Out of the entire 2022 Breitling Navitimer watch collection launched this week, there was one set of designs we were desperate to get our hands on. With polished pastel-toned dials, contrasting black subsidiary counters and perfectly sized 43mm cases, here is an in-depth look at the new Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43.
The Breitling Navitimer has come a long way since Willy Breitling first created the wrist-based flight tool for the AOPA (the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). In 70 years, the design has secured a reputation for elegance, reliability and robustness, worn on the wrists of astronauts and on some of the world’s best-known celebrities. Now, in continuation of its journey as the brand’s flagship model, the Swiss watch manufacturer have relaunched the collection in a series of 41, 43, and 46mm chronographs with a new focus on colour, stylings and inclusive appeal.
“We don’t throw the term ‘icon’ around lightly,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “The Navitimer is one of the most recognizable watches ever made. It’s on collectors’ lists of the greatest watches of all time. What began as a tool for pilots has gone on to mean something profound to every single person who has had this timepiece along on their personal journey.”
Before we look closer at the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches, its important to note most of the pieces in the 2022 Breitling Navitimer collection share much of the same traits. As everyone hoped, Breitling preserved all the recognisable aspects of the icon, like that of the famous circular slide rule bi-directional bezel, baton indexes, tri-compax chronograph layout and notched bezel. However, there are certainly some key differences you’ll have spotted. One of these is the disappearance of the Breitling logo on the dial now replaced by the AOPA logo, the very same that could be found on the original Breitling Navitimer watches from the 1950’s. The inclusion of this logo gives the new Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches a real nostalgic, almost retro feel, especially when paired with the line’s selection of pastel-coloured dials.
As for the cases of the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches, the size is the perfect middle-ground between the smaller 41mm models and the over-imposing 46mm designs. At 43mm, the cases are engineered from a choice of stainless steel or there’s a single model crafted from opulent 18 carat rose gold. Both metals span across the case, lugs, non-screw locked crown and flattened slide rule bezel which alongside domed crystal creates the illusion of a more compact profile when compared to previous Navitimer references. The cases offer polished and brushed finishings and a 30 bar water resistance.
The selection of dial colours is where our love for the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 really began. For the single solid rose gold piece, a black dial is elected with matching rose gold hands and markers and contrasting white subsidiary dials. Meanwhile the stainless steel models come in a choice of five colourways. These include black, silver, copper, pastel blue, and our personal favourite, mint green. Classic stainless steel hardware is nominated for these dial’s and for easy legibility, the counters are finished in black (other than the silver dial which opts for black counters). The baton-shaped silvered hardware is finished in glow in the dark Superluminova and pairs with a bold red chronograph seconds hand.
Powering the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches is the same Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 automatic winding movement as the remaining chronographs in the 2022 Navitimer collection. It is COSC-certified to -4 to +6 seconds per day and permits a 70 hour power reserve, frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and 47 jewels. A newly designed oscillating rotor is debuted within each Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watch, which with its slimmer silhouette enhances the open-case back view. For the stainless steel references, the rotor is crafted from matching steel while the gold model selects a rotor finished in rose gold.
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches are available on a choice of two straps. The first option is a semi-shiny black alligator leather strap with white stitch detailing secured by either a folding clasp or tang buckle. The second is a seven-row linked bracelet with folding buckle. As you’d expect, the bracelets are engineered from their retrospective case material.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches and shop the 2022 Breitling Navitimer collection in full, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 43mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel or 18ct rose gold
- Bezel: Bi-directional, slide rule
- Glass: Cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Crown: Non-screw locked
- Case Back: Screwed in with sapphire crystal insert
- Water Resistance: 30 metres
- Movement: Breitling B01 Manufacture, automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, central chronograph seconds, 30 minutes counter, 12 hours counter, date
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Jewels: 47
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Black, silver, copper, pastel blue, mint green with contrasting counters and Superluminova hardware
- Strap: Alligator leather or metal bracelet
- RRP: Starts from £6,950
