41mm case combined with a blue dial with black sub-dials. The case has a thickness of 13.6mm and measures 47mm from lug to lug.
The case is crafted in stainless steel and comes paired with a black alligator leather strap which is slightly bolstered on the center and features large rectangular scale pattern and yellow calfskin leather on the back. To hold it secure to your wrist, Breitling paired this leather strap with a stainless steel single fold deployant buckle.
Under the hood, is Breitling’s caliber B01. This is a chronometer certified automatic chronograph movement that works at 4 hertz using 47 jewels and delivers up to 70 hours of power reserve. The movement features hacking seconds for precise time adjustments, quick set date and vertical clutch with column wheel for the chronograph system.