Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 Watch

41 mm rose gold case, self-winding movement, alligator leather strap

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 necessary calculations in flight. Two years later, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced the model as its official timepiece. The Navitimer, a contraction of the English words "navigation timer," was born. AOPA was (and still is) the largest pilot association in the world, counting virtually 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. 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 era, including Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg, were among the loyal customers, confirming that the Navitimer was as practical as it was stylish. Since its launch 70 years earlier, numerous examples of Breitling's icon have appeared, but this new Navitimer retains its most iconic features, while adding 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 modernized dial choices. Finally, if there's one new singularity to stir 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 trendsetters 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.