The Breitling Navitimer is one of the most complicated looking — and one of the most practically useful — watches ever made for civilian wear. Its circular slide rule, surrounding the dial like a computational halo, was designed to allow pilots to perform flight calculations without a separate computer. Fuel consumption, airspeed, rate of climb, distance — all solvable in seconds, on the wrist, at altitude.
The 1952 Original
The first Navitimer, launched in 1952, was developed in collaboration with AOPA — the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of America. The AOPA wings logo appeared on the first generation's dial, conferring a legitimacy that advertising could not have manufactured. Professional pilots adopted it immediately.
The Ref. B01 Chronograph 43
Our test watch is the current generation Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 in stainless steel. At 43mm, it is smaller than the original but larger than what contemporary taste might consider moderate. On the wrist, however, the Navitimer's proportions are resolved perfectly — the bezel is substantial, the case slim, and the overall impression is of a watch that knows exactly what it is.
The Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
The B01 designation refers to Breitling's own in-house chronograph calibre — a movement they developed to replace the ebauches they had long used. The Calibre 01 is a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch, offering precise start-stop action and a 70-hour power reserve. COSC certified.
Verdict
The Navitimer remains one of the great horological propositions in the sub-$10,000 category. It is original, functional, historically significant, and produced to a standard that its price does not fully communicate. For collectors building a first serious collection, it represents a piece of genuine aviation history that will reward daily wear for decades.
