Written black on white in the brand’s press release, it would be hard to deny that “Breitling played an important role in the development of commercial aviation.” In fact, it wouldn’t be overstating matters to say that Breitling has kept up to speed with pilots and racing drivers, both amateurs and professionals, ever since the brand was established exactly 140 years ago, in 1884. It is the only brand that continues to produce legacy-inspired mechanical timepieces alongside highly technical quartz watches for pilots to use in-flight (the Aerospace) - in a segment that is dominated by Garmin, whose smartwatches connect to aircraft avionics.
Happy anniversary
As mentioned, this is a landmark year for Breitling which celebrates its 140th anniversary. After landing a new Aerospace model, the brand has announced refreshes to its Navitimer range. These new versions, all COSC-certified and measuring 41mm in diameter, are shared across two lines: three-hands and GMT.
The three-hander sees the addition of knurling on the bezel and a mix of polished and brushed finishes. All the rest - diameter (41mm), dials (two blue, one green and one opaline) and straps (leather or steel bracelet) – is the same as on currently available models. The Navitimer 41 is in the process of becoming Breitling’s largest range with close to 70 active references.
Changes to the Navitimer GMT series are more extensive. Until now, this complication featured on “only” 29 models, all large sizes (48mm or 46mm) and always combined with a chronograph. Not any more. Breitling now offers GMT as a standalone function, without a chronograph. Additionally, all the new models are 41mm diameters; a size that is certain to please the vast majority of buyers, men and women.
Movement-wise, the new collection comes fitted with Calibre B32, which is a familiar choice for a Breitling GMT. Built on an ETA 2893-2 base, it already equips most Colt GMT, Avenger GMT and SuperOcean GMT. It now powers four new references with a black, silver, ice blue or green dial, with the option of a gold case for the latter.
Back into space
Breitling has also announced an exclusive variation on its Navitimer Cosmonaute: the Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Limited Edition. The name is a giveaway as to the main features, given that the two models currently in the catalogue are equipped with the B02 movement, which is a manual-winding version of the B01.
This latest release is powered by Calibre B12, with the return of automatic winding (as already seen on the Avenger range). It retains its COSC-certified chronograph and almost three days (70 hours) of power reserve. Whereas the current versions pair steel/platinum with a black dial, the new iteration comes cased in red gold framing a green dial with black counters. Like its predecessors, it is a limited edition.
