Breitling’s iconic pilot’s chronograph – for the journey.
In 1952, Willy Breitling developed a wrist-worn chronograph with a circular slide rule that would allow pilots to perform all necessary flight calculations. Two years later, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced the design as its official timepiece. The “navigation timer” – or Navitimer – was born.
The AOPA was (and remains) the largest pilots’ club in the world, counting nearly every US aviator among its ranks. As the defacto pilot’s watch throughout the glory days of civil aviation, the Navitimer was worn by airline captains and aircraft enthusiasts. It even made its way into space on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter in 1962. And it wasn’t only pilots drawn to the watch’s irrepressible aesthetic. Celebrities of the day such as Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg were devotees, proving that the Navitimer had style as well as function.
There have been many iterations of Breitling’s icon since its debut 70 years ago, but this new Navitimer captures its most classic features, while enhancing them with modern refinements. A flattened slide rule and a domed crystal create the illusion of a sleeker profile. Alternating polished and brushed metal elements give a lustrous, yet understated finish. Most notably, new colors in shades of blue, green and copper, define the updated dial options. 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.
For 70 years, Breitling’s original pilot’s watch has been beloved by aviators and tastemakers in equal measure. Worn by astronauts in space and the biggest stars on earth, it is Breitling’s most iconic timepiece and one of the most recognizable watches of all time.
Movement
Caliber: Breitling 01 (Manufacture)
Movement: Self-winding mechanical
Power Reserve: Approx. 70 hrs
Chronograph: 1/4th second, 30 minutes, 12 hours
Vibration: 28,800 v.p.h
Jewel: 47 jewels
Calendar: Dial aperture
Case
Case Material: 18k red gold
Bezel: Bidirectional, slide rule
Crown: Non screw-locked, two gaskets
Crystal: Cambered sapphire, glareproofed both sides
Dimensions
Product Weight (Approx.): 135.46 g
Watch Head Weight (Approx.): 119.5 g
Diameter: 46 mm
Thickness: 13.95 mm
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 51.88 mm
Lug Width (in-between lugs): 24 mm
Strap
Strap Material: Alligator leather
Strap Colour: Black
Strap Type: Straight
Lug: 24/20 mm
Buckle Material: 18k red gold
Buckle Type: Folding clasp
Buckle Size: 20 mm
Reference
RB0137241G1P1
