Breitling Navitimer Watches

The Wrist-Worn Navigation Computer

In 1952, Breitling developed a chronograph with a circular slide rule bezel that allowed pilots to perform critical flight calculations — fuel consumption, airspeed, rate of climb, and distance — directly on the wrist. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) adopted it as their official watch, and the Navitimer name (a portmanteau of "navigation" and "timer") was born. The slide rule remains the defining feature of every Navitimer produced today: two logarithmic scales that rotate against each other, enabling multiplication, division, and unit conversion without any electronic aid. In an era of glass cockpits and GPS, the slide rule is no longer a practical flight instrument — but it is the most distinctive visual element in watchmaking. No other chronograph on the market looks like a Navitimer.

The Navitimer Lineup

Navitimer B01 Chronograph The flagship. Powered by Breitling's in-house caliber B01 — a column-wheel chronograph with vertical clutch, 70-hour power reserve, and COSC certification. Available in 41mm, 43mm, and 46mm with sapphire caseback. The 43mm in steel with the classic black dial and silver subdials is the pre-owned market favorite, offering the full slide-rule experience with modern movement architecture.

Navitimer Automatic The simplified version. No chronograph — just time and date, with the slide rule bezel retained for the signature aesthetic. The 38mm and 41mm sizes make this the most wearable Navitimer for those who want the look without the 46mm bulk or the chronograph premium. Powered by caliber B17 (based on ETA 2824) with 38-hour power reserve.

Navitimer Heritage The vintage-inspired edition. Smaller case proportions (42mm), domed crystal, and a pared-back dial that references the 1959 reference 806. The Heritage captures the original Navitimer aesthetic — smaller, thinner, and more elegant than the modern production models. Limited production runs make pre-owned examples relatively scarce.

B01 vs. ETA-Based Calibers: What the Pre-Owned Buyer Needs to Know

The B01 represents a genuine technical upgrade: column-wheel engagement is smoother, the vertical clutch eliminates chronograph hand jump, and the 70-hour reserve means the watch runs through a weekend off the wrist. However, ETA-based Navitimers are proven, reliable, and significantly cheaper on the secondary market. For buyers who prioritize value over movement architecture, the ETA generation is the smarter buy.

Pre-Owned Pricing Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the slide rule actually useful?
A: For aviation calculations, yes — if you know how to use it. For most owners, it functions as a distinctive design element rather than a practical tool. The rule can also perform currency conversion and unit conversion, which has occasional everyday utility. Learning the slide rule takes about 30 minutes and adds a layer of engagement that no other chronograph offers.

Q: 41mm, 43mm, or 46mm — which size should I choose?
A: The 43mm is the sweet spot for most wrists: large enough to read the slide rule clearly, not so large that it dominates. The 46mm is for collectors who want the original 1950s proportions on a modern wrist. The 41mm works for slimmer wrists but sacrifices some slide-rule legibility. Try before you buy — the Navitimer wears larger than its measurements suggest because of the busy dial.

Q: Why do B01 models command a premium over older ETA Navitimers?
A: The B01 is a superior movement by every technical measure — column-wheel, vertical clutch, 70-hour reserve. Collectors and enthusiasts recognize this, and the secondary market reflects it. If you're buying to keep long-term, the B01 is worth the premium. If you're buying for the aesthetic and don't care about movement architecture, the ETA generation offers the same visual impact at a lower price.

Sell or Trade Your Navitimer

Our specialists provide transparent valuations for every Navitimer reference. We understand the nuances: movement type (B01 vs. ETA), case size (demand is strongest for 43mm), dial color (black/silver classic commands more than blue or green variants), and the presence of the original box, COSC certificate, and slide rule instruction booklet. Walk into our 47th Street showroom for an immediate appraisal, or use our fully insured Parcel Pro shipping label for a remote evaluation with same-day payment.

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Our showroom: 20 W 47th St., Suite 401, New York, NY 10036. Walk-ins welcome.

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