Breitling Navitimer Watch: 7 Features That Make It Legendary

The Breitling Navitimer watch is more than just a fancy watch. It’s a symbol of flight history, precise engineering, and classic design. When you wear a Navitimer, you’re not just looking at the time; you’re wearing more than seventy years of flight history on your wrist. The Navitimer is still respected for its clear look and serious usefulness, from business pilots to watch collectors and everyday fans.

The Breitling Navitimer watch is special because it was never made to be a fashion item. It was made to be a skilled tool that pilots could trust to get things right in the cockpit. The Navitimer is one of the few watches that combines luxury and practicality. It doesn’t matter if you choose a standard chronograph, an automatic GMT, or a perpetual calendar; they all have the same great features.

Navitimer – 70 Years as a True Aviation Legend

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) hired Breitling in 1952 to develop a wristwatch that could also serve as a flying computer. The Navitimer was the result. It was an incredibly important chronograph because it had a circular slide rule that let pilots calculate their rate of climb, speed, distance, and fuel consumption, all from their wrist.

There was no marketing hype behind this. During the golden age of flight, the Navitimer was used by many pilots. It changed in materials, actions, and sizes over the years, but the DNA never changed. Today’s Navitimer models still look like the ones from the past, but they have been improved with current engineering and high-end finishes.

Why the Breitling Navitimer Watch Is So Iconic

The Breitling Navitimer watch is famous for a reason. The aircraft is iconic for its classic look, history, and engineering. The Navitimer has earned respect from professional pilots to serious watch collectors because it performs well and still looks like a fancy watch.

The Navitimer’s unique and easily identifiable form is one of the main reasons it stands out. No other watch has this unique look, defined by the rounded slide rule, the signature bead-set bezel, and the intricate yet symmetrical face. Even at a quick glance, people who know a lot about watches can tell it’s a Navitimer. This says a lot about how well-designed it is.

The Navitimer’s continued use as a tool is what truly sets it apart from many other high-end watches. The slide rule isn’t just for looks—it’s fully functional and was meant to help pilots with important flight math. Even now, pilots value its usefulness, and collectors respect how Breitling has kept it working instead of making it just a pretty feature.

The fact that the Navitimer uses Breitling movements manufactured in-house is another important reason for its fame. The B01, B02, B12, and B19 calibers are all known for their reliability, long power reserves, and accuracy certified by a chronometer. They run today’s models. These movements strengthen the Navitimer’s position as a high-quality watch that combines history with modern craftsmanship.

Breitling Navitimer Watches

Breitling Navitimer Watch Prices

Model Name	Reference	Price (USD)	Notes
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	RB0139211Q1P1	$22,300	New
Navitimer Automatic 36	R17327371L1P1	$14,100	New
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46	RB0137241L1R1	$46,300	Boutique & Online Exclusive
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46	RB0137241G1R1	$47,350	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46	AB0137241L1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46	AB0137211B1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46	AB0137211C1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46	UB01372A1C1P1	$13,450	Limited
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43	RB0138211B1R1	$45,250	—
Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar	PB1920251C1P1	$30,200	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43	AB0138241L1P1	$10,300	Boutique & Online Exclusive
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43	AB0138241K1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43	AB0138241G1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43	AB0138241C1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43	AB0138211B1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary	RB19101A1H1P1	$65,550	Limited
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Limited Edition	UB01384A1B1P1	$12,800	Limited
Navitimer Automatic GMT 41	R32310251L1R1	$41,600	—
Navitimer Automatic 41	R17329F41G1R1	$40,700	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	RB0139211G1R1	$44,500	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	RB0139631G1P1	$31,750	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139631C1P1	$18,200	—
Navitimer Automatic 41	U17329F41G1U1	$10,750	—
Navitimer Automatic GMT 41	A32310251B1P1	$6,450	—
Navitimer Automatic GMT 41	A32310211G1P1	$6,450	—
Navitimer Automatic GMT 41	A32310171C1P1	$6,450	—
Navitimer Automatic 41	A17329371L1P1	$5,850	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139A71G1P1	$10,300	Boutique & Online Exclusive
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139211B1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139241C1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139211L1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139211G1P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer Automatic 41	A17329171C1P1	$5,850	—
Navitimer Automatic 41	A17329161C1P1	$5,850	—
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41	AB0139241C2P1	$10,300	—
Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary	LB0240211C1P1	$43,700	Limited
Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute	RB12302A1L1P1	$25,000	Boutique & Online Exclusive
Navitimer Automatic 36	R17327211A1R1	$38,600	—
Navitimer Automatic 36	U17327211A1U1	$11,050	—
Navitimer Automatic 36	A17327381B1P1	$5,700	—
Navitimer Automatic 36	A17327361L1P1	$5,700	—
Navitimer Automatic 36	A17327211G1P1	$5,700	—
Navitimer 32	U77320E61A1U1	$8,950	—
Navitimer 32	A77320D91K1A1	$5,200	—
Navitimer 32	A77320E61A2A1	$5,200	—
Navitimer 32	A77320171C1A1	$5,200	—

Navitimer Case Sizes, Movements, and Materials

The Breitling Navitimer collection offers a wide range of styles that accommodate different wrist sizes, fashion preferences, and practical needs. Every Navitimer is made with exact movements and high-end materials, so everyone can find the right one for them, from bold, large pilot watches to stylish, smaller ones. Let’s look at the different case sizes, watch gears, and materials that make these watches unique.

Navitimer 46 mm

This is the most daring choice in the Navitimer line, and it is very similar in size and shape to traditional pilot watches. It’s great for people who want to make a statement with their wrist while ensuring it’s easy to read. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46, gold models available only in stores and online, and limited-edition versions with special dial colors are all popular examples.

Navitimer 43 mm

The 43 mm Navitimer is often considered the sweet spot of the collection because it combines the size that comes from the watch’s history with the comfort that fits today’s tastes. In this size, you can find B01 Chronograph models, Perpetual Calendar versions, and special editions that are only available for a short time.

Navitimer 41 mm

The 41 mm size is perfect for everyday use because it fits easily under a shirt cuff and still feels like a heavy, high-quality item. The B01 Chronograph 41, Automatic GMT 41, and Automatic 41 three-hand models are all available.

Navitimer 36 mm and 32 mm

These sizes are good for people with smaller wrists or anyone who likes a more polished look. They keep the famous Navitimer look without feeling too big, giving you classic style in a more subtle package.

Breitling B01 Chronograph Movement

The Navitimer line is built around the B01. This automatic chronograph movement was made in-house. It features a column-wheel mechanism, a power reserve of about 70 hours, and COSC chronometer certification. The watch business knows it for its precision and durability.

Breitling B19 Perpetual Calendar Movement

The B19 is an example of very high-quality watchmaking that is inspired by the history of flight. It features both a chronograph and a perpetual calendar and displays the day, date, month, and moon phase. This trend is great for people who collect things and want to make things more complicated without making them harder to use.

Breitling B02 and B12 Cosmonaute Movements

These special movements feature a 24-hour dial, originally designed for pilots like Scott Carpenter to distinguish day from night in space. They keep the Navitimer’s signature functions while adding a unique historical link.

Materials and Finishing

Breitling ensures the Navitimer is both stylish and tough. Stainless steel is strong, 18k red or white gold looks fancy, and sapphires with an anti-reflective covering make things clear. Dials in different colors, like green, blue, copper, and ice blue, as well as black and silver, are often paired with fancy leather straps or polished bands.

Breitling Navitimer Key Features

Feature	Details
Case Sizes	46 mm, 43 mm, 41 mm, 36 mm, 32 mm
Movements	B01 Chronograph, B19 Perpetual Calendar, B02 Cosmonaute, B12 Cosmonaute, Automatic GMT, Automatic 3-hand
Functions	Chronograph, GMT/Second Time Zone, Perpetual Calendar, Day/Date/Month/Moonphase
Materials	Stainless steel, 18k Red Gold, 18k White Gold, Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Dial Colors	Black, Silver, Green, Blue, Copper, Ice-Blue
Straps & Bracelets	Leather straps, Stainless steel bracelets, Polished metal bracelets
Certification	COSC Chronometer certified
Special Editions	Limited editions, Boutique & Online Exclusive models
Design Highlights	Circular slide rule, Beaded bezel, Aviation-inspired dial layout
Heritage	70+ years of pilot watch legacy

How Much Does a Breitling Navitimer Watch Cost?

Navitimers are priced based on the materials they are made of, how they are made, and how complicated their movement is.

• Entry-level automatic models start around the lower luxury segment
• B01 chronographs sit comfortably in the mid-to-high luxury range
• Gold, perpetual calendar, and limited editions reach premium collector pricing

Even though it’s a big buy, a lot of owners see the Navitimer as a watch for life, not just for one season.

Is the Breitling Navitimer Worth Buying?

Yes, if you love history, mechanical engineering, and classic style. The Navitimer isn’t affected by what’s popular. It’s not based on hype waves. It doesn’t offer those things; instead, it gives authenticity, heritage, and practical use.

You are not only getting a watch. You’re paying for a story that began in the cabin and is now being told on wrists all over the globe.

Who Should Buy a Breitling Navitimer Watch?

The Navitimer is ideal for:

• Aviation enthusiasts
• Watch collectors seeking heritage pieces
• Professionals wanting a statement watch
• Buyers who value function as much as luxury

It might feel busy if you want something that is modest. But it’s hard to beat if you love character and purpose.

Care and Maintenance Tips

To keep your Navitimer performing at its best:

• Service it every few years through authorized centers
• Avoid strong magnetic fields
• Clean the case and bracelet gently
• To keep the movement healthy, use the chronograph regularly.

Future of the Navitimer Collection

Breitling keeps reinventing the Navitimer while keeping the watch’s spirit alive. Expect more eco-friendly materials, refined movements, and limited-edition pieces that honor the history of flight and remain true to the original design.

Breitling Navitimer vs Other Pilot Watches

The Navitimer is different from other pilot watches because of its slide rule and strong connections to flight. Aviation has inspired designs from many names, but only a few have the same history and commitment to ongoing innovation.

Feature	Breitling Navitimer	Standard Pilot Watches	Other Luxury Pilot Watches
Heritage	Over 70 years of aviation history	Varies by brand (typically functional)	Varies, often less iconic
Slide Rule	✔️ Functional circular slide rule	❌ Rarely available	❌ Rarely available
Chronograph Function	✔️ Available on many models	✔️ Sometimes	✔️ On select models
Movement Quality	High‑end in‑house calibers (B01, B19, etc.)	Varies (often third‑party movements)	High‑end (in‑house or premium third‑party)
Materials & Finishing	Premium steel, gold, luxury dials	Functional materials	Luxury materials
Design Distinctiveness	Bold, technical, aviation DNA	Simple and utilitarian	Mix of sporty and luxury
Collectibility	High (heritage + limited editions)	Moderate	Varies by brand/model
Price Range	Mid‑high to premium	Entry‑mid	Mid‑premium to luxury
Everyday Wearability	✔️ Yes (varies by size)	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
Investment Potential	Strong for limited/heritage models	Moderate	Variable

FAQs about Breitling Navitimer Watch

How much is a Breitling Navitimer watch?

Depending on the model, size, materials, and complications, the price of a Breitling Navitimer watch can range from basic automatic models to high-end chronographs and limited editions.

How to set a Breitling Navitimer watch?

To set a Breitling Navitimer, pull out the crown gently to the first or second position to change the date and time, then push it back in and lock it in place. Always follow the manual for your individual model.

How to wind a Breitling Navitimer watch?

To wind a manual watch, turn the crown clockwise about 20 to 30 times when it is fully stopped. Automatic watches wind themselves as you wear them and move your wrist.

Is Breitling Navitimer a good watch?

Yes, the Breitling Navitimer is a very popular watch with a rich history in aviation. It has precise movements, and both enthusiasts and collectors love its design.

How much is a Breitling Navitimer 01 watch?

The Breitling Navitimer 01 is usually one of the more expensive models in the Navitimer line because it features a high-quality Breitling-made stopwatch movement.

How old is a Breitling Navitimer 806 watch?

The Navitimer 806 dates to the 1950s and early 1960s, making it one of the standard vintage models collectors love.