Breitling Unveils New Redesigned Navitimer Collection

By Emily Dawkins

As the iconic Navitimer model turns 70, luxury Swiss watchmaker, Breitling, has unveiled a bold new redesign for its most renowned timepiece.

Via a unique online live-stream this afternoon, Breitling has launched a new design for, ‘one of the most recognisable watches of all time’. 

First debuted in 1952, the Navitimer model has become a longstanding icon of the Swiss watchmaker’s brand. Breitling’s CEO, Georges Kern, stated during the reveal: ‘Today marks an important milestone in Breitling’s history and in the history of civilisation itself, as we relaunch a watch that changed air travel forever.’

The impressive features of the redesigned Navitimer model include a flattened slide rule and a domed crystal to create a sleek new profile. A mix of both polished and brushed metal details enhance the luxury finish of the timepiece’s design, and encases a new and updated dial that is now available in refreshing tones of blue, green and copper. 

The customisation doesn't stop there. Additional strap options include semi-shiny alligator or a seven row metal bracelet, with an option of two case materials, stainless steel or 18-karat red gold, in three sizes: 46mm, 43mm or 41mm. 

The enhanced open-caseback view of the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 also stands out from this stunning redesign, as well as most notably, the return of the evocative Breitling AOPA wings to their original 12 o’clock position. The new design provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve and is backed by a five-year purchase warranty. 

Throughout its 70 year history, there have been a number of variations in the design of the Navitimer collection. However, according to Kern, ‘this new Navitimer captures its most famous features while enhancing them with modern refinements.’

Initially created to act as a tool for pilots navigating the skies, the reimagined Navitimer collection has now become a symbol for its owners to navigate their own journeys through life. To signify this transition, Breitling has created a new campaign: 'NAVITIMER — FOR THE JOURNEY', which features basketball star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, and aviation pioneer and explorer, Bertrand Piccard, highlighting their incredible life journeys to become the best in their industries: an inspiring nod to the redesign of Navitimer. 

With this new launch causing excitement in the industry, we can't wait to see what the luxury Swiss watchmaker will unveil next, as Kern commented that, ‘this is just the beginning’.

"As inspiring today as it was 70 years ago, the Navitimer is Breitling’s most iconic timepiece and one of the most recognisable watches of all time. It's a watch that was imagined and built for the journey."

Georges Kern, CEO, Breitling

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"As inspiring today as it was 70 years ago, the Navitimer is Breitling’s most iconic timepiece and one of the most recognisable watches of all time. It's a watch that was imagined and built for the journey."

Georges Kern, CEO, Breitling
By Emily Dawkins