At the beginning of the year, Breitling presented its new “Navitimer 8” line in Europe, which had already been presented in China a few weeks earlier. Months earlier, the future of Breitling pilot’s watches had already been hotly debated after George Kern took over the leadership of the brand. The first indication of this was given by the five versions of the new Navitimer: Navitimer 8 Automatic, Navitimer 8 B01, Navitimer 8 Chronograph, Navitimer 8 Day & Date and Navitimer 8 Unitime. Like all Breitling treasures, all pieces will again be delivered with the chronometer certificate of the Swiss testing institute COSC.
New is always better – isn’t it?
In this case we can only agree with this saying, because thanks to the many different models Breitling offers something for every fan of the Navitimer. Of course, vintage watches still have their charm – but you should take a closer look at the new Navitimer 8.
The most amazing thing about the new models is probably the complete abandonment of the slide rule bezel, which has been the most important distinguishing feature of the series alongside the contrast counters since the first Navitimer in 1952. After more than 60 years, the Navitimer is a true icon in the watch industry. The Navitimer 8 Unitime probably profits the most from this new development.
The world time clock without chronograph is easier to read. At 14.38 millimetres, it is slightly thicker than the B01 Chronograph, size and water resistance are the same. The Unitime is available with a black or silver dial, as well as a crocodile or steel strap. The two models are priced at 7,690 and 8,370 euros respectively.
The chronograph triumphs
The new leader of the brand with the wings is clearly the Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph with the manifactured caliber B01. This special watch comes with a power reserve of 70 hours and Breitling’s unmistakable “Reverse Panda” look, i.e. with symmetrical white subsidiary dials on a black dial. The date display is positioned on it between four and five o’clock. The stainless steel case measures 43 millimetres and is almost 14 millimetres high, and is water-resistant up to ten bar. The timepiece is available in three different designs: with alligator strap for around 6,870 euros, with steel strap for around 7,540 euros and as a golden manufactory chronograph with croco strap for around 18,850 euros.
In addition to the manufactory chronograph, there is also a cheaper chronograph version: the Navitimer 8 Chronograph with the well-known caliber 13, the Eta-Valjoux 7750 reworked by Breitling. This model can be easily distinguished from the manufactory chronograph by the arrangement of the totalizers at six, nine and twelve o’clock, which is typical for this caliber. The date and week are also displayed at three o’clock, in accordance with the calibre. The model’s case also measures 43 millimetres, but at 14.17 millimetres it is somewhat thicker than the Manufacture’s chronograph.
The water resistance does not deviate. The Navitimer 8 Chronograph is offered with a stainless steel case and blue or black dial, as well as a leather strap for around 4,930 euros, a steel strap for around 5,610 euros and a blackened stainless steel version for around 6,090 euros.
Modulation wonder Navitimer 8
Another version of the Navitimer 8, the Day & Date, features the famous caliber 45 with weekdays written out in a large window at twelve o’clock. The date display is located at the bottom. At 41 millimetres, the case is slightly smaller than on the other models. The Day & Date is available with a black or blue dial. The timepiece is completed by a strap made of leather or steel. The models are available for approx. 3.680 and 4.210 Euro.
There is also the automatic version, which comes with three hands and date display at six o’clock. The watch is already available from 3,480 euros and is therefore perfectly suited as an entry-level model. The 41 millimetre steel case of the Navitimer 8 Automatic accommodates calibre 17 and comes either untreated or with a black DLC coating. But for the second version you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket, the price is about 4.640 Euro. The dial is also available in black and blue. The untreated automatic with leather strap is the cheapest version for the mentioned 3,480 Euro, with steel strap it is available for around 4,020 Euro.
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