Breitling navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is a luxury mechanical chronograph with a circular slide rule, created in 1952 for pilots.

About this subject

The Breitling Navitimer was launched in 1952 as a pilot's wristwatch, developed in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Its most distinctive feature is the circular slide rule on the bezel, enabling mathematical calculations such as converting miles to kilometers, fuel consumption, and speed. This function made the Navitimer an essential aviation tool before the digital era.

The watch is powered by an automatic winding movement, initially based on the Venus 178 caliber and later on Breitling's in-house B01 movement. The dial displays three subdials: 30-minute, 12-hour, and continuous seconds, plus a date window. The design includes baton hands and applied indices, with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the face.

Over decades, the Navitimer became a cultural icon. It was worn by NASA astronauts on space missions such as Gemini, and by celebrities like Miles Davis and John Travolta. In 2018, Breitling revamped the line with the Navitimer 1, retaining the classic style while integrating modern COSC-certified movements. Standard versions use stainless steel and leather, while special editions incorporate gold or titanium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Breitling Navitimer?

It is a luxury mechanical chronograph watch for pilots, famous for its circular slide rule bezel that enables aviation navigation calculations.

How does the Navitimer's slide rule work?

By rotating the bezel, scales align to multiply, divide, convert units, or compute rates. For example, align distance traveled with elapsed time to find speed.

What is the history of the Breitling Navitimer?

Launched in 1952 with AOPA, it was used by pilots and astronauts. It became an icon and received updates like the in-house B01 movement in 2009.