Breitling Navitimer Automatic Watches
How to Choose Your Breitling Navitimer Automatic Watch
The Navitimer is one of the most iconic aviation watches in horological history. Introduced in 1952 at the request of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), the world’s largest association of aircraft owners and pilots, it became the benchmark timepiece for aviators during the golden age of civil aviation. Today, it is above all a watch with a strong identity, designed to be worn every day—but first, you need to determine which model best suits your needs.
Start with the case size. The Navitimer Automatic collection is available in 35, 36, 38, and 41 mm for the three-hand versions, with dials ranging from blue and green to black, white, bronze, and pink. A slim wrist (under 16 cm / 6.3 inches) will generally be better suited to the 35 or 36 mm models; from 17 cm (6.7 inches) onwards, the 41 mm version becomes the reference size within the range.
With or without a chronograph. The three-hand Navitimer Automatic removes the chronograph sub-dials, resulting in a significantly cleaner and more legible dial. It is the logical choice if you have no practical need for a chronograph. If you are looking for a Navitimer Chronograph, the manufacture Calibre B01 is the flagship movement of the collection: COSC-certified and offering a 70-hour power reserve.
The slide rule: decoration or functional tool? The Navitimer’s circular slide rule is the collection’s most recognisable feature. Originally developed to assist with in-flight calculations, it can be used to calculate speed, distance, fuel consumption, and unit conversions. If dial legibility is your priority, the non-chronograph versions remain the cleanest option despite retaining the distinctive notched bezel and slide rule.
Case materials. Stainless steel is ideal for versatile, durable everyday wear, while 18-carat red gold offers a more refined and dress-oriented interpretation. Both materials are available across several case sizes.
Which Watch for Which Profile?
Slim wrist (< 16 cm / 6.3 in) and everyday use → Navitimer Automatic 35 mm or 36 mm
Average wrist and preference for an uncluttered dial → Navitimer Automatic 41 mm (three-hand)
Enthusiast of manufacture chronographs and richly detailed dials → Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 mm or 43 mm
Collector or heritage-focused buyer → Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition (manual winding, hesalite crystal)
Dress watch with aviation DNA → Navitimer Automatic 41 mm in red gold
FAQ
Is the Navitimer Automatic easy to read on a daily basis despite the slide rule?
This is the most common question prospective buyers ask. The three-hand versions without a chronograph feature a much more open dial than the chronograph models. The notched bezel and slide-rule markings remain present, but they do not interfere with reading the time. Trying the watch on in a boutique remains essential: some wearers adapt to the design immediately, while others prefer the B01 Chronograph versions, where the denser dial layout is deliberate and fully consistent with the watch’s overall character.
What is the difference between the Navitimer Automatic and the Navitimer B01 Chronograph?
The Navitimer Automatic refers to the three-hand models (hours, minutes, and seconds) without a chronograph function. The bezel and slide rule remain, but the chronograph sub-dials are removed, resulting in a cleaner design. The B01 Chronograph adds the chronograph function with three counters and is powered by the manufacture Calibre B01. In practical terms, the only objective criterion for choosing between the two is whether you intend to use the chronograph function.
Is the Navitimer suitable for women?
Since 2020, Breitling has offered more streamlined women’s models starting at 35 mm, a size that suits the majority of female wrists. Dials are available in softer shades, including mother-of-pearl, bronze, and light blue. It is not a discreet watch—it has a strong personality—but the 35 mm version remains perfectly proportioned.
What is the water resistance of a Navitimer Automatic?
The Navitimer is a pilot’s watch, not a dive watch. Depending on the reference, water resistance is generally rated at 3 bar (30 metres / 100 feet), which is sufficient for splashes and rain but not for swimming. If water resistance is a key consideration, Breitling’s Superocean or Avenger collections are more suitable alternatives.
Can a Navitimer be worn with both casual and formal attire?
Yes, and this is one of the collection’s greatest strengths. On a leather strap, the Navitimer pairs effortlessly with a suit or formal evening wear. On a stainless-steel bracelet, it works equally well with jeans and a shirt. Its strong aviation heritage gives it a versatile identity, somewhere between a sports watch and a statement piece. It is a watch with personality rather than a neutral design—which is precisely what its owners are looking for.
Read more
Customer service Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm
Click & Collect Available in store in St Laurent du Var
Secure paymentSecure transaction and installment payments available
Free delivery Shipping within 48 hours and returns within 14 days
Free gift wrappingPrepared with care, ready to give
Pay in 3, 4 or 10 installmentsEnjoy secure instalment payments with Alma
Back