By Jovan Krstevski
Whenever Breitling releases a new model, I kind of anticipate what novelties it will present. Even their retouched models no matter how classic could be lifted with a tiny change in design which is perfect for us horology fans. As in this case, the new Navitimer GMT Aurora Blue features an exclusive thing only known to its model, a blue dial. Why blue ask me and you, well, blue is the color that truly represents aviation and this watch is destined to travel and see more than one-time zone. Yeah, it has dual timezone which is perfect for all modern day travelers. It’s no doubt that the Navitimer GMT is an aviation masterpiece.
The Navitimer GMT is a very technical wristwatch although its use of fantastic sunburst decors somehow makes it a classic timepiece plus it also features tone-on-tone counters that makes for elegant appeal. One look at it makes you feel like you’re gazing at an overly technical timepiece but once you get past the first impressions of the watch, you’ll see just how easy it is to read time, a testament to a very functional design.
Note that I’ve mentioned that there are two timezones that you can set with this wristwatch albeit the red-tipped hand always shows your home time which is perfect for keeping tabs with families and friends left at home while on a business trip. This makes day and night distinction super easy and is very important for travelers because jet lags are never good when you have to monitor multiple things at once, I’m talking about you business people.
The 48 mm steel case of the Navitimer GMT Aurora Blue looks big but very handsome mainly because of its use of smoothed edges and the employment of a very functional bezel. The lugs are also perfectly fit for the watch whilst the crown and pushers just make the watch appear more technical yet subtle on its implementation.
As for the dial well, it’s blue and Breitling says that the color blue perfectly suits the Navitimer GMT as it is meant to glide through the blue of broad skies and far horizons. And to make this cult model even more enticing to the collectors and fans alike, Breitling will manufacture only 1,000 pieces making the Navitimer GMT limited edition. I like it, the blue dial coupled with a discreet sunburst decor and tone-on-tone counters simply express a technical, elegant and timeless timepiece.
The Navitimer GMT derives its power from its COSC certified Manufacture Breitling Caliber B04 self-winding movement. It has a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph offering 70 hours of power reserve. Part of the movement is shown through the Navitimer GMT’s transparent sapphire crystal caseback. The movement also sports a high-performance 1/4th second chronograph with a functional dual timezone. Breitling has designed this dual time zone to be super user friendly since the wearer needs only to pull the crown and turn it to either direction in one-hour increments plus the date window gets adjusted automatically whilst never losing precision.
Another interesting novelty in the Navitimer GMT is its colorful rubber strap adorned with an aircraft tire tread motif matching the dial. This way the watch becomes sporty although a leather/crocodile leather strap or a steel bracelet option make it appear rather timid for the pros. It will retail for $9,290. For more info, please visit breitling.com
