Breitling Unveils The Navitimer B01 Chronograph Watches For 2022

BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN

One of the things we couldn’t get to cover during Watches & Wonders Geneva this year was Breitling’s new range of Navitimers, although as there’s still plenty of buzz in the watch communities, there’s still plenty of time to check out some new timepieces. For 2022, Breitling has revamped the Navitimer chronograph lineup as it’s the Navitimer’s 70th birthday. Breitling’s changed some things for this year. Let’s take a look at what they’ve done.

All new models now have a domed sapphire crystal over the dial, and the slide rule bezel isn’t as pronounced, slimming the watch’s cases a little (does it look like the bezel is simpler. Also, the older logo is gone. My favourite Navitimers have the golden-winged ‘B’ logo, I think they stopped making those around 2015 in favour of the wingless B. Either way, what we get now is the logo of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association) which the Navitimer is the official watch of. The date window is now at 6 O’clock to make things more symmetrical too.

Breitling releases the new Navitimer in three different flavours: 41mm, 43mm and the dinner-plate size 46mm. With all the different dial colours and strap choices, a total of 28 new watches have been released. To be fair though, because you can buy them on either a bracelet or leather strap that’s two of each size and dial colour, put simply, Breitling is releasing 14 watches with a choice of bracelet or strap.

All watches come with the B01 calibre, Breitling’s in-house workhorse chronograph movement. It’s got the specs, though, with both a column wheel and vertical clutch for both precise chronograph control and a chronograph that can be run endlessly without risk of damage. These also have a power reserve of around 70-hours.

Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41mm

All three watch sizes get slightly different dial colours, although green and blue are common themes throughout the collection, Also common are the metal choices, with either stainless steel or 18k red gold being available, you can even get a red gold bracelet too. 

Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43mm

My pick of the bunch is the 41mm 18k red gold with creamy dial on a leather strap. It might be a bit of a safe choice compared to some of the other dial colours, but I think it looks like a smart sporty-influenced dress watch.

Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46mm

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