Pre-Owned Breitling Navitimers Watches
Established 1884
Recommended by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Breitling Navitimer was the aviator's watch to own through the mid 20th century. Complete with the famous Breitling slide rule, the Breitling Navitimer could be used to calculate speed, fuel usage, rate of descent or climb and many other things too.
Navitimers History
Breitling’s long and illustrious association with the world of aviation is unrivalled. By the 1930s it was named official supplier to the British Royal Air Force, and in 1952 it launched the Navitimer, a now-legendary pilot’s chronograph that later became the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association (AOPA).
Since then, it has adapted to the shifting requirements of aviators and watch aficionados. It has undergone numerous enhancements, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and elements to enhance its functionality.
A pivotal moment in the Navitimer's trajectory was the incorporation of the slide-rule bezel. This pioneering feature enabled pilots to perform intricate in-flight computations, like fuel usage and airspeed, directly on their wrist.
One notable chapter in the Breitling Navitimer’s history is its links to space flight. When astronaut Scott Carpenter orbited the Earth three times in the Aurora 7 space capsule in 1962, he was wearing a Navitimer, making it the first Swiss wristwatch in space. Seven years later, with the development of the Calibre 11 movement—made as part of a small consortium of Swiss brands that included Heuer—the first automatic version of the Navitimer went into production.
Let's delve further into its technical details to appreciate the remarkable features that render this chronograph a true icon.
At the outset, the modern Navitimer boasts a remarkable movement, powered by Breitling's proprietary Caliber B01. This automatic mechanical chronograph movement assures exceptional accuracy and dependability, boasting a power reserve of 70 hours. Like all Breitling movements since 1999, it’s also a COSC-certified chronometer, meaning it has been rigorously tested and inspected for precision and accuracy.
As for the dial, the Navitimer offers unparalleled functionality. Its signature circular slide rule allows aviators to perform various computations, including fuel consumption, airspeed, and even conversions between units of measure. This distinctive feature sets the Navitimer apart from other chronometers, making it highly desirable for those passionate about aviation.
These days the Navitimer is available in a range of variants and models, each exuding its own unique charm and style. From classic stainless-steel models to elegant rose gold editions, there's a Navitimer for everyone.
Case sizes range from 35mm to 46mm and there are even non-chronograph models for those who prefer a more minimal dial layout. Besides the classic black dial with three white subdials, there are also dark blue and salmon-pink versions. Navitimers most often come paired with either a premium leather strap or the distinctive seven-link bracelet that is synonymous with the Navitimer.
The diverse range of pre-owned Navitimer watches at Watchfinder covers all tastes and preferences, whether you’re looking for a simple time-only model or the classic version with the chronograph and slide-rule bezel.
Discover your ideal Navitimer today and add one of the industry’s most iconic timepieces to your collection.
