One To Watch | Breitling Navitimer
From flight tool to icon, say hello to the new Breitling Navitimer Chronograph B01, as Breitling’s legendary pilot chronograph endures a highly anticipated redesign.
Since its debut in 1952, the Navitimer has been beloved by aviators, worn by astronauts and known as one of the most recognisable watches of all time. So of course Breitling are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the iconic Navitimer in style.
Breitling have given the Navitimer a bold new update, taking its most classic features and enhancing them for the modern world. Join us as we take a look at Breitling’s biggest launch of 2022.
History of an icon
We’ll start with a little bit of history when Willy Breitling developed his first wrist-worn chronograph with a circular slide rule, allowing pilots to perform all necessary flight calculations.
Fast forward two years and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) – otherwise known as the largest aviators’ club in the world - announced the design as its official timepiece. The association’s winged logo proudly sat at 12 o’clock, and the navigation timer, or Navitimer, was born.
“We don’t throw the term ‘icon’ around lightly, the Navitimer is one of the most recognisable watches ever made. It’s on collectors’ lists of the greatest watches of all time. What began as a tool for pilots has gone on to mean something profound to every single person who has had this timepiece along on their personal journey.” – Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling.
An evolution of modern-retro style
Today, 70 years later, the Navitimer has gone beyond being a tool used by pilots to navigate their course. With a focus on colour, style and appeal, this update to the Breitling Navitimer marks a new phase in the collections journey.
A blend of the brand’s modern aesthetics and values with its history of watchmaking skills to create an identity for the watch that started it all. Ready to take a look? I know we definitely are…
The 2022 Navitimer
From a distance, this new watch is unmistakably a Navitimer. Preserving its most recognisable features such as its circular slide rule, baton indexes, trio of chronograph counters and notched bezel for easy grip, the new collection keeps to its famous aesthetic – after all, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
But its modern refinements come through loud and clear.
A flattened slide rule and a domed crystal create the illusion of a sleeker profile, whilst alternating polished and brushed finishes boast a lustrous yet understated look. One of the most noticeable updates, however, are the bold new dial colours in shades of blue, green, and copper.
We love that the date is now visible through a discreet window in the 6 o’clock sub dial, and if there is one update sure to spark nostalgia, it’s the return of the AOPA wings to their original position at 12 o’clock. Powering the new Breitling Navitimer is none other than the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01. Boasting an impressive 70-hour power reserve, this in-house movement can be seen through the open case back for an extra special touch.
It’s clear to see the Navitimer has come a long way since Willy Breitling first brought to life his idea for a wrist-worn flight tool, and we’re definitely loving it. Available at Beaverbrooks, the new Breitling Navitimer Chronograph B01 is for sure a watch to treasure and one not to be missed.
Our verdict
Things we like
✔ It keeps the iconic design codes of the original Navitimer
✔ The return of the AOPA wings to their original position
✔ The bold new dial colours
Perfect for
✔ Pilots, collectors, or Swiss watch lovers alike
✔ A watch with history and a really cool talking point
✔ Staying stylish thanks to the colourful watch trend
Like keeping up to date with the latest luxury watch collections? Discover more luxury brand launches as we share the highlights from the highly anticipated Watches & Wonders event, live from Geneva.
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