Breitling is celebrating its 140th anniversary and is kicking off the anniversary year with new additions to the Navitimer collection. This month, 10 new models will join the collection, which embodies the Breitling spirit like no other. Firstly, Breitling is presenting a new limited edition of the Navitimer Cosmonaute. This watch became the first Swiss wristwatch in space on the wrist of Scott Carpenter and features a 24-hour display that was originally designed to distinguish day from night in orbit. The new limited edition of 250 pieces is now more terrestrial with automatic winding and a red gold case.
Also new is the Automatic 41 as a reduced three-hand watch and four GMTs. The solid gold versions bear the Origins label of the Swiss Better Gold Association. This guarantees the traceability of the raw material and compliance with standards for social responsibility and environmental protection.
The Navitimer Automatic offers the characteristic design with slide rule in a reduced form without chronograph. In addition to a classic deep blue dial, Breitling is launching two versions in the trendy colours green and ice blue. There is also a new two-tone version and a case in 18-carat red gold, each with a silver dial.
The watches measure 41 mm in diameter and 11.65 mm in height. The slide rule remains functional and has recessed grips instead of the original beads, giving it a more modern look. The dials feature applied indices, each with a luminous dot, which together with the main hands, which are also luminescent, ensure legibility in the dark. The case back is solid. The water resistance is 30 metres (splash water).
Calibre 17, a modified ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 with a Breitling rotor, provides the necessary propulsion. It offers a power reserve of 38 hours and is chronometer-certified. The three new steel versions cost 5,300 euros on a leather strap and 5,600 euros on a steel bracelet. The Navitimer Automatic in steel and red gold costs 7,650 euros on a leather strap and 9,700 euros on a two-tone bracelet. The red gold case costs 14,900 euros and 34,500 euros respectively.
Three new variants with stainless steel cases and one in red gold are being launched. The stainless steel cases are paired with dials in black, silver or ice blue. The red gold version has a green dial with a sunray finish. The complication allows an additional time zone to be displayed using the recessed sub-dial in the centre. The hand with a triangular tip is in a contrasting colour. There is also a date window at 6 o’clock.
The Breitling Calibre 32 powers the Navitimer Automatic GMT 41. This movement is an ETA 2892-2 with a Breitling rotor. It offers a power reserve of 42 hours and automatic winding. It also comes with COSC certification. The watches are available on the collection’s seven-row bracelet or on matching alligator leather straps. The price is 5,650 euros on a leather strap or 5,950 euros with a steel bracelet. The Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 in red gold costs 15,300 and 35,000 euros.
After the comeback of the Cosmonaute in 2022, another limited edition is now on the way. This new Navitimer Cosmonaute has a red gold case and a green dial. Instead of the manual winding system, a more everyday-friendly – albeit not suitable for zero gravity – automatic winding system is used.
The dial is a deep green with grey counters. It is complemented by the slide rule, which appears in the same grey. The time is indicated by two red gold hands with luminous material. As the watch indicates the time in 24-hour format, there are a corresponding number of numerals and indices on the dial. The hour hand also rotates only half as fast as usual. Last but not least, a date window is embedded in the small seconds at 6 o’clock.
Inside is the calibre B12, which is based on the in-house calibre B01, but indicates the time in 24-hour format. The movement is known for its resilience and longevity and features an integrated chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch. It also features an automatic winding system with an oscillating weight made of solid gold. The power reserve is 70 hours. Moreover, the movement bears the COSC chronometer certificate.
The watch comes on a black alligator leather strap with a red gold folding clasp. As a limited edition of 250 pieces, it is only available in the Breitling online boutique and the company’s own sales outlets. The engraving “One of 250” and “First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24,1962.” on the case back emphasises the special nature of the watch. The price is 21,500 euros.
