Breitling Navitimer 01

When Breitling announced they were going to make a slightly bigger version of the legendary pilot’s watch, I was interested.

This was the watch that, as a kid, I seen grace the Sporty’s Pilot Catalog and AOPA membership directory that I received in the mail (I was an aviation nut as a kid. Still am.)

While the AOPA Navitimers go for a pretty penny these days, I was able to find this gem of a watch – a Navitimer 01 – pre-owned. And it had several things going for it that the original did not.

First was a in-house movement. Second was the bigger size. Third was a sapphire display back to show off the beautifully finished in-house movement.

This is one of the watches in my regular rotation. And grabbing that big, knurly bezel and feeling those gearings glide back and forth is a great distraction to whatever meeting you might be in.

WHAT I LIKE:

This is a legendary watch that’s probably most representative of Breitling’s pilot heritage
Refreshed Navitimer with bigger size, in-house movement and display back
For as big & heavy as it is, it’s quite comfortable thanks to the lugs
Those applied Breitling wings on the dial are beautiful

NOT SO MUCH:

Are you really gonna use that slide rule? Didn’t think so.
It is difficult to wind manually – the tight in-house movement + small crown means you’re going to lose some skin.
Dial is pretty busy

WATCH SPECIFICATIONS:

MODEL NAME: Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

REFERENCE NUMBER: AB012721/BD09

MOVEMENT: Breitling 01 (In-House, 70 hour power reserve)

CASE SIZE: 46mm

WATER RESISTANCE: 30m/100ft

OTHER REVIEW: http://www.ablogtowatch.com/breitling-navitimer-01-watch-review/