Jewellery & Watch News
If the Breitling Navitimer is on your list, check out these new 41mm three-hand and GMT versions, available in a choice of dial colours, case materials and strap options.
Why The Navitimer Became an Icon
From its initial release in 1952 to present day, the Navitimer watch by Breitling remains a favourite with pilots. But not just pilots exclusively. Devoted Breitling enthusiasts and pilot watch collectors also love the technical look of the design and its innovative slide rule bezel. The Navitimer watch was first used by pilots of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association but was also utilised by the US Air Force for quite some time too. Thanks to clever marketing, the Swiss watchmaker was able to target its Navitimer design towards an audience comprising pilots and pioneers of aviation alike.
Over the years, the Breitling Navitimer has continued to grow in popularity but also in mechanical performance. If you’ve ever followed the history of the watch, you’ll already know that the first models were powered by the Venus Calibre 178, followed by the Valjoux 7740. Both enabled the skilled pilot to work out calculations via the slide rule bezel, such as ascent and descent rates, distance travelled, and fuel consumption. During the Quartz Crisis, Breitling tried to navigate around the threat posed to the mechanical watch industry with a Navitimer watch that featured an LCD screen, much to no avail. Then in 2009, Breitling refocused its approach to mechanical watch manufacture, creating its own movement with a chronometer-rated certification and a column wheel chronograph.
Modern Changes to The Breitling Navitimer
In 2022, the Breitling Navitimer received a makeover. The focus of these changes was to make the design feel a lot slimmer and more compact on the wrist. Even though there were significant enhancements to the design, it still retained all its invaluable hallmarks. These included the circular slide rule, which enabled pilots to carry out complex airborne calculations, along with baton indexes and a trio of chronograph counters placed at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The notched bezel, designed for an easy grip, was also present. The changes were more concerned with refining the proportions of the Navitimer rather than changing its functionality. The 2022 releases unveiled a flattened slide rule to create the illusion of a more compact watch, along with a domed crystal front. In addition to these changes, the watches also featured alternating polished and brushed surfaces to create an overall understated look, as well as a repositioned winged logo back to the 12 o’clock location. The slimmer silhouette of the modern Navitimer watch also benefitted from a slighter oscillating weight, showcased through the back of a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. The thinner component afforded more of a view into the rest of the movement. The Manufacture Calibre 01 has been developed in-house at Breitling for over a decade, providing a superior power reserve of 70 hours once fully wound. The 2022 designs were made available in a 41mm, 44mm and 46mm diameter. As you can imagine the 41mm models were perfect for those with slenderer wrists.
The new Breitling Navitimer 41 watches
The new Breitling Navitimer 41 watches provide collectors with more dial colour choices and a selection of elegant leather straps or metal bracelets. What’s more, the brand is also offering a selection of new GMT references, which classify as the caller-style GMT (where the wearer adjusts the 24-hour hand for local time). Whether you’re opting for the Navitimer 41 model with its simple three-handed no-date layout, or the more complex GMT version with a date feature – both designs impart a classic, elegant feel that remains in line with the popular pilot’s watch collection.
The Navitimer 41
The new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 watches, as you would expect by their name, come housed in a 41mm stainless steel option. The case features a glass front crafted from anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which affords a clear and crisp view into a choice of coloured dial options. The model is offered in dark blue, light blue and emerald green. All three options promise superior legibility thanks to Super-LumiNova-coated central hands and hours markers, as well as a red tipped central second hand. The layout of the new Navitimer for 2024 is simplified and uncluttered. It goes without the addition of a date window and features an unadorned, closed steel caseback. I think the closed caseback versions are sometimes overlooked, but they do provide a great space for an engraved message should you wish to mark the timepiece with a special sentiment. The watches, just like the GMT version, are 300-meter water resistant. You can also opt for either dial colour in a classic leather strap or one of Breitling’s 7-row stainless steel bracelets.
In addition to these all-steel offerings, there’s also a two-tone and all-gold version with a creamy ivory dial. The bi-colour option in 18ct rose gold and stainless steel is a nice “in-between” option that looks classy with business and casual attire. The 18ct rose gold option, however, is a dressy, opulent timepiece that showcases Breitling’s refined side to watchmaking perfectly. The Breitling 17, fitted to the heart of the watch, is based on an ETA movement and delivers a reliable performance of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 38-hour power reserve.
The Breitling Navitimer 41 GMT
The new Breitling Navitimer 41 GMT is a little more technical-looking. Breitling experts equip this watch with the Breitling 32, which comprises 21 jewels and a slightly better power reserve of 42 hours. This COSC-grade ETA movement has a 24-hour GMT hand, constituting a caller-style GMT watch. The central hand in these watches, which identifies itself via a triangle, shows a 24-hour scale and indicates local time as opposed to the central hands in this version.
Similar to the Breitling Navitimer 41 Watches, the GMT version comes in several dial options. You can choose from black, ivory and light blue, all offered in a robust 41mm stainless steel case that is 300-meter water resistant. The triangular pointer is executed in a contrasting colour, a brighter blue for the light blue option and red for the ivory and black dial options. Similar to the standard three-handed Navitimer, there is a more indulgent option. The 18ct rose gold and emerald green dial version has to be our favourite of all. The contrasting shades of the rich green dial and the regal tones of the rose gold metal case are a stunning combination. These models sit at an 11.65mm case depth and also come in a range of coloured leather straps to choose from, not forgetting the brand’s classic 7-row stainless steel option, of course.
Which is your favourite?
Buy the Breitling Navitimer 41 and 41 GMT Watch Now
Both the three-handed Navitimer 41 watch and the Navitimer 41 GMT watches are available to order here at C W Sellors, give us a call on 01335 216004 today or email us at sales@cwsellors.com for more information.
