Worldly renowned movie star, John Travolta, who also happens to be one of the ambassadors of Breitling watches, presented a new limited edition of Breitling Navitimer at the special event that took place in Singapore on Monday. The new Blue Sky timepiece is an anniversary watch which commemorates sixty years since the launch of the first Navitimer. Apart from its blue dial, the new timekeeper is completely the same as the regular model of Breitling Navitimer 01, which is by no means a bad thing, since it is one of the brand’s top models, and it is made with Breitling’s proprietary B 01 automatic movement. Still, despite the shared horological features, the new watch has a potential of becoming a true collectible item, since it is constructed in a limited series of 500 pieces.
(Almost) Six Decades of Navitimer
The new special edition marks the anniversary of Navitimer, definitely the most famous watch by the Swiss brand, presented to the public in 1952, or at least as the representatives of the Swiss brand claim. This version of events is disputed by some of the connoisseurs of the matter who claim that the right launch date is actually two years later. Nevertheless, the Swiss watchmaker stuck to its story as it could have been expected, and crafted a commemorative watch that celebrates six decades of the existence of Breitling Navitimer. The limited version made with a steel case almost completely replicates the traits of Navitimer 01. But, unlike the variations of this model which are all made with black faces, the anniversary edition sports an Aurora blue colored dial, as it is hinted in the name of Breitling Navitimer Blue Sky watch.
Unquestionably, one of the most appealing features of the timepiece is the fact that is has Breitling B 01 Calibre, the first ever movement that was entirely conceived, developed and constructed in the company’s workshops. This trait adds to the authenticity and is absolutely in the commemorative aura of the timekeeper, since it puts together one of the most important achievements in the technical sense with a very special moment in the history of the brand.
A Combination of the Iconic Model and the Breakthrough Movement
Aforementioned first in-house caliber by Breitling is self-winding mechanical movement with a 1/4th of a second punctual column-wheel chronograph. The beating heart incorporates technical solutions, such as a customizable index regulator system and auto-centering reset hammers. Besides, it has 47 jewels, operates at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and stores a solid power reserve of almost three days (70 hours). Apart from the Navitimer 01 and Navitimer Blue Sky models, there are also a few other watches by Breitling that are equipped with B 01. Among them, there is also Montbrillant 01 Limited Edition that we previously reviewed.
The watch that marks the 60th anniversary of Breitling Navitimer is fitted into a round case with the width of 43 mm. The back of the case is screwed-in and the construction guarantees just the basic water resistance of 30 meters. On the other hand, the face of the watch is guarded with a cambered sapphire crystal with double anti-glare treatment. As it was the case in every Navitimer incarnation in its existence that spans for six decades, the Blue Sky Limited Edition also has a bi-directional rotating bezel with a slide-rule. It is another neat detail that improves the authenticity and celebrates the aeronautical heritage of the watchmaker from Grenchen. Although it is made with an irregular blue dial that is untypical for the watches in this line of products, the new series recreates the original and long abandoned concept of first models that had its dial and chrono totalizers in the same color. The dial of the timekeeper is completed with a rather inconspicuous date display which sits between the four and five o’clock positions. Available choices for the attachments are a dark blue croco strap (with contrasting stitching) and two types of stainless steel wristlets. For the ones with the more traditional taste, the right choice would be a seven-link Navitimer bracelet, while the ones who prefer more original and unusual style would probably be more inclined toward a rigid Air Racer bracelet with circular perforations. The anniversary Breitling Navitimer Blue Sky timekeeper will be sold at the price of $10,000.
