The Breitling Navitimer remains one of the most iconic pilot’s chronographs ever created, originally designed to guide aviation professionals through their most critical calculations. First conceived in 1952 by Willy Breitling, the watch introduced a wrist-worn circular slide rule that allowed pilots to compute essential flight data directly from the cockpit. Just two years later, it was chosen by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as its official timepiece, giving rise to the now legendary “navigation timer,” known as the Navitimer. As the world’s largest pilot’s club, AOPA included nearly every American pilot, and throughout the golden age of civil aviation the Navitimer became the unofficial uniform of airline captains and aircraft enthusiasts. It even traveled into space in 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter. Beyond aviation, its distinctive style drew admiration from cultural icons such as Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg, cementing its status as both a functional tool and a symbol of refined taste.

Seventy years later, the newest generation of the Navitimer preserves the watch’s most recognizable elements while introducing contemporary refinements. The flat circular slide rule and domed sapphire crystal give the silhouette a sleeker appearance, while a combination of polished and brushed metal surfaces enhances its visual depth. The dial is available in a range of modern colors, including blue, green, and copper, marking a fresh evolution of the classic aviation aesthetic. One of the most nostalgic details is the return of the AOPA wing emblem to its original position at the 12 o’clock marker. As Breitling’s most iconic creation and one of the most recognizable watches in the world, the Navitimer continues to appeal to both pilots and enthusiasts who appreciate its rich heritage and timeless design.

The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43 mm and a thickness of 13.69 mm, paired with a screw-down sapphire crystal case back. It offers water resistance to 3 atmospheres and is fitted with a bidirectional rotating bezel incorporating the signature circular aviation slide rule. The crown uses a non-screw-in design with a double seal for added durability, while the front crystal is curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides for optimal clarity. Inside the case is the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, an automatic mechanical movement with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and 47 jewel bearings. The movement includes a date display integrated into the dial design. The overall height from lug to lug measures 49.07 mm, with a lug width of 22 mm. The strap is designed in a straight style at 22/18 mm, delivering a comfortable fit while maintaining the classic Navitimer look.