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The Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 embodies exuberant luxury and breaks away from the usually plain design of typical pilot chronographs. The watch confidently flaunts its fine materials and diverse functions. Horando.de delivered the popular aviator right to my door!
About Horando
For my recent watch reviews, I was supported by Horando, who kindly provided me with the latest test watches from brands like Breitling, Omega and IWC Schaffhausen. The online portal is the place to go in German-speaking countries if you want to buy luxury watches quickly and safely. In addition to the three names mentioned above, Horando also offers watches from Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Rolex, Panerai, Tag Heuer and Tudor. Horando is also the official concessionaire and authorized dealer of the brands Alpina, Frederique Constant Geneve and U-BOAT Italo Fontana.
All watches are originals. Manufacturer’s warranties, certificates and original packaging are therefore always included, if available. Internationally, the delivery is made by insured value shipping. If you appreciate the personal contact, you can also take your watch from the pick-up lounge in Bamberg. If you want to sell your watch, Horando will buy it and certify it.
All important links to the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 can be found at the end of this article. Of course, I have also linked you to the Horando online store.
Pilot tradition for almost 70 years
Breitlings Navitimer are since 1952 one of the most famous watches of the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and represent the combination of pilot watch and chronograph. The watches are easily recognizable at first glance by their bezel, on which several calculating scales are marked, from which the pilot can read the most important parameters for the flight. The Navitimer can officially be called a chronometer. Since 1999, all movements built by Breitling have been tested and certified by the Swiss control body COSC. Thus, quality is not only emphasized on the outside, but also on the inside of the Navitimer.
There is no lack of diversity in the Navitimer family. The collection currently comprises 47 models. Among the most classic and popular should be the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43. 11 references with different dial colors, stainless steel, gold or red gold cases should satisfy all desires. For today’s watch review, Horando sent me the reference AB0121211B1X1. Now it’s time to take a closer look at it!
The beauty queen among pilot watches
If the election for the most beautiful pilot’s watch was called, the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 would win it. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and not everyone likes the small-scale design, which prioritizes aesthetics over clarity and minimalism. Breitling’s Navitimer, however, is a real looker, and that has to be acknowledged without envy. It’s a pilot’s chronograph that captivates me from the very first moment.
If I had to explain the look of the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 to someone, I would describe it as the complete opposite of IWC Big Pilot’s Automatic Spitfire. The pilot’s watch from IWC Schaffhausen may also rightly bear the seal of “luxury”, but it interprets the theme of pilot’s chronograph quite differently: reduced, minimalist, cool. The contrast is perfect. How does a timepiece perform that seems to ignore these typical features of pilot watches? Well, functionality cannot be denied to the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43. This pilot’s watch offers this just like noble materials in abundance. But more about the inscription on the bezel and dial later!
The reference number AB0121211B1X1 comes in the classic version with a black dial, silver bezel, stainless steel case and a black bracelet.
The Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 on the wrist
I put on the watch with its black leather strap and examine the chronograph on my wrist. Here, the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 knows how to please. I am positively surprised by the low weight of just 100 grams. Due to the high-quality choice of materials and the installed self-winding movement, I expected much more. As a lightweight, the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 conjures up pleasant wearing comfort on the wrist. And that’s what counts in everyday life. In addition to the eponymous diameter of 43 millimeters (note: there are also larger and smaller Navitimers), the case is 14.20 millimeters thick. As a result, the Navitimer lies flat and sporty on the wrist.
The effect of the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 on its wearer and his environment is undisputed. The prestige (and the price) can be seen from afar on the handsome pilot’s watch. For upscale occasions, the timepiece is therefore the right choice. You won’t find a more suitable pilot’s watch here. But also for more “active” missions, the Navitimer is visually the perfect companion. You wouldn’t think it, but the performance qualities of the Breitling Pilot are not to be underestimated….
The case of the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43
The days when pilot watches were serious or even necessary measuring instruments for pilots are now history. This becomes obvious at the latest when you take a look at the case of the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43. Despite being made of high-quality stainless steel, the polished splendor probably wouldn’t have looked like new for long in use. However, the exquisite appearance is perfectly matched by the polished surfaces of the case middle, back and bezel throughout. The case finish is also something to be proud of. Breitling understands the art of flawless watchmaking.
The angular caseback features a neatly engraved thermometer scale, on which the units of degrees and Fahrenheit are graduated. This is practical, because you don’t have to convert the units in your head. The center of the case back is emblazoned with the winged B, Breitling’s world-renowned logo. The Swiss manufacturer certifies that the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 is water resistant up to a pressure of 3 bar. Of course, this does not allow diving. However, you don’t have to worry about water splashes.
The dial is read through a watch glass made of cambered, i.e. slightly domed sapphire. During production, Breitling equips the sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, which significantly reduces annoying reflections. This makes the dial easier to read.
Breitlings Caliber 01
Original design is important, but it is far from being the only point of view by which you should evaluate a watch. At least as crucial are its technical specifications. In this respect, the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 lacks nothing!
The term ‘luxury’ is also defined by what movement is working inside a timepiece. Breitling is considered one of the best manufactures for chronograph movements and has had its calibers certified as chronometers by the Swiss control body COSC since 1999. This fact alone should speak volumes. In the test, the automatic movement called Caliber 01 can confirm its excellent reputation and convinces with precision, reliability and above-average performance. These are precisely the characteristics of a chronometer. Once wound via the screw-down crown, the manufacture caliber runs tirelessly for 70 hours. The rest of the key figures are also impressive! It has a full 47 rubies. Breitling also gives a value of 28800 vibrations per hour.
The famous slide rule
With its functions, the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 should satisfy all the wishes of true chronograph fans. In any case, you won’t miss anything on the dial printed with dense information. Three black totalizers allow you to read the 30-minute time, the 12-hour time and a small seconds. The red central second gives the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 a certain sportiness. Indexes as well as minute and hour hands are coated with luminous material and guarantee the overview even in low light conditions.
One of the distinguishing features of the Navitimer is its famous aviation slide rule, which is neatly printed on the dial and the bi-directional rotating bezel. The calculating bezel can be used to solve three-set problems. For example, if the distance traveled in miles and the elapsed time are known, all you have to do is slide the bezel with the mile scale to the appropriate minute and you can read the average speed on the opposite side of the bezel. A simple as well as intuitive function! In addition to the average speed, other values can be read, such as the fuel consumption or the descent rate.
The Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 is worn on a black strap made of calfskin. On the upper side, it impresses with white stitching, while the underside is almost yellow and very soft. The strap lug width is 22 millimeters. A stainless steel pin buckle ensures a secure and snug fit.
My final conclusion about the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43
The Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 can rightly be called the queen among pilot chronographs. You could cite many reasons why the timepiece is one of the most sought-after and well-known aviators of all. On the one hand, there is certainly the extravagant design with the slide rule bezel, the useful chronograph functions and many design details that ensure a high recognition value.
Technically, the watch is vastly superior to many of its competitors. Breitling’s manufacture caliber is a certified chronometer and skillfully plays out its strengths in everyday life. The choice of materials and their workmanship is also consistent, and there is nothing to complain about. All these ingredients are ultimately what give the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 the prestige it enjoys in the watch world. If you’re looking for an iconic pilot’s watch, you can’t avoid the Navitimer.
In the Horando store, the timepiece currently costs 5,790 euros, which is 1,660 euros less than the MSRP that Breitling itself quotes. You can find the most important links below!
More about Horando and the Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43
Here you can find the watch in the store
Discover the whole Breitling offer on Horando.com
