Breitling has released a “normal-sized” Limited edition of their Navitimer 01, the one that’s 43mm. This is probably one of my favorite released from Breitling in recent times. Its a great color combo on the dial, with a sweet black rotor in the back. All that’s missing is a black ceramic case! But overall I really do like the execution on this… subtle, but different enough. It was announced by a member on our forums way back in November, but no news of it on the site until the other day, and it is already available in stores as one of our members has just recently got it.
From Breitling:
The legend in gray and black livery
Breitling is introducing its famous Navitimer in a 1000-piece limited edition with a dark gray dial featuring black counters and a Manufacture Breitling caliber equipped with a black oscillating weight. The new face of a watchmaking and aviation legend.
Being a great classic means starting with a powerful design and being capable of self-renewal. First launched in 1952, the Navitimer handles these two aspects as deftly as a skilled pilot maneuvers his aircraft. In more than 60 years, it has established itself as a cult object for devotees of aviation and the doyenne of all mechanical chronographs produced worldwide. Alongside the flagship model with its black dial and silver counters, it also regularly adopts new and distinctive faces, such as that of the new Navitimer 01 Limited Edition. This exclusive instrument issued in a 1000-piece series is distinguished by its dark gray dial featuring a sunburst brushed finish that subtly offsets the black counters. The result is an original, technical and eminently masculine look enhanced by indications made using the “par épargne” technique against a pure silver backdrop. While the dial side with its famous circular aviation slide rule reflects Breitling’s privileged ties with the aeronautical world, the caseback provides a window onto another of the brand’s stronghold that explains its success among aviators: impressive mastery of mechanical chronograph movements. The Navitimer 01 Limited Edition is powered by Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01. This high-performance ‘engine’, entirely developed and produced in the company workshops and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), is a guarantee of peerless precision and reliability. Echoing the special dial decoration, the oscillating weight visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback features a black coating lending an original touch. The Navitimer 01 Limited Edition is available with a steel bracelet, or with leather or crocodile leather straps in various colors. All of which represents abundant additional energy further propelling it on its legendary onward flight through time.
The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso celebrates 85 years of its iconic design – A very interesting marketing video that says more about lifestyle and posterity than it really does about watches. In fact, most of the video doesn’t even show watches but rather people and families.
Breitling continues to refine its “connected watch” line, with the Exospace B55. It features their new B55 manufacture Superquartz bluetooth connected movement. Hopefully this watch won’t be loaded with all the problems that plagued the release of the Cockpit B50. I do have to say for a Quartz watch, this one does pique my interest quite a bit.
Breitling reinvents the connected watch
In creating its first connected chronograph, Breitling has applied a new philosophy placing the smartphone in the service of the watch so as to enhance its functionality and user-friendliness. With the Exospace B55, the brand reaffirms its position in the vanguard of electronics. The instrument of the future, designed for aviation professionals.
Breitling has finally released the Chronomat 44 in a Blacksteel version. For many, this has been a long-awaited model, hoping for the Blacksteel material to be available on this popular model. It features the military rubber strap and very interesting looking square subdials. I am not sure what to make of the square subdials yet, as they are unusual on a round watch. They have rounded corners though, which helps.
The lume is also a cool antique lume, which is quite popular on watches these days.. overall a nice addition with some unique features to set it apart from the pack. I think I would have preferred round subdials though. Additionally, this does not appear to be a limited edition in any way.
From Breitling:
A brand-new take on the ultimate aviation chronograph
With its all-black fuselage, square counters and super-rugged strap, the famous Breitling Chronomat reasserts its feat-driven mission in a new model exuding a powerful and original style. The entire spirit of aviation on the wrist.
The unidirectional rotating bezel features black rubber-inlaid numerals. The dial is distinguished by red accents reminiscent of instrument panels. The exclusive strap combines a military-style high-tech fabric exterior with a rubber lining guaranteeing excellent comfort. This model of sturdiness and ergonomics houses a Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01 movement, powered by a black oscillating weight visible through the transparent caseback. A brand-new take on the ultimate aviation chronograph.
