The Boeing 747 revolutionised commercial aviation like no other long-haul aircraft. When the Boeing 747 was launched in 1969, it offered a more affordable long-haul experience than any other jumbo jet, with unprecedented spacious cabins that spanned two aisles and two decks. This was a time in which aviation – unlike today – was still considered sophisticated and glamorous; a pursuit exclusively for people with money or influence.
But the 747 made long-haul flights affordable even for the middle class. Boeing delivered more than 1,500 units of the so-called ‘Queen of the Skies’. But now the era of the jumbo jet is coming to an end, as it is neither profitable for the manufacturer nor for the airlines. Now that the last Boeing 747 is leaving the factory, Breitling is launching a red-striped special edition Navitimer limited to 747 pieces in honour of the icon.
The stainless-steel case of the new Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Boeing 747 has a diameter of 43 mm and a height of 13.69 mm. Turning the watch over, we are greeted by the manufacture calibre 01, visible through the open caseback. The caseback also bears the special engraving ‘One of 747’ and the words ‘The Original Jumbo Jet’.
The roots of the first Navitimer date back to 1952, when it was developed and manufactured by Breitling especially for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). In the heyday of modern aviation, it became the standard timepiece for pilots. Its characteristic round slide rule made all navigational calculations possible during air travel.
There is a lot to discover when we look at the new Navitimer Boeing 747, so let’s work our way from the outside inwards. The red and white slide rule reflects the Boeing colours. A touch of blue here marks the index markings for the units and also serves as a reference point for adjustment. Discreetly integrated into the inner scale of the slide rule is the lettering ‘Boeing 747’ and thus also a further allusion to the long-haul aircraft. The cream-coloured aesthetics inside the dial are complemented by three black subdials. At 12 o’clock, the dial bears the AOPA logo, recalling its early days as a pilot’s chronograph. Below that, at 6 o’clock, Breitling integrate a date window.
Inside the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Boeing 747 is the manufacture calibre 01. The automatic movement has a power reserve of 70 hours and a five-year guarantee. The balance frequency is 4 Hz.
The limited edition is limited to 747 pieces and is available with a black alligator leather strap or a seven-row metal bracelet. The price for this model is 8,750 euros RRP (leather strap) or 9,100 euros RRP (steel bracelet).
