Breitling Navitimer 41
Breitling Navitimer 41 from Breitling, It has redesigned its iconic Navitimer Chronograph watch for 2022. Since the early 1950s designed for commercial airline pilots. The watch has been a staple of high-end tool timepieces.
One of the most well-known luxury sports watches in the world is the Navitimer. It has gone through many changes over the years.
But, under Georges Kern’s current leadership at Breitling. It has not undergone any recent transformation.
The official name of the updated Breitling Navitimer for 2022. It is the Navitimer B01 Chronograph.
It is available in three case sizes and has a variety of dial options. Many of which have never been offered before in a Navitimer watch.
So we thought why not write about this classic timepiece. The following is our take on this contemporary take on timeless classic.
Because of its focus on computational utility. The Navitimer has always been a staple of my tool watches. The main design feature is a slide-rule bezel that was once used by pilots.
They used it to calculate things like the amount of fuel they use or the time it takes to get to their destination. Together with the chronograph. The rotating slide-rule bezel provided a limited number of capabilities.
This Breitling-branded watch continues the legacy of the learned aviation professional. It would only be worn by the smartest and most competent pilots.
What is the origin of the name?
We must admit that we sometimes misspell this collection’s name. But, it’s easy to assume that the model’s name is pronounced with an impression. As the US Navy was involved in its creation.
This is not the case. As the Breitling Navitimer’s name comes from the aviation industry. Rather than the maritime forces.
At first, its main was to help pilots navigate. Because of its many features. Including the stopwatch function, tachymeter scale, and slide rule bezel.
The name comprises “Navi” (from the English word “navigation”) and “timer” (from the word “timer”).
Thus, instead of pronouncing “ne-vi-ta-m-r,” as one might expect. The Navitimer’s correct pronunciation comes from phonetic spelling. It’s from the spelling of the newly compounded word “nv-ta-m-(r).”
What distinguishes a Breitling Navitimer so much?
But what specifically distinguishes the Breitling Navitimer from other timepieces? And how did a tool for pilots turn into the classic watch that is now an essential part of the business? Several good reasons exist:
Using the rule of three. The slide rule bezel allows quick calculations and difficult mathematical relationships. They are necessary for aviation.
There is also the practical chronograph function. It lets you use the tachymeter scale to figure out average speeds.
Another distinctive aspect of the series is the case size. After all, if you want to buy one of these watches. You must deliberately select a large watch.
Upon its delivery, it had a width of 42 mm and is accessible in a breadth that is only shy of five centimetres.
That means a watch that, with the right bracelet, sits securely and confidently on the wrist and begs for a rival. It also makes its presence known.
Another distinctive feature of the models is the Navitimer’s image. This series ranks alongside Submariner and Moonwatch. It’s in the Swiss luxury watch hall of fame as one of the absolute classics.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the Breitling Navitimer 41
Movement:
The Navitimer has even entered the spotlight. As shown by its appearance on David Beckham’s and John Travolta’s wrists.
Each of these watches is powered by Breitling’s B01 automatic chronograph movement.
For the first time in a Navitimer Chronograph piece. You can view the very nice movement through an exhibition case back. Today, its signature design is recognized worldwide.
This was created with high precision by former Rolex engineers. People who worked on Daytona’s chronograph movement.
Each has a 70-hour power reserve and is a COSC-certified chronometer that operates at 4 Hz.
The 12-hour chronograph and the time and date. They are included in the watch’s lower subdial.
Case:
Breitling’s in-house calibre B01 automatic chronograph movement and the Navitimer’s thinner case. They were also important to the watch’s success.
Not only are older Navitimer watches thinner. But they have also wound manually rather than automatically. Besides having an exhibition case back.
The 2022 Navitimer watches are about 1.5 millimetres thinner. In the comparison of the models of the previous generation.
The slide-rule bezel system has been redesigned to be flat rather than sloped. As was the case with previous models, resulting in the case’s thinness of 13.6-14 mm, depending on the model.
The recessed subdials, but, give the dial an uneven appearance. The Navitimer dial has a unique architecture. Many people won’t notice at first.
But once you start looking at it. Otherwise, comparing it to other recent Navitimer Chronograph watches. It becomes very clear.
Breitling made the right choice. They offered the same watch in three different case sizes. This helped to meet the needs of different customers, including women.
Although some dial colour combinations are only available in certain sizes. Breitling generally makes sure that the cases are 41, 43, and 46mm -wide.
They do so to ensure that Navitimer B01 Chronograph watches are virtually identical in appearance.
After wearing all three sizes. I would say that the 41mm wide version is my favourite.
But I would happily wear any of them. The cases are 13.6, 13.69, and 13.95 millimetres thick. They are resistant to water up to 30 meters.
The size of a watch is not a matter of accuracy but rather of taste. So, the ideal watch size for you will depend on your anatomy to a certain extent. The colours of the watch dial that you prefer.
Dial:
Breitling decided to go very commercial with the colours and finishes on the dials. Purists will likely still be more drawn to some of the more historic-looking watches. Like the recent Navitimer watches.
Due to their more “tool watch” appearance. Though that is probably a business decision that makes sense. The different metallic tones and extensive intelligent surfaces test well with luxury searchers.
But the new Navitimer B01 Chronograph observes very “blingy”. When contrasted and the perfect models. New colours, such as two distinct greens.
One of which is a fun mint colour, two blues, and a variety of greys, whites, and black tones mixed, adding to that look.
Besides the standard steel-cased models. 18k red gold cases are also available to provide an even more high-end feel.
The dials are beautiful, but I prefer watches with this level of dial detail in a more matte style. For the snazzier, shiny look, I still adore Breitling’s Chronomat 42 masterpieces.
The polishing on the new Navitimer B01 Chronograph case jars me the most, in my view. Although this is not always the case.
The majority of the most recent Navitimer watches. They have cases that have been polished to a mirror-like finish.
Breitling takes a different approach in 2022. They did so by offering both polished and brushed surface finishing over the case. The available bracelet maintains the basic Navitimer case style.
Although the dual-finishing of the 2022 Navitimer watches makes them stand out. It will stand out from the rest of the modern versions of the watch.
This will probably help them stand out to customers who have models from the previous generation of the Navitimer.
This adds a lot of visual interest to the case and bracelet.
We see a return to the AOPA Breitling “wings” logo on the dial.
Which has only been used on some retro-remake models until now. It was not on standard collection pieces.
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, presided over the Navitimer B01 Chronograph launch event. They provided an intriguing explanation of the logos of the company.
The issue is that none of the currently available logos is compatible with all watches. Some logos look better on more recent watches than they do on older models.
Some of the watches only have the Breitling “B” on them, while others only have graphic logos. It’s great that Breitling has a lot of history to draw from to make this possible.
But it’s also interesting that not all watches work well with the brand’s current logos. While Breitling isn’t the only watch company currently.
When it comes to experimenting with various logo designs on contemporary models.
It probably has the most compelling justifications for using many logos across product collections.
Strap:
All the watches come with a matching seven-link metal bracelet. Steel or gold, depending on the model or brown or black alligator strap.
The steel bracelet option costs only $400 more. It also has a new butterfly-style deployant clasp. It is a significant improvement. Especially over the fold-over deployant clasps that came before it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Breitling Navitimer watch is a remarkable timepiece. It has impressive functionality and extensive history.
It has a chronograph, slide rule bezel, and durable construction. These features made it a favourite among pilots and aviation enthusiasts for decades. Its stylish design is also practical.
For more than 65 years. The Navitimer watch has been a symbol of precision and dependability. Plus its popularity has not decreased.
It’s easy to see why the Breitling Navitimer is one of the most loved and respected watches in the world. Due to its many features and high level of craftsmanship.
The Breitling Navitimer is an excellent choice. A watch that is sure to provide you with years of dependable service and timeless style.
Whether you are a professional pilot, a fan of aviation history, or just someone who appreciates a high-quality timepiece.