The Navitimer is Breitling's most recognizable aviation design, defined by a circular slide rule and an instrument-like dial that ranges from simple Automatic and GMT models to B01 chronographs, the hand-wound Cosmonaute and a perpetual calendar.
Choose it for aviation identity and visual detail—not on the assumption that every luxury sports watch is designed for routine swimming.
Signature featureCircular slide rule surrounding the dial.
Current sizes32, 36, 41, 43 and 46 mm in the verified US catalog.
Core movementManufacture B01 for the principal automatic chronographs.
Water cautionThe selected Automatic, GMT and B01 references are rated to 30 m.
An aviation calculator
Why the Navitimer looks like an instrument
Breitling's official history dates the Navitimer to 1952, when Willy Breitling developed an aviation chronograph at the request of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Its rotating logarithmic scale allowed trained users to calculate speed, distance, fuel consumption, climb or descent rates and unit conversions.
Modern pilots have electronic flight systems, but the slide rule remains mechanically interactive and visually inseparable from the Navitimer. A buyer should enjoy that density. Someone who wants immediate, uncluttered legibility may prefer an Avenger, Superocean or simpler Automatic Navitimer.
Current catalog
One identity across very different references
The official US catalog verified July 27, 2026 spans 32, 36, 41, 43 and 46 mm cases. It includes quartz, automatic time-only, GMT, Manufacture B01 automatic chronograph, hand-wound B02 Cosmonaute, B12 24-hour chronograph and B19 perpetual-calendar configurations.
That range is why “Navitimer” is insufficient as a purchase description. The complete reference must identify size, movement, dial, case metal and bracelet or strap.
Catalog accuracy: exact product pages outrank broad collection copy. The current B02 Cosmonaute is hand-wound even where summary wording emphasizes automatic Navitimers.
Automatic, GMT or chronograph
Choose the function you will actually use
The Automatic 41 keeps the slide-rule design while removing chronograph registers. The GMT 41 adds a 24-hour hand and second-time-zone utility without the B01 chronograph's greater dial density. The B01 Chronograph 43 is the fuller modern expression: slide rule, three registers, date, exhibition caseback and approximately 70 hours of reserve.
More complication is not automatically better. The Automatic and GMT references are both 11.65 mm thick in the selected configurations, while the B01 43 reaches 13.69 mm. The simpler watch may be the more comfortable or legible daily choice.
Movement map
Breitling 17, 32, B01, B02 and B19
Breitling 17 powers selected time-only automatics, while Breitling 32 supports the GMT. Manufacture B01 supplies the central automatic chronograph architecture. B02 provides the hand-wound 24-hour Cosmonaute display, and B19 combines an automatic chronograph with a perpetual calendar.
The movement affects reserve, thickness, setting, service and ownership cost. High complications require careful correction and documented service; a B01 needs chronograph testing; a straightforward automatic may be easier to own.
Dial scale and wrist presence
How 41, 43 and 46 mm Navitimers differ
The slide-rule chapter ring makes the dial visually broad. Forty-one millimeters is the most versatile current decision point because it includes Automatic, GMT and chronograph variants. The 43 mm B01 is the classic modern statement size, while 46 mm maximizes scale and the 32/36 mm references provide compact alternatives.
Compare thickness, lug width, bracelet or strap and upper-wrist width rather than relying on circumference alone. The dedicated 41 vs. 43 vs. 46 guide uses exact B01 references.
Thirty meters is not a dive-watch brief
Use the exact rating conservatively
The three selected live references are officially rated to 30 m and use non-screw-locked crowns. Avoid operating crown, pushers or slide rule around water. A pre-owned watch should not be treated as sealed without a current pressure test.
For regular swimming or water sports, a current Chronomat, Avenger, Superocean or Superocean Heritage is the more natural Breitling starting point.
Pre-owned checks
Inspect the scales, functions and seven-row bracelet
Check slide-rule printing, alignment and bezel operation. Test chronograph start, stop and reset, GMT setting or date change as applicable. Inspect the crystal coating, lugs, bezel and seven-row bracelet for inconsistent refinishing or missing links.
Confirm the full reference, dial, scales, movement and attachment against official records. A plausible serial or warranty card supports due diligence but does not authenticate the complete watch by itself.
Selected current references verified July 27, 2026.
Reference
Configuration
Case
Movement / reserve
Water
AB0138211B1A1
B01 Chronograph 43, black dial, bracelet
43 × 13.69 mm steel
B01 / approx. 70 h
30 m
A17329161C1A1
Automatic 41, blue dial, bracelet
41 × 11.65 mm steel
Breitling 17 / approx. 38 h
30 m
A32310171C1A1
Automatic GMT 41, ice-blue dial, bracelet
41 × 11.65 mm steel
Breitling 32 / approx. 42 h
30 m
Live Shopify product references
Current Navitimer examples for comparison
Compare the exact reference, size, movement, configuration, condition, and transaction terms before choosing a watch.
The 43 mm B01 chronograph gives the strongest modern expression of the traditional Navitimer layout. Buyers wanting a more restrained fit should compare the 41 mm versions.
Does every Navitimer have a chronograph?
No. The current catalog includes time-only automatic, GMT, quartz and several chronograph configurations.
Can I swim with a Navitimer?
The three featured references are rated to 30 m. This is not the family we would select for routine swimming, particularly without a recent pressure test.
What does the Navitimer slide rule do?
It is a logarithmic calculator that can support multiplication, division, speed, distance, fuel and unit-conversion calculations when used correctly.
Is B01 always the best Navitimer movement?
No. B01 is the choice for an integrated automatic chronograph; a simpler Automatic or GMT can be thinner, calmer and better suited to a particular buyer.
What should I verify on a pre-owned Navitimer?
Verify the exact reference, dial and scale configuration, serial, bracelet or strap, chronograph or GMT operation, slide-rule alignment, service history and case geometry.
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 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