In 1952, Willy Breitling developed a wrist-worn chronograph with a circular slide rule that allowed pilots to perform essential flight calculations. Two years later the largest aviators’ club in the world chose Breitling’s chrono as its official timepiece. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s winged logo was emblazoned on the dial at 12 o’clock, and the navigation timer – or Navitimer – was born. Today, Breitling celebrates the 70th anniversary of its original pilot’s watch with a new Navitimer that subtlety updates the iconic design. Modern refinements include a flattened slide rule and domed crystal; alternating polished and brushed finishes; a slimmer oscillating weight for the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01; and a discreet date window in the sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The 2022 Navitimer comes in two case materials (stainless steel or 18-karat red gold) and three sizes (46, 43, or 41-mm) mounted on an alligator strap or seven-row metal bracelet. Dial color options include silver, black, blue, green and cooper. The final update is actually a throwback, the AOPA’s winged logo returns to its original position at 12 o’clock on the dial.
Breitling 2022 Navitimer ($9,000.00-$37,875.00) – breitling.com
“We don’t throw the term ‘icon’ around lightly. The Navitimer is one of the most recognizable watches ever made. It’s on collectors’ lists of the greatest watches of all time. What began as a tool for pilots has gone on to mean something profound to every single person who has had this timepiece along on their personal journey.” – Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling
