“It’s fair to say that after two years of pandemic and isolation, people are longing for positive things in their lives that can not only lift their own spirits, but those of the people around them too,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern tells GQ. “Breitling is among the most colorful brands in this respect, and we are resolutely optimistic.”
The new Navitimers play directly into Kern’s narrative. They’re lively and bold, while boasting modern refinements to what you’d describe as the Navitimer’s classic characteristics: the circular slide rule, the baton indexes, the trio of chronograph counters, and the notched bezel for easy grip.
Breitling brings a 136-year heritage in tool watches, dress watches, and its own watch production, with the updated Navitimers exemplifying what Kern describes as Breitling “taking design inspiration from our rich history and offering state-of-the-art functionality and technology.” And in brand ambassador Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kern has a shiny new member on the cheerleading squad to raise the energy levels.
Kern tells us that for Antetokounmpo, “the idea of a modern, colorful interpretation of an iconic watch with a 70-year history is appealing.”
New versions of the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
franz j. venzin
The Specs
The new Navitimer comes in 46, 43, and 41mm sizes. There are two case materials: 18-karat red gold and stainless steel, with a choice of straps: semi-shiny alligator leather or a more sophisticate metal bracelet. Inside, the updated Navitimer is powered by a COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, which delivers a running time of about 70 hours. It also comes with the safety net of a five-year warranty.
The colors are where the fun is at, with dials in blues, greens, black, white, and copper. The return of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoctiation) wings to their original position at 12 o’clock is a callback for OG Navitimer lovers. But new believers and longtime fans will likely agree that the Navitimer’s icon status remains strong while still evolving in the most fun way possible.
This story originally ran on British GQ with the title “Breitling knows how to have fun with an icon, as the latest Navitimers prove”
