Exact-reference Navitimer comparison

Breitling Navitimer B01 41 vs. 43 vs. 46

The current steel Navitimer B01 Chronograph uses the same essential movement, slide-rule architecture and 30 m water rating at 41, 43 and 46 mm. The buying decision is therefore principally about scale, wrist coverage, dial legibility and attachment.

This comparison uses three black-dial references on alligator leather so the size change is not confused with a bracelet, precious-metal or dial-color change.

View featured Breitling watches Source a Breitling Breitling guide directory

Most compactAB0139211B1P1 at 41 × 13.6 mm, with a 22 mm in-between-lug width.

Middle choiceAB0138211B1P1 at 43 × 13.69 mm, retaining the 22 mm in-between-lug width.

Largest displayAB0137211B1P1 at 46 × 13.95 mm, with a wider 24 mm attachment.

Shared platformManufacture Calibre 01, approximately 70 hours, slide rule and 30 m.

Three exact current references

Navitimer B01 41, 43 and 46 specification matrix

Exact steel, black-dial, alligator-strap configurations verified against Breitling's official US product pages on July 27, 2026.
Exact reference	Case	In-between-lug width	Movement / reserve	Water	Selected attachment
AB0139211B1P1	41 × 13.6 mm steel	22 mm	Breitling 01 (Manufacture) / approx. 70 h	30 m	Black alligator leather, folding clasp
AB0138211B1P1	43 × 13.69 mm steel	22 mm	Breitling 01 (Manufacture) / approx. 70 h	30 m	Black alligator leather, folding clasp
AB0137211B1P1	46 × 13.95 mm steel	24 mm	Breitling 01 (Manufacture) / approx. 70 h	30 m	Black alligator leather, folding clasp

Movement and function

The size changes; the essential B01 architecture does not

All three selected references use the self-winding Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 with an approximately 70-hour reserve, date aperture and chronograph displays for quarter seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours. Each uses a bidirectional circular slide-rule bezel, a non-screw-locked crown with two gaskets and a sapphire display caseback.

A larger Navitimer does not buy a longer reserve or a stronger water rating in this comparison. Movement preference should not decide between these three because the selected references share the same calibre and core functions.

Reference rule: These figures belong to the three named full references. A Navitimer Automatic, GMT, Cosmonaute, B19 perpetual calendar, precious-metal execution or limited edition is a different comparison.

Diameter, thickness and dial density

Why the fit difference is larger than the thickness difference

The 41 and 43 are separated by only 0.09 mm of listed thickness, while the 46 is 0.26 mm thicker than the 43. Diameter and wrist coverage therefore create more of the perceived change than case height alone.

The 41 compresses the same visual language into the smallest footprint. The 43 is the middle scale and retains the same 22 mm in-between-lug width. The 46 enlarges the dial, slide-rule markings and case while moving to a 24 mm attachment, giving it a broader stance even before strap length is considered.

Navitimer legibility is personal. A larger dial can make the slide-rule scales and registers easier to separate, but it also creates more visual and physical presence. Evaluate the actual watch at normal reading distance rather than assuming that the largest reference is automatically clearest or that the smallest is automatically more elegant.

Choose by proportion

Who should begin with 41, 43 or 46

Begin with 41 mm

When compact proportions, cuff clearance and the least wrist coverage matter more than maximizing the slide-rule display.

Begin with 43 mm

When you want the central current Navitimer scale without moving to the 46 mm case and 24 mm attachment.

Begin with 46 mm

When the larger instrument presentation and widest dial are deliberate preferences rather than a substitute for trying the watch on.

Wrist circumference alone is not enough. Compare upper-wrist width, case overhang, strap exit angle, buckle position and whether the watch rotates when worn at a comfortable tension. Photograph the watch from normal viewing distance; close phone photographs exaggerate case size.

Aviation chronograph, not dive watch

All three selected references are rated to 30 meters

Breitling lists each selected Navitimer B01 at 3 bars, or 30 m. That rating supports incidental exposure under the manufacturer's guidance but does not turn the watch into a swimming or diving instrument. The crown is not screw locked.

Water resistance is also a condition-dependent system. On a pre-owned Navitimer, request an appropriate recent pressure test before relying on any stated rating and avoid operating the chronograph pushers in water.

Individual-watch inspection

A specification win cannot repair a poor example

Inspect slide-rule alignment and action, chronograph start-stop-reset, zero return, crown and pusher feel, date change, crystal coating, dial printing, case geometry and strap or clasp condition. Check that the caseback, movement, dial and attachment correspond to the complete reference.

On polished and brushed surfaces, look for rounded transitions, softened lug geometry or inconsistent refinishing. Service history, movement performance and documentation should be evaluated after choosing the correct size—not used to rationalize an uncomfortable watch.

Live Shopify product references

Current Navitimer examples for comparison

Compare the exact reference, size, movement, configuration, condition, and transaction terms before choosing a watch.

Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Black Dial Bracelet AB0138211B1A1 UNWORN 2026 $7,800.00 Available now View exact watch

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 Blue Dial Bracelet A17329161C1A1 UNWORN 2026 $4,700.00 Available now View exact watch

Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 Ice blue Dial Bracelet A32310171C1A1 UNWORN 2026 $5,300.00 Available now View exact watch

Frequently asked questions

Navitimer B01 41 vs. 43 vs. 46 FAQs

Do the Navitimer B01 41, 43 and 46 use the same movement?

The three exact references compared here all use the self-winding Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 with an approximately 70-hour power reserve.

Which selected Navitimer is thinnest?

AB0139211B1P1, the 41 mm reference, is listed at 13.6 mm. The 43 is 13.69 mm and the 46 is 13.95 mm.

Does the 46 mm Navitimer have more water resistance?

No. All three selected references are officially rated to 30 m.

Which size has the widest strap attachment?

The selected 46 mm reference has a 24 mm in-between-lug width. The selected 41 and 43 mm references are both listed at 22 mm.

Is the 41 mm Navitimer less capable than the 43 or 46?

Not in the core movement, chronograph, reserve, slide-rule or water-rating specifications compared here. Its principal difference is scale.

Is 43 mm the safest Navitimer size to buy without trying it on?

No size is universally safe without a fit check. Upper-wrist width, strap exit, preferred presence and dial legibility can change the decision.

Can I transfer these dimensions to every Navitimer in the same size?

No. Confirm the complete reference. Other movements, metals, complications, generations and attachments can change dimensions and fit.

Primary sources

Sources and verification

Breitling Navitimer collection · Breitling Navitimer history · Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 AB0139211B1P1 · Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 AB0138211B1P1 · Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46 AB0137211B1P1

Current-reference specifications were checked against Breitling's official US catalog on July 27, 2026. Live price, imagery, URL and availability come from the canonical Superlative Watch Co. Shopify product record on each render.

Editorial review: July 27, 2026. Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury-watch dealer and is not affiliated with or authorized by Breitling. Product availability, pricing and specifications can change. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Breitling Navitimer B01 41 vs. 43 vs. 46

Navitimer B01 41, 43 and 46 specification matrix

The size changes; the essential B01 architecture does not

Why the fit difference is larger than the thickness difference