The Breitling Navitimer – you could almost say that in the world of watches, it’s synonymous with innovation and precision as it delivers timeless design. It not only serves pilots well, but also delights many watch enthusiasts with its striking appearance and slide rule bezel. The Navitimer has a spirit of freedom and adventure like few other watches. So if this watch has grabbed your attention, and you’re considering a purchase, this article will reveal the five most important aspects that you should know and consider before buying. Take a deep dive with us into the fascinating world of the Navitimer and its secrets – and learn everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
1. It’s An Iconic Aviation Instrument
The name“Navitimer” combines “navigation” and “timer,” perfectly reflecting the essence of this watch. It was designed by Willy Breitling for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in 1952, and revolutionized the world of pilot’s watches from its inception. With its slide rule bezel, it was an essential tool for pilots to perform important calculations – directly on the wrist and without any additional technology. The Navitimer quickly became an indispensable tool in cockpits, reinforcing Breitling’s reputation as the “Official Supplier to Aviation.” Even today, the Navitimer is still a living legend, and one of the most famous pilot’s watches in the world, combining functionality and timeless elegance in a unique way. Put simply: It’s a must-have for every watch lover!
2. The Slide Rule Bezel – Practical for Pilots and Everyday Use
The slide rule bezel on the Breitling Navitimer is not only its most striking design feature, but also the most remarkable technical function of this watch. It enables pilots to make a large number of essential flight calculations without any electronic assistance – which can save lives in an emergency. Fuel consumption, average speed, distance traveled, even climb and descent rates – all these calculations can be done with this watch. Complex calculations of average altitude gain or loss, or distance during ascent and landing can be performed literally wrist-top.
The Navitimer’s slide rule bezel also has a number of applications outside the cockpit. The simplest tasks include multiplication and division, which are made possible by rotating the outer scale in relation to the inner scale. You can also calculate exchange rates or easily convert kilometers to miles (and vice versa). The Navitimer is therefore also a practical everyday helper – and clearly much more than “just” a pilot’s watch.
3. Model Variants and In-house Caliber
With a great selection of models, every watch lover can find their Breitling Navitimer. The ones housing proprietary movements are particularly coveted. Caliber B01, Breitling’s first completely in-house movement, powers many of the current Navitimer models. It delivers a power reserve of 70 hours and is COSC-certified. For lovers of complications, there is the caliber B03 with a rattrapante function, which enables the simultaneous measurement of two time intervals. The B04 caliber with a GMT function displaying a second time zone and used in some Navitimer models, is also very classic. Always a technical masterpiece, the Navitimer’s respective movements underline its excellence in a particularly stylish way, making it a coveted collector’s item.
4. The Navitimer Delivers Stable Market Performance, and Is A Great Collector’s Item
Collectors and investors also appreciate the Breitling Navitimer, as it is considered a luxury watch with very stable value. Its iconic status and the high quality of its workmanship mean that it rarely loses any of its value. Vintage models from before 1979 for example are particularly sought after by collectors. Even if they often only have minimal design differences from today’s pieces, it is precisely these watches that catch the eyes of connoisseurs and enthusiasts. The hand-wound models are also loved for their particularly high-quality finish, and regularly fetch high prices at auctions. For collectors, niche Navitimer models or limited editions are currently worth a look, as these have the greatest potential to increase in value.
5. The Navitimer Was the First Swiss Watch In Space
The Breitling Navitimer has not only conquered the skies, but the frontiers of space as well. In 1962, it was the first Swiss wristwatch to fly into space during the NASA mission Aurora 7. Here, astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a version of the Navitimer specially produced for him, which became known as the “Cosmonaute.” The Navitimer Cosmonaute was adapted to the requirements of space and weightless conditions For example, it had a 24-hour dial. As the conventional perception of time quickly becomes blurred when away from Earth, this information is of great importance in space. For Breitling, the Navitimer Cosmonaute represented a huge milestone – the Navitimer now not only provided reliable service to pilots, but to astronauts as well. The Breitling Navitimer thus once again confirmed that it is rightly a tool of pioneering spirit and technological excellence.
