Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Watch

43 mm steel case, self-winding movement, steel bracelet

Breitling’s iconic chronograph for pilots: for travel. In 1952, Willy Breitling developed a wrist chronograph equipped with a circular slide rule that would allow pilots to perform all the necessary calculations in flight. Two years later, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced that the model would become its official timepiece. The Navitimer, a contraction of the English word “navigation timer,” was born. AOPA was (and still is) the largest pilot association in the world, counting nearly all American aviators among its ranks. Established as the default pilot’s watch during the glory days of civil aviation, the Navitimer was worn by airline captains and aviation enthusiasts alike. In 1962, it even traveled into space on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter. Pilots weren’t the only ones drawn to the watch’s irrepressible aesthetic. Celebrities of the day, including Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg, were loyal customers, confirming that the Navitimer was as practical as it was stylish. Since its launch 70 years ago, many examples of Breitling’s icon have appeared, but this new Navitimer takes its most iconic features and adds a few modern touches. A flattened slide rule and domed crystal create the illusion of a sleeker profile. Alternating polished and brushed metal elements create a finish that is both lustrous and understated. New colors in shades of blue, green, and copper, in particular, define the updated dial choices. Finally, if there’s one new singularity that stirs nostalgia, it’s the return of the AOPA wings to their original position at 12 o’clock. For 70 years, Breitling’s first pilot’s watch has been beloved by aviators and tastemakers alike. Worn by astronauts in space and the world’s biggest stars, it is Breitling’s most iconic timepiece and one of the most recognizable watches of all time.