The version in rose gold will be limited to 200 units

If you are not intimately familiar with what has become a cult watch amongst pilots and aviation watch enthusiasts, here is a bit of history on the Breitling Navitimer.

It was first introduced in 1952. Its defining feature is the circular slide rule which, prior to the advent of modern electronics, was capable of performing a variety of important flight calculations. The Navitimer is the official watch of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). A “Cosmonaute” version of the Navitimer accompanied Scott Carpenter on his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 capsule (1962), thus becoming the first space-going wrist chronograph. Breitling also claims that “Continuously made since 1952, the Navitimer is the world’s oldest mechanical chronograph still in production.”

The new limited edition Navitimer Caliber 01 is distinguished by its slightly broader 43mm diameter, compared with 42mm for the series-produced Navitimer. The case is water resistant to 3 bar or 100 feet. Twin anti-reflective sapphire crystals allow clear views of the dial and movement. Each piece bears a unique serial number engraved on the side of the case.

The dial, available only in black, is made using the épargne process on a solid silver or gold base. This technique enhances the radiance and legibility of the chronograph indicators. The slightly-raised Breitling “wings” logo is executed in gold.

Breitling Navitimer Caliber 01 Steel – limited edition of 2,000 pieces

The automatic-winding movement ticks at 28,800 vph, measuring elapsed time in quarter-second increments. The displays include central chronograph seconds, continuous seconds at 9, and a jumping 30 minute totalizer at 3. The movement incorporates a column-wheel switching mechanism and vertical clutch to ensure that the chronograph seconds hand is engaged smoothly.

The movement includes a patented system for adjusting the start, stop and reset hammers. The instant-change date can be set at any time, including near midnight. The 47 jewel movement uses a flat hairspring and a smooth balance wheel. A single barrel provides 70 hours of power reserve. Like all Breitling movements, Caliber B01 is a COSC-certified chronometer.

Did you know?

In 2009, Breitling laid a major milestone in its history by joining the exclusive circle of the rare watch companies to have their own mechanical chronograph movement. This was a logical culminating point for a brand that is one of the leaders in this complication and has played a crucial role in its technical development through several key inventions:

The first independent pushpiece (1915);

separation of the stop/start and reset functions (1923);

creation of the second independent pushpiece for zero-resetting (1934);

and the launch of the very first selfwinding chronograph (1969).

Caliber 01, the first movement entirely developed and produced in the Breitling workshops, was first used to power an exclusive new version of the leading Chronomat model, duly named Chronomat 01. Breitling now introduces it within another watchmaking icon, the famous Navitimer which proudly embodies the brand’s aeronautical vocation. (via Breitling).

via:perpetuelle.com, watchtime

You might also like:

Elegance - Ballon bleu de Cartier