Breitling Navitimer 8

At the beginning of the year, Breitling introduced its new "Navitimer 8" line in Europe, which had already been presented in China a few weeks earlier. Months before, there had been heated discussions about what the future of Breitling's pilot's watches would look like after George Kern took over the leadership of the brand. The first indication of this was provided 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 treasures from Breitling, all pieces are again delivered with the chronometer certificate from the Swiss testing institute COSC.

New is always better – right?

In this case, we can only agree with this saying, because thanks to the many different models, Breitling has something for every Navitimer fan. Of course, the vintage watches still have their charm - but you should take a closer look at the new Navitimer 8. The most astonishing thing about the new models is probably the complete omission of the slide rule bezel, which, along with the contrast counters, has been the most important identifying feature of the series 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 is probably the one that benefits most from this new development.

The world time watch without a chronograph is easier to read. At 14.38 millimeters, it is slightly thicker than the B01 Chronograph, but the size and water resistance are the same. The Unitime is available with a black or silver dial, and with a crocodile or steel strap. The two models are priced at 7,690 and 8,370 euros.

The chronograph triumphs

The new leader of the brand with the wings is clearly the Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph with the B01 manufacture caliber. This special watch has a power reserve of 70 hours and features Breitling's unmistakable "reverse panda" look, i.e. symmetrical white sub-dials on a black dial. The date display is positioned between four and five o'clock. The stainless steel case is 43 millimeters in size and just under 14 millimeters high, and is water-resistant to ten bar. The timepiece is available in three different designs: with an alligator strap for around 6,870 euros, with a steel strap for around 7,540 euros, and as a gold manufacture chronograph with a crocodile strap for around 18,850 euros.

In addition to the manufacture chronograph, there is also a cheaper chronograph version: the Navitimer 8 Chronograph with the well-known Caliber 13, the Eta-Valjoux 7750 revised by Breitling. This model is easily distinguishable from the manufacture chronograph by the arrangement of the totalizers at six, nine and twelve o'clock, which is typical for this caliber. The date and week display are also located at three o'clock, in keeping with the caliber. The case of the model is also 43 millimeters in size, but at 14.17 millimeters it is slightly thicker than the manufacture chronograph.

The water resistance does not deviate. The Navitimer 8 Chronograph is available with a stainless steel case and blue or black dial, as well as a leather strap for around 4,930 euros, also with a steel strap for around 5,610 euros and as a blackened stainless steel version for around 6,090 euros.

modulation wonder Navitimer 8

Another variant of the Navitimer 8, the Day & Date , features the famous Caliber 45 with the days of the week written out in a large window at twelve o'clock. The date display is at the very bottom. The case is slightly smaller than the other models at 41 millimeters. The Day & Date is available with a black or blue dial.

The timepiece is completed by a leather or steel strap. The models are available for around 3,680 and 4,210 euros. There is also an automatic version, which comes with three hands and a date display at six o'clock. The watch is available from just 3,480 euros, making it perfect as an entry-level model. The 41-millimeter steel case of the Navitimer 8 Automatic houses the caliber 17 and comes either natural or with a black DLC coating. For the second version, however, you have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, the price here is around 4,640 euros. The dial is also available in black and blue. The natural automatic with leather strap is therefore the cheapest version at the aforementioned 3,480 euros, with a steel strap it is available for around 4,020 euros.