Breitling Navitimer: History and Collector Views

nilomis · 2012-10-19T14:33:45Z

Explore the Breitling Navitimer's history, from its debated origins to iconic models like the Cosmonaute, with collector insights and diverse perspectives.

nilomis

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

22 replies3710 views10 photos

Nilomis kicks off a multi-part series dedicated to Breitling, focusing on the iconic Navitimer. This post delves into the model's debated origins and showcases a diverse collection, from the historic Cosmonaute to various special editions, inviting readers to appreciate its enduring appeal and complexity.

22 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Much has been written about the Breitling Navitimer but this watch continues to be surrounded by mystery and controversy.

Even the release year of first Navitimer is subject to debate. Some (Breitling included) claims that it was in 1952 but other experts says that it was in 1954.

A simple Google query "Breitling Navitimer History" will bring more material than I have the knowledge and time to write.

Based on that, let's see some pics that I took from the collection of a friend:

1) The Cosmonaute - History says that Lt. Cmdr. Scott Carpenter contacted Breitling and suggested a 24-hour Navitimer

2) Navitimer

3) Complete calendar Navitimer

4) A more modern Cosmonaute

5) A Classic (7750 based?) Navitimer

6) THE 50th anniversary Navitimer

7) One of the multiple special editions of the Navitimer

8) Another special edition of the Navitimer

9) A true "Top Gun" watch?

10) My favorite sub dial configuration

That's what we have for the week. I hope to have more time next week to do a better selection.

A great weekend to all,

Nilo

Key Points from the Discussion

The early Navitimer models, particularly the vintage ones, are highly sought after due to their well-documented history and classic appeal. Collector Ubik highlights the historical significance and shares vintage paperwork and images of famous Navitimer wearers.
While some collectors appreciate the busy, instrument-like dial of the Navitimer, others, including the author nilomis, find it too complex. Nilomis prefers cleaner dials found in other pilot chronographs, while Mark in Paris enjoys the 'loaded' dial for its utility and character.
The author, nilomis, shares a personal anecdote about how the Navitimer's case design and lugs do not comfortably fit his wrist, despite his appreciation for its historical significance, particularly the Cosmonaute.
Collector G99 expresses a preference for the original Chrono-matic layout over the 7750-based Navitimer, highlighting a specific aesthetic preference within the community.
Nilomis teases future posts, promising to feature unusual Navitimer models like the 'Spatiographe' and more modern variations, along with a unique dial affected by its storage.
ED209 identifies the Old Navitimer II and the Aerospace Avantage as his two favorite models within the Breitling line, indicating popular choices among collectors.

The Discussion

amanico

Oct 19, 2012

I am not a big Navitimer fan, but I would make an exception for the second one.

nilomis

Oct 20, 2012

Same here ...

Nicolas For some genetic design, my wrist and the Navitimer don't match. I had one (Old Navitimer II), that was "subtracted" from me but I never had the desire to replace. When I did this series, I tried each and the result was the same. Strange things happens with the case back design plus lugs that don't match my wrist. If I had to have one it should be the Cosmonaute, only for the historic reason. Cheers, Nilo

Mark in Paris

Oct 20, 2012

Navitimers? I'm in.

These are my favorite among Breitling's collection. I'm not a great fan on the limited editions but the Cosmonaute is particularly appealing. These could be one of the rare (if only) watches I could get as a vintage but that I wouldn't as new. Thanks for sharing Nilo. Cheers, Mark

nilomis

Oct 20, 2012

Sometimes ...

I enjoy a Navitimer but most of times the dial is way too busy. When I had mine, my daughter used to call it "astrolabe" meaning excessive complexity. I appreciate more the clean dials of more pure pilot chronographs like IWC did, before their current "watch for giants" phase. Cheers, Nilo

Mark in Paris

Oct 20, 2012

I understand what you mean ...

and this "loaded" dial is precisely one of the things why I like these Navitimers (compared to others like IWC etc ...). Funny how all tastes are to be found in watchmaking ^^ In fact it makes me think of what is useful for a pilot in this watch. Without those figures, scales etc I wouldn't have noticed it that much. Thanks for the thought Nilo. Mark

G99

Oct 21, 2012

i love my Navitimer. one of the old school.

I have to admit i'm not a big fan of the 7750 layout, but the others are great. I also liked the first chrono-matic layout But have to say that this is my favourite of all time and i must get another one day.