The Navitimer is one of those instantly recognizable and iconic timepieces. First released in 1954 as a dedicated pilots’ watch, the Breitling Navitimer is a highly capable chronograph with an integrated analog flight computer that allows aviators to calculate speed, distance, fuel consumption, rate of climb/descent, and more. With its slide-rule bezel, you can convert currencies, temperatures, and even do long division… talk about functionality.
However, despite being a highly functional industry-specific timepiece, the Breitling Navitimer is also incredibly popular among a diverse assortment of watch collectors – partly because of its rich history, and partly because of its iconic looks. There have also been some big-name celebrity sponsorships over the years, the most notable in modern history being John Travolta, who famously wears a Navitimer and flies his planes. Widely considered to be the flagship model among the various Breitling replica watches UK, the Navitimer is a true industry classic. If you’re looking to add one of these purpose-built pilots’ watches to your collection, this is everything that you need to know before you make your purchase.
Vintage Breitling Navitimer Watches
Released in 1954, the Breitling Navitimier has a long and rich history, packed full of an assortment of vintage references. The first edition was the ref. 809, which was powered by a manually-wound chronograph movement, and is now considered to be highly collectible. Among these first editions, you’ll find beautiful vintage pieces like those with the coveted Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) emblem, gold-filled and solid gold models, and even some with reverse panda dials. Of course, there are also stainless steel versions, and while these are easier to find, they’re just as sought after for their durability and vintage appeal. There are also some early and incredibly rare ref. 806 watches, which feature the Valjoux 72 – the same movement that you’ll find inside a number of highly collectible vintage Rolex Daytona references.
In 1969, things started to really change for the Navitimer, primarily because Breitling switched to the Caliber 11. This wasn’t just an upgrade for the Navitimer, but a huge step for the industry as a whole. The Cal. 11 was a modular, automatic chronograph movement, featuring an integrated micro-rotor. This movement shifted the crown to the left (leaving the pushers on the right) and changed the Breilting Navitimer from a tri-compax layout to a bi-compax one. This iconic movement makes these late 1960s and 1970s watches incredibly popular among collectors, especially because the company went under during the quartz crisis.
Breitling tried to stay afloat during the crisis, even releasing a Breitling Navitimer LED Digital, but these efforts failed to stimulate sales. However, after Breitling went under, the Navitimer was interestingly still produced. While the Navitimer’s that were produced during this time were signed with all Breitling parts, the dial was stripped of the Breitling name and replaced with “Sinn” – the German manufacturer Helmut Sinn who bought the Navitimer stock and the rights to the name when the company was sold. These cheap fake Breitling Navitimer watches aren’t typically as sought after because they technically aren’t Breitling timepieces, but they represent an incredibly interesting part of the brand’s history and provide a great vintage look and feel.
The Modern Breitling Navitimer
After the quartz crisis, Breitling was bought by Ernest Schneider in 1982, who owned the watch manufacturer Sicura. It took some time, but the company eventually got back on its feet, and in the 1990s, reintroduced to the Breitling Navitimer.
The first modern Breitling Navitimer that was introduced to the market featured a reworked Valjoux 7750, which you’re probably rather familiar with since it’s the most frequently used automatic chronograph movement in the world. During this time, we also got new editions of the Navitimer like the Airborne with four sub-dials and the Old Navitimer with beautiful ties to that original 806 model. This watch is collectible for its resurgence in the market, but would quickly be outshined by its successor.
The most important addition to the modern Navitimer was the 01 collection featuring the new, in-house Breitling Caliber B01 movement. This automatic chronograph features a fully integrated architecture, COSC certification, and an impressive column-wheel mechanism. Today, the Breitling Navitimer 01 defines much of the collection, but we also got the addition of new Breitling movements like the updated and sophisticated B03 (which allows the wearer to measure two elapsed times simultaneously) and the B17 which sits inside the non-chronograph Automatic 41 watches that don’t feature sub-dials at all. Regardless of the specific model, all best selling fake Breitling watches boast a distinct design and have historical ties to the brand’s rich aviation heritage.
Breitling Navitimer Watch Collection
The Breitling Navitimer watch collection stands as an icon in aviation timepieces, blending form and function with its distinctive slide rule bezel. From the classic B01 to the modern Navitimer 8, and from the compact 32mm to the Worldtimer model, this collection offers a wide range of sizes and complications. Whether you’re drawn to the historic Cosmonaute, the elegant Montbrillant, or the vintage-inspired 1959 edition, the Navitimer line caters to diverse preferences while maintaining its aviation heritage and unmistakable design DNA.
Breitling Navitimer Buying and Collecting Guide
When considering the purchase of a Breitling Navitimer, several factors come into play, from where to buy and what to look for, to proper care and maintenance. This guide explores the pros and cons of authorized dealers versus online retailers, and new versus pre-owned models. It also provides tips for authentication and evaluation, guidance on choosing variants and special editions, and essential advice on maintaining your timepiece, including care for the innovative Breitlight® case and recommended service intervals.
Where to Buy
Authorized Breitling dealers offer the assurance of authenticity, full warranty coverage, and often a more personalized shopping experience. These authorized retailers have direct relationships with Breitling, ensuring access to the latest models and expert knowledge about the brand. However, prices at authorized dealers are typically higher, and selection may be limited to current models. Online retailers, on the other hand, can offer competitive prices and a wider selection, including discontinued models, but come with increased risks of counterfeits and potentially reduced warranty coverage.
When deciding between new and pre-owned Navitimer models, consider that new copy Breitling watches for sale come with full warranty coverage and the satisfaction of being the first owner. However, they also come with a higher price tag and rapid initial depreciation. Pre-owned models can offer significant savings and access to discontinued or rare variants but may have limited or no warranty coverage. It’s crucial to thoroughly research the seller’s reputation and the watch’s condition when considering pre-owned options to ensure you’re getting an authentic timepiece in good working order.
Conclusion
The Breitling Navitimer stands as a true icon in the world of aviation watches, offering a unique blend of form and function. Its signature circular slide rule bezel, chronograph capabilities, and robust construction make it an indispensable tool for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. With a wide range of sizes from 35mm to 46mm, and various complications including GMT and world time functions, the Navitimer caters to diverse preferences while maintaining its distinctive aesthetic and heritage.
The Navitimer’s appeal extends far beyond the cockpit, attracting both athletes and collectors with its versatility and historical significance. Athletes appreciate its precision timing capabilities and durability, while collectors are drawn to its rich heritage and numerous limited editions. Whether you’re drawn to the classic B01 chronograph, the vintage-inspired 1959 re-edition, or the modern interpretations, the Navitimer offers a piece of horological history combined with contemporary watchmaking excellence.
For those intrigued by the Breitling Navitimer, we encourage you to explore the collection further. Whether you’re in the market for a new timepiece or simply appreciating horology, the Navitimer’s diverse range has something to offer. For a wide selection of Breitling Navitimer for sale, consider visiting trusted retailers like top clone Breitling watches. Their extensive inventory and expertise in luxury timepieces can help you find the perfect Navitimer to suit your style and needs, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector looking to expand your collection.
