Breitling’s iconic Navitimer – a favorite among pilots and collectors alike – will be available next spring in a limited edition powered by the brand’s in-house, chronometer-
replica breitling
chronograph Caliber B01. The series will include 2000 pieces in steel and 200 in 18k red gold, both available on strap or bracelet. Prices appear below, along with an image of the watch you can enlarge to wallpaper size.
The Navitimer was launched in the mid-1950s as a
Breitling Aeromarine replica
designed specifically for pilots. It bore the logo of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and became the group’s official timepiece. The circular slide-rule bezel allows pilots to make critical calculations such as fuel consumption, distance traveled, and rate of climb/descent. A “Cosmonaut” version of the Navitimer accompanied Scott Carpenter on Aurora 7 in 1962, making it the first wrist chronograph in space.
The new limited edition
replica Breitling Super Ocean
Caliber 01 is distinguished by its slightly broader 43mm diameter, compared with 42mm for the series-produced Navitimer. The case is water resistant to 3 bar or 100 feet. Twin anti-reflective sapphire crystals allow clear views of the dial and movement. Each piece bears a unique serial number engraved on the side of the case.
The dial, available only in black, is made using the épargne process on a solid silver or gold base. This technique enhances the radiance and legibility of the chronograph indicators. The slightly-raised Breitling “wings” logo is executed in gold.
The automatic-winding movement ticks at 28, 800 vph, measuring elapsed time in quarter-second increments. The displays include central chronograph seconds, continuous seconds at 9, and a jumping 30 minute totalizer at 3. The movement incorporates a column-wheel switching mechanism and vertical clutch to ensure that the chronograph seconds hand is engaged smoothly. The movement includes a patented system for adjusting the start, stop and reset hammers. The instant-change date can be set at any time, including near midnight. The 47 jewel movement uses a flat hairspring and a smooth balance wheel. A single barrel provides 70 hours of power reserve. Like all Breitling movements, Caliber B01 is a COSC-certified chronometer.
The steel version of the Navitimer Caliber 01 will be priced at $7, 475 on leather and $8, 715 on bracelet. The red gold version will be $17, 705 on a crocodile strap.
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