In addition to watches like the Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster, the Navitimer from Breitling is without a doubt one of the greatest and most important chronographs of all time, given its rich history, rugged beauty, and synonymity with quality. While Breitling produces the Navitimer in wide range of different variants today, it’s worthwhile to look back at the origins of this pilot’s chronograph, to see where the brand’s designers are currently looking to for inspiration.

The Navitimer’s story begins in 1952, when Breitling manufactured a stainless steel chronograph, with a black dial that featured the emblem of the “Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association”, or as it’s more commonly known, the AOPA. Especially desirable early examples were powered by either the Venus 178 or the Valjoux 72 – both workhouse, manually wound chronograph movements.

These watches were effectively born out of a partnership between Breitling and the AOPA, since Breitling saw the sizeable interest for a professional pilot’s chronograph equipped with a number of useful scales surrounded by a slide rule bezel, and many members of the AOPA were among those interested. From then on, Breitling would continue to produce both functional and beautiful Navitimer pilot’s chronographs, that would be worn by tasteful collectors, and celebrated by professional pilots. Today, rare vintage Navitimer references will often sell for astonishing prices at auction.

Now knowing that the Navitimer is watch with a storied past, it’s nice to know to that as the brand has progressed through the years and evolved, they’ve still managed to channel the core DNA of what made some of their early watches so great. A watch that supports this notion perfectly is this one – the Ref. K13322 in brilliant 18K yellow gold. Even though this watch has a vertical stack of chronograph registers unlike what’s seen on classic 1950’s and 1960’s pieces, it maintains key details of the original watch, like the scientifically styled, highly legible numeral and scale font, along with the contrasting red accents, and iconic Breitling logo.

Breitling has also incorporated a number of modern conveniences into the watch’s movement, to give it a reliable and luxuriously hassle-free ownership experiences. These conveniences include a Swiss made automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 42 hours, and a date complication located just between the brand logo and model designation on the glossy dial at 3 o’clock. Pair all of that with a hand crafted crocodile strap, with a Breitling signed buckle in matching 18K yellow gold, and you’ve got an awfully good looking timepiece, backed by years of history and watchmaking tradition.

While collector’s tastes are beginning to diversify more and more in 2016’s watch market, you can never go wrong with a true legend of modern watchmaking, like the Navitimer. Such watches are sure to provide years of versatile wear and perpetual delight for generations to come. You really just can’t beat the classics, can you?

Author of this Article: Paul Altieri is the Founder and CEO of the popular pre-owned watch site Bob’s Watches.

Breitling has finally released their Navitimer 46 in Blacksteel, a move that I believe many were waiting for and expecting. This is just another step in Breitling bringing the black steel material to more and more pieces in the range. If you’ve been in a Breitling boutique lately, you’ll notice the growing trend of black watches in their line-up, and some of the limited editions are looking pretty incredible.

The legend turns black
A highly exclusive version of the large-size Navitimer, Breitling’s “Navitimer 46 Blacksteel” is distinguished by its all-black exterior, its two-counter dial, its black oscillating weight and its new strap featuring an aircraft tire-tread pattern.

See the model here:
http://www.breitling.com/en/models/navitimer/navitimer-01-46-mm/versions/news/?utm_source=newsletter-public&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_campaign=navitimer-46-blacksteel&utm_content=text

Chronoliner Limited Series

An instrument in gold
With its timeless look and its triple timezone chronograph, the Chronoliner has asserted itself as the authentic flight captain’s watch. It offers a blend of luxury and performance in a red gold limited series that will appeal to aviation aficionados, whether in aircraft cockpits or cabins.

The Chronoliner Limited Edition is nice piece of kit and this 250 piece limited edition is presented in Red Gold and a Rubber Aero Classic strap.

Brand new Breitling for Bentley in – the Bentley Unitime Midnight Carbon featuring the B05 in-house calibre. A nice looking piece featuring the Unitime-style dial and movement that is present in the stainless steel version. This model has the midnight carbon blacksteel case, and is limited to 500 pieces.

From Breitling:
For those who view travel as an art of living, Breitling for Bentley has created the Bentley B05 Unitime, a worldtime chronograph powered by an innovative Manufacture Breitling movement with a patented mechanism. Thanks to its double-disc system, this instrument boasting unprecedented user friendliness enables instant reading at any given moment of the time in all 24 timezones. Upon changing timezone, simply turning the crown forward or backward in one-hour increments serves to correct all indications in one smooth gesture, with the date automatically adjusted to local time. The 24-city bezel comprises indications serving to take account of “summer” or Daylight Saving Time (DST). The dial bearing a stamped or openworked raised motif (available in black, white or blue) is adorned with an artistically sculpted globe accentuating the travel theme. The officially chronometer-certified high-performance chronograph movement measures feats accomplished the world over. It is driven by a highly original oscillating weight shaped like a wheel rim and visible through the transparent caseback. Available in steel as well as in red gold, the Bentley B05 Unitime is fitted with a bracelet or with a leather, rubber or crocodile leather strap.

Breitling finally decided to bring back the old titanium Chrono Avenger in its new incarnation – the Breitling Avenger Bandit! I think this is a great move from Breitling since there was quite a bit of pent-up demand for the ultra large titanium tool watches and the Avenger Bandit is a great update to the old Chrono Avenger.

This is a pretty straightforward release from Breitling, essentially taking the Avenger Skyland and updating that to a Titanium Case, which sheds nearly 44 grams from the weight of the watch head.

From Breitling:
The Spirit of Naval Aviation

With its 45 mm titanium case, its gray ‘stealth’ look, its ‘Military rubber’ strap and its high-performance mechanical movement, the new Avenger Bandit more forcefully than ever embodies daring feats and extreme missions.

With its 45 mm, its ultra-sturdy and light satin-brushed case, its gray dial with aviation-inspired stencil-type numerals and its high-performance movement, the Avenger Bandit embodies the world of daring feats and extreme missions. An authentic instrument for professionals, this gem of power and technicality (water-resistant to 300 m/1,000 ft) is fitted with an exclusive strap combining rubber with high-tech Military textile fiber to ensure maximum sturdiness and comfort. The entire spirit of naval aviation on the wrist.