Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer was first introduced in 1952 and is now a watch that enjoys cult status. The model with the ingenious slide rule succeeded the Breitling Chronomat and specifically catered to professional pilots. The integrated slide rule allowed easy and quick calculations of fuel consumption, climb and descent rates, average speeds, and other important navigation data. Thanks to the domed sapphire crystal, the results of slide rule calculations can easily be read. The design of the original Navitimer is characterized by a black watch face and chronograph display, as well as a pearl bezel that guarantees easy grip and overall handling.

It did not take long for the Breitling Navitimer to gain cult status in the field of aviation. Before long, the watch was chosen as the official timepiece of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The winged logo of the AOPA therefore decorates the watch dial of the first Navitimer models (Ref. 806), and symbolizes the close connection between Breitling and the pilots association that to this day, is still going strong. The success of the Navitimer did not stop.

The success of the Navitimer did not stop there, however: in 1962, a special edition of the Navitimer - the Cosmonaute with the 24 hour-display - accompanied the astronaut, Scott Carpenter, to space. Regularly, the Navitimer can also be admired on the silver screen: the James Bond movie Thunderball (1965) shows Captain with a bold Breitling Navitimer (Ref. 806), whose elegant design has since enchanted generations of watch admirers.

The Breitling Navitimer comes equipped with the legendary circular slide rule and provides the face of the watch with a unique recognition factor that attracts countless watch enthusiasts worldwide. Although the watch has stayed true to its basic shape for decades, some important features of the Navitimer have been adapted over the course of time and countless special editions have been added to Breitling’s annual catalogue - the Chronolog.

Some collectors prefer the Navitimer models that were created before 1979 (Ref. 806, Ref. 1806, and Ref. 7806). Today, these men’s watches are considered to be vintage classics amongst experts, and they, therefore, enjoy a remarkable demand on the second-hand market.

The Navitimer collection offers numerous versions that were created before 1979 that mainly differ in small details. The original Navitimer watches can be found with either a single-coloured black dial or a two-toned black and silver dial. The logo is not always consistent either: on some watches, the AOPA-symbol can be found, whereas a simple “B” for Breitling can be found on others.

A number of Navitimer models are still decorated with the Breitling symbol: two aeroplanes beneath the twelve. The watch movements also differ when it comes to these Navitimer vintage-models. They mostly consist of high-class calibres with manual windings, but beginning in 1969, Navitimer models were also equipped with the legendary Chrono-Matic movement that combines chronograph function and self-winding mechanism. Surprisingly, even Navitimer models were produced with quartz movements for a period of time - a sign of the Quartz Crisis when not even Breitling could be spared.

In 1989, the Breitling company was acquired by an amateur pilot named Ernest Schneider. During that time, the company needed to assert itself against the quartz-competition and find its new place in the watch industry. With ultra-modern navigation computers on board, pilots were no longer dependent on the Navitimer. But with its tradition and aesthetic, the famous pilot watch continued to fascinate aviators and watch admirers.

The Navitimer thus made its way back to the top in the ‘90s. Besides the classic Navitimer (Ref. A13322 and Ref. A13022), some extraordinary models were created including the Navitimer Airborne (Ref. A33030), the Navitimer 92 (Ref. A30022), the Navitimer Twin Sixty (Ref. A39022), and the Navitimer Spatiographe (Ref. A36030 and Ref. A36330).

Since the year 2000, the Navitimer models have been awarded the certificate of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute - COSC - just like all other Breitling wristwatches. The 21st century was just as exciting for the Navitimer: the 41.8-millimetre-watch (Ref. A23322) met the demand of the time for larger men’s watches. The anniversary models of the Navitimer with the old Breitling logo, such as the Navitimer 50th Anniversary (Ref. A41322), or the Navitimer 1952 SE (Ref. A41322), were met with great enthusiasm.

Today, these models are only available on the second-hand market. With the impressive case diameter and the characteristic slide rule, the Navitimer stays on top when it comes to the world of watches.

All Breitling Navitimer men’s watches stay true to the aesthetics of the classic aviator chronograph - nevertheless, every model fascinates with its very own style. The prices of the models vary and depend strongly on their case material and bracelet. Every single Navitimer model opens the door to an exclusive world filled with tradition and the spirit of aviation.

Coveted variants at CHRONEXT

At CHRONEXT, you can obtain a wide range of variants of the aviator collection online. Always checked for authenticity and quality by certified watchmakers. 24-months CHRONEXT warranty included. Discover our Breitling range now and let yourself be inspired.

• Pre-owned Navitimer models
• Models with black dial
• Models in gold and stainless steel

At CHRONEXT you can not only buy new, pre-owned or vintage Breitling Navitimer watches, but also sell them. If you are interested in selling, contact us. We will be happy to assist you with our many years of experience in the luxury watch industry and help you get the best possible deal for your Navitimer watch. Alternatively, you can simply fill out our online form and we will get back to you in a couple of days.