By Jovan Krstevski
Breitling introduces the Breitling Navitimer Super 8 for the Baselworld 2018, it is large, bold, and rugged. It is also inspired by a historical piece, the Reference 637 stopwatch used in WW2 by bomber pilots. It was strapped to the aviators’ thighs then and was primed for optimal readability and ease of use. As such, its crown was on the left side of the case and its large size allowed the aviator to easily maneuver it during critical missions.
Breitling Reference 637
While the new Breitling Navitimer Super 8 is directly inspired by the antique aviation tool, it is a watch and not a stopwatch and it also wears on a wrist, thank heavens. The resemblances are hard to ignore though, like the massive size of the case at 46 mm or 50 mm if you include the large notches. It is not a dress watch by all means but an authentic pilot’s watch. You cannot be discreet about it and rightfully so as this is a flagship watch in the collection.
We also see the crown at 9 o’clock with its long and large shape like in the antique stopwatch. There will be 2 models of the Breitling Navitimer Super 8: one in a steel case with black dial and another in a titanium case with a military green dial. The new watch features the same elements found on the 8 collection such as hour markers, hands, and general style. Its legibility is superb thanks to large luminescent Arabic numerals. The bi-directional bezel also features a very useful red triangular pointer inside the dial that makes tracking elapsed times very easy.
Powering the hulking Navitimer Super 8 is the automatic movement manufacture calibre B20 based on the Tudor Caliber MT 5612 featuring beautiful exclusive finishes and a massive power reserve of 70 hours. It is wound by a dual-acting ball-bearing rotor for efficiency.
Finally, the new Breitling Navitimer Super 8 watch is a COSC-certified chronometer, as such it speaks for itself. It has water resistance rating for up to 3 bar or 30 m. It wears on a sporty leather NATO strap. By the looks of it, it is indeed rugged with a historical significance and as of writing, the price and availability is yet to be confirmed. I will update this during the Baselworld 2018. For more info, visit Breitling online.
