The Breitling Navitimer 01 – CHRONOGRAPH 46 mm,
This particular watch model comes on a black leather watchband with white stitches and features a 70-hour power reserve, a date window, a bidirectional bezel with an integrated slide rule, and a tachymeter scale. This Breitling watch comes in a 46 mm stainless steel case.
The classic Navitimer features a generous 46 mm diameter accentuating its presence on the wrist and enhancing the originality of its design while optimizing the readability of the dial and the circular aviation slide rule. A transparent caseback reveals the chronometer-certified, high-performance self-winding chronograph caliber, Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01. In addition to the steel and steel & gold versions, this model is available in red gold. A larger-than-life take on the legend.
In addition, here are some facts perhaps you didn’t know about Breitling. Breitling was actually the first to invent the Chronograph. Designs and blueprints of the Chronograph have been around since the late 19th century, but it was Breitling the first one to put the innovation on people’s wrists. After becoming the favorite for Aviation Pilots post the invention in 1915.
Breitling change the game once again in 1985 when they released Aerospace the first digital Chronograph. With innovation like this, it is clear why airlines have relied on Breitling since the 1930s.
In addition, a Breitling was the very first Chronograph watch in space, in 1952 Breitling released the Navitimer considered well ahead of its time in terms of design and technology. The timepiece could handle all the calculations required for a flight plan and in 1962 this specific model was chosen as the ideal watch for an Astronaut to wear in space. Astronaut Scott Carpenter wore the ‘Navitimer Cosmonaut’ on his first space mission.
This unique Breitling was made as a 24-hour dial watch, and its new 2012 limited edition ‘Navitimer Cosmonaute’ is one of them. A watch that is meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Aurora 7 flight as part of the US NASA Mercury missions. The watch is based on the newer, larger Navitimer models with Breitling’s in-house-made Caliber 02 automatic chronograph movement (70-hour power reserve). This is the same as the 01 movements, but with a 24-hour dial.
The watch itself is 43mm wide in steel and has a specially engraved caseback. Around the Mercury Aurora, 7 commemorative engraving looks to be a Fahrenheit to Celsius temperature conversion scale. I like how no matter what, Breitling wants to ensure this is a wrist instrument.
In conclusion, According to Breitling, in 1962 this Navitimer Cosmonaute “became the first wrist instrument to share in the conquest of space by accompanying the Aurora 7 flight.”
If you are a fan of Navitimer watches then the newer ones with the in-house made movements and 43mm size are probably the perfect choices. They also come in 12-hour dial formats and attached to the watch is a typical assortment of strap/bracelet options from Breitling. Leather, crocodile, and a few others.
Breitling has also been spotted on the wrists of Hollywood stars such as Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, and Adam Driver, as well as displayed in movies such as James Bond ‘Thunderball’ in 1965, where Shawn Connery is given a Breitling watch, which as the movie story-tells has the ability to help James Bond track stolen nuclear bombs. Although mysteriously the watch disappeared after the production of the film, years later it resurfaced in England around 2012, and which later auctioned at approximately $129,000.
during the filming of ‘Thunderball’ in 1965
Rubber B offers Breitling Navitimer 45mm & 46mm, a SwimSkin® Alligator Strap, made of Vulcanized Rubber engineered to fit the 45mm & 46mm cases (24mm lug space). This strap features “SwimSkin®”; Rubber B’s exclusively patented and innovative rubber technology, providing a band that flawlessly complements the Breitling watch. Offered in Jet Black and Espresso Brown colors, click here for more.
Although this band looks and feels identical to alligator hide, it is actually 100% RUBBER, and therefore waterproof for all aquatic and sporting activities with your Breitling Navitimer watch. Made 100% in Switzerland of pure vulcanized rubber. No coatings or silicone blends.
Rubber B also offers SwimSkin® Ballistic which also looks and feels identical to Kevlar® material, but it is actually 100% RUBBER and waterproof. Offered in Jet Black and Military Green, for more click here.
