Many manufacturers offer their watches as "aviator" models, but let's agree that few of them would attract the attention of a flight crew for actual aeronautical calculations. In most cases, they are pilot's watches more from a design perspective than a functional one. In contrast, however, the Breitling Navitimer is a true "aviator."
Breitling has a long and successful history of relationships with the aviation industry – both military and civil. When the brand began its operations, its main goal was the creation of precise measuring instruments for scientific and industrial needs. It was only a matter of time before this specialized knowledge and the successes achieved led to collaboration with aviation circles. The official "connection" between aviation and Breitling was solidified in 1936, when the British Royal Air Force supplied its crews with the brand's watches.
A long-standing collaboration followed, which reached its peak with the creation of the iconic Breitling Navitimer in 1952. Its design and functionality have changed very little over the last 60-plus years. This chronograph can be used to calculate speed, fuel consumption, rate of descent, as well as to convert standard miles into nautical miles – all thanks to the "slide rule" located on the inner side of the bezel along the edge of the dial.
Current Navitimer models include the original Navitimer, Navitimer World, Montbrillant, Montbrillant Olympus, Montbrillant Datora, Chrono-Matic, and the "three-hand" version presented today.
In 2018, the brand decided to continue the development of the cult model and to experiment for the first time, following the trend towards so-called "three-hand" models. Thus, the 38 mm size version appeared, and a year later, the 41-millimeter version presented today. The removal of the chronograph functions is undoubtedly a serious departure from the classic design, but in all other aspects, the model remains true to its progenitor.
This particular example is in a classic combination – a black dial with gold hands and indices. In this color configuration, the effect is impressive – it emphasizes both the depth of the dial and the noble character of the materials used. The brand's classic logo is placed on the dial, and the look is complemented by the emblematic "slide rule" on the inner bezel, which makes the Navitimer series easily recognizable.
At the heart of the watch "beats" the automatic Breitling Caliber 17 with 25 jewels, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and with a power reserve of about 38 hours. The movement is based on the ETA 2824-2 and is known as a reliable "workhorse" – widely used, dependable, and easy to maintain.
The case back is solid, screw-down, and bears the brand's embossed logo, surrounded by the engraved model name.
