In addition to the newly launched SuperOceans and Premier models, the Grenchen-based manufacturer is also presenting many new models from the Navitimer collection this year. Some of the ones we are excited about is Breitling launching a re-edition of the historic Navitimer 806 and the Navitimer 1 will be given a new diameter. Keep reading as we give you an overview of this year's Navitimer innovations.
Baselworld 2019: Breitling with new Navitimer models
Three-pointer Navitimer with larger diameter
At the last Baselworld, Breitling presented a three-hand version of the Navitimer for the first time in the company's history. The Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 has a diameter of 38 millimetres and is a refreshing alternative to the classic chronograph. However, now is the time for a larger version with the Navitimer Automatic 41 which has a more masculine diameter of 41 millimetres. Both versions will be sold in parallel - the smaller version will remain available.
There will be a total of 15 variants of the new Navitimer Automatic 41. The watch is available with a steel bracelet or leather straps in different colours as well as different dial colours (blue, white, black). A bi-colour version with red gold bezel is also available.
Navitimer 1 Chronograph
In addition to the new three-hand versions of the Navitimer, the chronographs have also received extensive updates.
The "Airline Edition" of the Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph with 43 millimetres will feature nine colourful special edition versions dedicated to Swissair, TWA and Pan Am airlines. The watches feature coloured rings on the inside of the dials, with red dominating the Special Editions. In keeping with its name, the Breitling B01 calibre performs its service inside the watches. The models cost between CHF 7,800 and CHF 8,700.
There will also be a 45 millimetre Rattrapante version of the Navitimer, called the Navitimer 1 B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45. The Rattrapante complication of the calibre B03 makes it possible to measure two times simultaneously thanks to an additional central chronograph hand.
Breitling is also launching a new edition of the 46 mm Navitimer with GMT function (Navitimer 1 Chronograph GMT 46). The watch is available with a black or blue dial. The separate 24-hour indication is provided by an additional main hand with a red arrow, driven by the Breitling calibre B24 (base ETA-Valjoux 7754). The price for the version with leather strap is CHF 6.340 (with stainless steel bracelet CHF 6.940).
The Navitimer 1 Chronograph 41 also receives a companion in bi-colour.
Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition
One of this year's highlights is the reissue of the legendary Navitimer from 1959, the year in which the watch received its characteristic design. Accordingly, the re-edition has been limited to 1959 pieces.
Breitling has implemented the re-edition with great creative care and attention to detail. This is particularly evident in the luminous material that is Superluminova, which has been given a perfect colouring with a great deal of sensitivity. The vintage look is subtle and at best goes slightly in the direction of a vanilla tone. The dial and subdials are true to the original in black. Instead of the Breitling logo, there is an unsigned wing logo, which was used in the original reference 806 for the European market, while the US models were produced with a logo of the AOPA pilot association. The pearl bezel also corresponds to the original and has exactly 94 pearls.
The case of the re-edition has been completely redesigned to match the historic model; the finish and band lug profile are identical. As this is a hand-wound model, the re-edition is pleasantly flat thanks to the missing winding rotor, which has a significant positive effect on wearing comfort. The diameter is 40.9 millimetres.
