The Breitling Navitimer has changed over a the years… lets take a look at the differences between a few of the pieces we had a chance to look at this week. Here is a brief background the the range in question:  In the 1952, Mr Breitling was asked by US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association… Continue reading Watch Range in Focus – Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer has changed over a the years… lets take a look at the differences between a few of the pieces we had a chance to look at this week.

Here is a brief background the the range in question: 

In the 1952, Mr Breitling was asked by US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to develop a new chronograph. This watch was not going to be any mean feet. It had to include average speed, distance traveled, fuel consumption, rate of climb, and conversation of miles to kilometres or even, nautical miles.

The watch was m oversized for its time coming in at 41mm and had Arabic numberal to ensure it was easy to read.

Here we have the Breitling Navitimer ref 806, a Navitimer Montbrilliant ref A30030, a Navitimer Cosmonaute ref A22322, and a Navitimer 01 ref AB0121.

Let’s start with the ref 806 - the classic. This 806 has the panda sub-dials and classic black face and this is a later model, sporting the “twin jet” logo near the 12-hour marker. Milled bezel to allow for ease of use during flight if gloves were worn.

The Navitimer Montbrillant was presented in 1995 in 18k gold only, but from 1996 onwards it replaces the Navitimer 92, using the same smaller screw-back case with a diameter of only 36.5mm and a 38mm bezel. This provides a more compact and more wearable watch in line with the watch sizes of the time. It is still regarded as a larger watch in the 90’s but not extra large. This watch came in a few material, strap, and face configuration’s.

On 24th May in 1962, Scott Carpenter the astronaut tested this instrument watch under real-life conditions, during his inaugural orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 space capsule; this allowed Breitling to claim the Cosmonaute was “THE FIRST WRIST INSTRUMENT TO SHARE IN THE CONQUEST OF SPACE”. Therefore, as Breitling made the Cosmonaut for their 125th Anniversary. This was limited to 1,000 units as a commemorative piece.

And so we come to the Breitling Navitimer 01 Ref. AB012, the amalgamation of all the previous. Off-set coloured dials, cleared numerals, mileage bezel, new movements, greater power reserve. A fitting homage with a modern take on a classic watch which will last and last.

Let me know your thoughts on which watch you prefer.

If there is a particular range of watches you were like to see - email info@watchwisemarketplace.co.uk or comment on the appropriate social media post.

See an example here!

https://www.mainspring-watches.com/product-page/breitling-navitimer-806-gold-plated-chronograph-41mm

Sell your watch here: https://www.watchwisemarketplace.co.uk/

Thank you for reading.