Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer collection, has become an icon in aviation watchmaking since its launch in 1952. The Breitling Navitimer collection evolved from the Breitling Chronomat of 1942, which already incorporated a slide rule in the bezel. The Navitimer took this functionality to the next level, allowing pilots to perform in-flight calculations such as average speed, fuel consumption and distance travelled directly from their wrist thanks to its logarithmic slide rule. This capability made the Breitling Navitimer an important tool during the golden age of commercial and military aviation.

The Breitling Navitimer was not only adopted by civilian pilots, but also found its way into air forces around the world. Its reputation as a watch of precision and reliability was cemented in 1962, when astronaut Scott Carpenter took it into space, demonstrating its ability to operate in extreme conditions. Over time, the Navitimer’s design and technology have continued to evolve. A significant breakthrough came in 2009 with the introduction of the Breitling 01 calibre, an automatic chronograph that reinforced the collection’s precision and consolidated its prestige among professionals and lovers of luxury watchmaking.

Navitimer watches are equipped with a variety of calibres, including the Breitling 01, Breitling 17, Breitling 32, Breitling 77 SuperQuartz™, and the manufacture calibres B02, B09, and B12. Depending on the model, these mechanisms can be automatic, hand-wound, or SuperQuartz™, a thermo-compensated movement offering high precision. Some models also include a second time zone in 24-hour format, and many pieces feature chronograph functions and a calendar window on the dial.

In terms of power reserve, the manufacture calibres such as 01, B02, B09, and B12 provide approximately 70 hours, while the calibre 32 offers 42 hours and the calibre 17 has a power reserve of 38 hours. The number of jewels varies depending on the calibre, from 47 in the calibre 01 to 3 in the calibre 77 SuperQuartz™.

Breitling Navitimer watch cases are available in a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, 18-carat red gold, titanium, and platinum, with some combinations of steel and gold on certain models. The bi-directional slide rule bezel is a distinctive feature of the Navitimer, although some smaller models feature a fixed bezel. Case sizes range from 32 mm to 46 mm, and straps can be made of alligator leather, stainless steel, 18-carat red gold, or calfskin, depending on the model.

Other highlights include arched sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating on both sides, and the option of cases set with precious stones on certain models.

The Breitling Navitimer collection features different levels of water resistance. Most models are water-resistant to 3 bar (30 metres), making them suitable for everyday situations such as splashing or exposure to rain, although they are not recommended for intense water activities. However, some models offer higher water resistance, with a tightness of 5 bar (50 metres), making them suitable for shallow swimming. In addition, certain models feature a double gasketed, non-screwed construction, which improves water resistance in everyday situations, although they are not designed for diving or other demanding water activities.

Ideal Joyeros, as an authorised Breitling dealer, offers a selection of watches from the Breitling Navitimer collection. These watches continue to be a valuable tool for pilots and a coveted piece for collectors and aficionados of luxury watchmaking.