Breitling's Navitimer model receives a fashionable makeover, along with a more compact casing.
In the world of luxury timepieces, Breitling has unveiled a new addition to its coveted Navitimer collection – a sleek, 36mm model that departs from the traditional chronograph design. The new Navitimer, priced at approximately £5,450 (€6,300 / US$7,300 / AU$11,200), offers a more accessible and versatile alternative to the classic Navitimers and other Breitling chronographs.
The new Navitimer, characterised by a smaller stainless steel case, a stylish design without chronograph complications, and upscale materials, boasts a case diameter of 36mm and a thickness of 11.42mm. It is paired with the classic Breitling seven-link metal bracelet that tapers from 18mm to 16mm, ensuring comfortable wear. The movement inside is the Breitling 17, which provides about 38 hours of power reserve and operates at a frequency of 4Hz. Water resistance is modest at around 3 ATM (30 meters), making it more of a dress watch than a sports model.
Compared to traditional Navitimers and other Breitling chronographs, the new 36mm Navitimer stands out for its smaller size, thinner profile, and simpler movement. While the traditional Navitimers and other chronograph models often feature complex calibers and materials, the new Navitimer trades these technical aspects for elegance and exclusivity through premium dial materials like mother-of-pearl and diamonds.
The key differences between the new Navitimer and its chronograph counterparts lie in the removal of chronograph features, leading to a thinner, smaller, and more elegant watch. This contrasts with the traditional Navitimer's aviation heritage and chronograph complexity.
In terms of cost, while exact pricing for the new 36mm Navitimer is not explicitly specified, the lack of a chronograph complication and smaller case generally suggest it will be priced lower than the classic chronograph models, which can command prices above $9,000. The new model’s design also shifts the Navitimer into a more fashion-forward bracket rather than a strictly technical aviation tool.
The new 36mm Breitling Navitimer without a chronograph offers a stylish, smaller, and less complicated alternative to classic Navitimers. By trading technical chronograph features for elegance and exclusivity through premium dial materials, the new model presents a cleaner overall design compared to its predecessors, making it more accessible in cost and versatile for everyday wear.
Sources: [1] Breitling Navitimer 36mm without Chronograph: https://www.breitling.com/en/navitimer-36-mm-without-chronograph [2] Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46: https://www.breitling.com/en/navitimer-b01-chronograph-46 [3] Breitling Navitimer 36mm without Chronograph: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/breitling-navitimer-36mm-without-chronograph-hands-on
The new Navitimer, devoid of chronograph features, showcases a sleeker design and a more accessible price point compared to the traditional Navitimers and other Breitling chronographs, thanks to its absence of complex calibers and materials. Instead, it leverages premium dial materials like mother-of-pearl and diamonds to exude an aura of elegance and exclusivity.
In contrast to its technical and aviation-focused counterparts, the new 36mm Navitimer, with its smaller size, thinner profile, and simpler movement, steps into the fashion-forward realm, offering a stylish and less complicated alternative for everyday wear.
