Hands-on with the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 Green Watch

With its deep green dial, domed sapphire crystal glass front and re-designed flat slide rule bezel, the new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 model combines a bold new colourway with a classic three-handed date display

Although foregoing the chronograph function, there is no mistaking the three-handed versions of the Breitling Navitimer watch collection. Their prominent beaded slide rule bezels have always been a winning feature, not to mention a classically-arranged dial, with slim baton hour markers around the hour track and a central hour, minute and second hand. Three-handed Navitimer watches by Breitling are offered in a wide range of dial colours, as well as case size options of 35mm, 38mm and 41mm. Each model from the range gets its power from the Calibre 17, including this new deep green dial version from the 2022 series of re-designed Breitling Navitimer watches.

The movement is based on a tried and tested ETA movement for guaranteed around-the-clock accuracy, whilst its robust stainless steel case, measuring a 41mm diameter, has been subtly reworked to create the overall impression of a more compact feel on the wrist. In the past, stainless steel Navitimer Automatic watches have always served as an entry point into the Navitimer collection, so this new model comes as a very welcomed addition to the new series. Like its chronograph siblings, all released in celebration of the Navitimer watch’s 70th anniversary, this new three-handed model features a domed sapphire crystal glass front and a flat slide rule bezel to give the watch a more manageable feel.

These new yet subtle modifications represent a bold leap for Breitling, yet the famous Swiss watch manufacturer makes these changes without hesitation. The Navitimer is, after all, a solid luxury pilot’s watch. An icon that has won the hearts of many thanks to its classic design, unfaltering sophistication and faultless features. These have not changed. Now appealing to modern Breitling watch collectors who, before now, may have never considered adding a Navitimer watch to their collection - the new three-handed Navitimer Automatic watch is a daily beater for the wrists of those with impeccable tastes, not just those navigating the skies.

The release of the new Navitimer range also coincides with Breitling’s NAVITIMER—FOR THE JOURNEY campaign comprising basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland, and aviation pioneer and explorer Bertrand Piccard. Relating to Breitling’s sheer courage and its unwavering determination to bring a whole new level of success to these newly-designed Navitimer watches, Misty Copeland extends on what it means to become part of the Navitimer Squad:

“This project means a lot to me because it celebrates not only where I was in life, but where I’d come from and where I am going. There is an absolute parallel between navigating towards a physical destination and navigating towards the vision of where you want to be in life. You’ll see that theme come through in these three stories.”

Over the past 70 years, Breitling has upped its game in the field of pilot’s tools, evolving to meet the needs of the Navitimer’s audience and giving fans exactly what they want, whether that be in the way of changing its size, fitting it with a different movement, or indeed, inventing a new range of dial colours. During the 60s, the Navitimer was outfitted with an automatic movement to reduce the production costs of the watch and to remain in keeping with the more affordable price point of the quartz-powered watch, which at the time, had started to dominate the industry. Even whilst the Navitimer was growing in size, reaching up to a diameter of 48mm, its most classic 41mm models had been offered in an automatic version by this time. The new Breitling Navitimer watches for 2022 extend on the brand’s quest for bold and eye-catching colours with this new deep green dial iteration.

The new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 watch

A deep emerald green coloured dial sets this steel Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 watch apart from others within the collection. Stick markers outlining the hour track are surrounded by a newly formed flat slide rule beaded bezel that rotates in a bidirectional direction. In addition to this, the date window can be referenced at 6 o’clock and the central second hand is tipped with a red arrow, adding a contrasting pop of colour to the display.

A domed anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass front protects the deep green surface of this Navitimer watch, shielding it from dust, denting, scratching, light, heat and moisture damage. The 12 o’clock location features the instantly recognisable Breitling logo and lettering, whilst on the reverse of the screw-down steel case is the winged Breitling logo, etched into the surface of the metal.

The new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 watch also features a matching deep green alligator leather strap with white contrast stitching running down the edges and a Breitling-stamped folding clasp crafted from stainless steel. For a more sophisticated finish on the wrist, you may want to opt for the version on the 7-row stainless steel bracelet, complete with a butterfly clasp. Behind the engraved caseback of this 41mm three-handed time and date Navitimer watch is, as aforementioned, the Calibre 17, based on the ETA 2824-2 movement. It provides a 42-hour power reserve, performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and features a quick set date function.

If you’d like more information on the new deep green version of the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41 watch you can check out the watch here, or call and speak to a member of our sales team here at Jura Watches on 01335 453453. Alternatively, you can view the entire 2022 range of re-designed Breitling Navitimer watches here.