The Navitimer 8 B01 is powered by the first completely self-developed and -manufactured chronograph movement by Breitling, which made its debut in 2009 for the company’s 125th anniversary. Its tension spring supports a ball-bearing rotor highly efficiently in both directions of rotation. When the tension spring is fully wound, more than 70 hours of power reserve are available. This guarantees that the new Navitimer 8 B01 accurately displays hours, minutes, seconds, and date, even after a weekend tucked away in the vault. As befits a sophisticated mechanism of this kind, a classic control wheel operates the three chronograph functions start, stop, and reset. At the push of a button, an energy-saving friction coupling connects the stopwatch mechanism smoothly to the wheel mechanism. Other pioneering features include a patented self-centering system with an innovative heart-shaped lever to reset the chronograph to zero.
The deliberate restriction to just 346 components ensures longevity and high serviceability. All components are finely finished and assembled according to Breitling’s strict specifications. Balance and balance spring oscillate at four hertz. This means that time intervals can be precisely timed to within one fourth of a second. Before the ticking microcosm finds its resting place in one of new cases with bidirectional pointer bezel, the calibre 01 had to prove itself for 15 days in the rigorous testing laboratories of the COSC.
On the wrist, this precise manufacture caliber can be identified by the arrangement of the permanent second, the positioning of the 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, as well as the clearly readable window date positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. The distinctive design element are the three contrasting subdials. Jewel of this new collection, this 43-millimeter timepiece is available in stainless steel with a black or blue dial, or in 18 k red gold with a bronze dial. Double anti-reflective sapphire glass gently curves over the front in each version and the transparent sapphire case back displays the exclusive inner working.
The steel version of this COSC-certified chronometer features either a leather strap with a pin buckle or a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. The solid gold version is only available with an alligator leather strap and pin buckle. Regardless of the case material, the Navitimer 8 B01 is water-resistant up to ten bar and is sure to catch the eye.
