During the Baselworld 2018 exhibition, Breitling, which is among the classic brands with aviation inspired timepieces, introduced the new Breitling Navitimer 8 B01 model family that was inspired by a vintage model from the brand’s rich archive. The new collection, which is also the brand’s first release under the management of George KERN, is once again under the spotlight with the Ref. AB0117131B1A1 model.
Breitling, one of the cult names of the watchmaking industry with its aviation themed timepieces designed and manufactured in line with the Instruments for Professional motto, witnessed one of the most unexpected transfers in 2017 that the industry has seen recently. Richemont Group’s veteran manager, George KERN, surprisingly took over the brand in last June.
The Breitling Navitimer 8 B01, which was a part of brand’s Baselworld 2017 novelties and attracted great interest with its vintage-inspired design, was also the first new model introduced under Georges KERN’s management.
The collection was named after a model which has been produced exclusively for the Huit Aviation Department (huit meaning "eight" in French) that Breitling set up in the 1930s to manufacture onboard chronographs regarding aviation purposes. Back then, the name Huit also referred to the model’s 8 days power reserve.
The model is offered in a stainless-steel case, designed with a diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 13.97mm. The case sports a “coin edge” style bezel which successfully completes the model’s Vintage character. The large, Breitling signed winding crown and the piston-type chronograph pushers are located at the right side of the case which bears elegantly detailed matt and polished finishes. The case is also water resistant to 100 meters, which is more than enough for daily use.
There are scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides of the case. Regarding the front sapphire crystal, let me add a brief info: In general, vintage-inspired timepieces are equipped with box-type sapphire crystal with higher profiles in order to mimic the era-matching look of the hesalite crystal models. Breitling Navitimer 8 B01 does not feature this visual detail however, the smoothly curved sides of the mirror polished bezel do the trick instead and boosts the retro appeal.
The dial of the new model is designed quite simple when compared to the classic Navitimer models which feature many indications and scales that allow the user to make various aviation related measurements. Designed referring to the original model’s era-popular Reverse Panda lay-out that features contrasting light-colored sub-dials on a darker base, the dial is finished in black. Thanks to the Sun Ray pattern of the surface, the dial provides various tones under certain angles of light. All hands and indexes are finished in plain white in order to offer the utmost legibility under every possible occasion. The dial is simple in terms of texts as well unlike the common Navitimer models and equipped with a date display window located between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Breitling Navitimer 8 B01 is powered by the brand’s in-house Caliber Ref. B01. 46 jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a power reserve up to 70 hours when fully wound. Featuring the classic Cotes de Genève patters on the bridges and the main plate, the C.O.S.C. certified movement is decently decorated as expected from Breitling standards and it is enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back.
The model we have opted for review comes on a three-link stainless steel bracelet featuring both mirrors polished and satin finished surfaces. The bracelet, which successfully balances the watch on the wrist, is secured by a classic B logo folding clasp.
