Breitling Navitimer
About The Brand
First introduced in 1952, the Breitling Navitimer is considered to be one of the most prestigious and iconic pilot watches on the market. This mechanical chronograph got its name by combining the words “navigation” and “time” which indicate its robust functionality. The Breitling Navitimer’s remarkable slide rule bezel assists pilots in making precise mathematical calculations similar to an onboard computer, calculating speed, fuel consumption, climb and descent rates, and converting between units—which may be why this timepiece was the first chronograph to go into space with astronaut Scott Carpenter in 1962. This feature allows wearers to convert land and nautical miles to kilometers. During the quartz crisis of the 1970s, Breitling produced Navitimers with quartz movements until the 1990s with the allure of quartz watches faded.
Additionally, the brand has equipped the Breitling Navitimer with their independently developed in-house B01 caliber since 2009, giving it added intrigue for passionate collectors and pilots. In 2012, the brand celebrated the Navitimer’s 60th anniversary with the release of 500 limited edition variations with their in-house movement showcased through a exhibition back. If you’re interested in the Breitling Navitimer, be sure to discover its predecessor, the Chronomat, or discover pre-owned pilot watches from other luxury brands like Rolex and IWC.
Navitimer Collections and Features
Without question, the Breitling Navitimer is a standout pilot watch, finding its way into mainstream pop culture on the wrists of celebrities like Miles Davis, Jerry Seinfeld, and Gordon Ramsey. As a large family of watches, the Breitling Navitimer is home to a variety of collections like the easy-to-wear Navitimer 35 for women, as well as the stunning Navitimer 1 Airline capsule collection. Of course, there are certain design hallmarks that bring this family of timepieces together including enhanced dial readability, a circular aviation slide rule, exhibition caseback, and high-performing self-winding chronograph calibres. But if you take a closer look at each piece, the real detail is in the name—for example, the model names reference the dial size and calibre like this Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph 43, a stainless steel piece that features a 43mm case and the signature B01 calibre. Discover sought-after Navitimer models such as the GMT Limited Edition, Navitimer 01, and Jupiter Pilot Chronograph.
As the watch evolved, Breitling announced an addition to the Navitimer collection in 2018 called the Navitimer 8, later renamed the Aviator 8. This new collection has a more elegant look and omits the slide rule bezel. Our pre-owned collection includes a number of Navitimer 8 watches like this Blacksteel piece and this chronograph with a blue dial. Looking to learn more about the history of Breitling? Read this article that dives into their journey of rebound and growth.
Buying a Pre-Owned Breitling Navitimer
As the world’s leading platform for buying, selling, and trading pre-owned luxury watches, we strive to provide you with an unrivaled selection of Breitling Navitimer watches, living up to the collection’s breadth of case materials, dial colors, and complications. Thinking of adding a Breitling Navitimer to your current collection? Read this article for an owner’s overview of collecting Navitimers. Or, if you’re interested in exploring other timepieces that are similar in style and function, browse our handsome pre-owned chronographs, mechanical watches, and gold and steel watches.