Breitling navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is a mechanical wristwatch, a benchmark in aviation, featuring an innovative circular slide rule bezel that enables mathematical and air navigation calculations.

About this subject

Launched in 1952, the Breitling Navitimer was developed in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), quickly becoming the association's official watch and a symbol among pilots. Its key feature is the rotating bezel with a circular slide rule, enabling unit conversions, fuel consumption calculations, average speeds, and flight times. This analog tool was essential before the digital era and remains prized by watch and aviation enthusiasts today.

The Navitimer movement is a mechanical automatic chronograph, originally based on the Breitling 01 caliber (now B01), with 70 hours of power reserve and COSC chronometer certification. The dial is dense with information: three subdials for chronograph hours, minutes, and seconds, plus a date window. Legibility is prioritized with luminescent hands and markers.

The Navitimer's design has evolved through various series, such as the Navitimer 01, Navitimer B01, and special editions like the Navitimer 1 and Navitimer 8. Modern models retain the original spirit but incorporate technical advances such as steel or gold cases, sapphire crystal, and leather or metal bracelets. The subdials arranged in a 'wing' shape and the bezel with logarithmic scale make the Navitimer instantly recognizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets the Breitling Navitimer apart from other chronographs?

Its main differentiator is the bezel with a circular slide rule, enabling mathematical and air navigation calculations without batteries. Additionally, its iconic design with three subdials and historical association with aviation make it stand out.

How does the Navitimer's slide rule work?

The slide rule consists of two logarithmic scales on the bezel, one fixed and one rotating. By turning the bezel, you align values to multiply, divide, convert units (miles to kilometers), or compute rates (like fuel consumption).

Is the Breitling Navitimer a good investment?

Classic models and limited editions of the Navitimer often appreciate over time, especially if well-preserved with original documents. It is a sought-after watch among collectors, but like any investment, value depends on rarity and condition.