This modern Breitling watch movement is part of the new generation of calibres

Almost unchanged for 30 years, having undergone only a few improvements, the Navitimer has weathered the quartz crisis, as has the rest of the Breitling range. In 1979, Breitling did have to close its doors; the plans and some watches’ parts were sold, mainly to Ollech & Wajs and Sinn - that is mostly why Sinn can continue to sell a chronograph which is 99% similar to a Navitimer. Thankfully, Breitling has been relaunched, along with the Navitimer. In the mid 1990’s, the design had evolved with a bigger case - but only one more millimetre, at 43mm - and the movement was exchanged for a classical Valjoux 7750. The most important, recent update was the AAA+Breitling Navitimer 01 Replica Watches UK Best Holiday Gift Ideas in 2009 of Breitling’s first in-house calibre, the B01, now available in the classical 43mm case and in the new 46mm or 48mm case.

The attraction for big watches, meaning over 44mm-45mm for a sports watch, is not new. For several years now, Panerai, Hublot or classical brands such as Omega or Audemars Piguet have produced some huge chronographs and dive watches, with sometimes no historical or practical reasons. In an industry where miniaturization is key, the use of such cases is questionable. On the other hand, when it comes to pilot watches, large diameters have always been the norm. Look at the recent Zenith Type 20. Its case measures 48mm and our contributor Max just loved it (and I can tell you, it looks great on him! )#) The main reason pilot watches are so big, is that they are made to be worn over a flight jacket and have always needed large dials and indexes to increase their nighttime http://www.syrauto.com/cartier-santos-100-replica-uk.html visibility. Considering a strong trend for neo-vintage watches and an increasing demand for large sizes, it was surprising that Breitling didn’t introduce a larger Navitimer earlier than Baselworld 2014 – but they are now available in 46mm and 48mm.

Aesthetically, the Breitling lovers won’t be shocked. Even in 46mm, this new version comes with all the features of a Navitimer. The case has to carry 4 more millimetres but with the exact same design – same faceted lugs, same notched rotating bezel, same huge opening of the dial. If you compare it with the 42mm, you’ll also find the same dial and replica cartier roadster. It’s just a matter of size. The second improvement is the see-through sapphire caseback, now a standard feature – it was previously reserved for limited editions – in order to have a view of the Calibre B01. This modern automatic chronograph movement is part of the new generation of calibres, alongside the Breitling. It comes in a 3-sub-dials configuration (3-6-9), with a column-wheel and vertical clutch system and 70 hours of power reserve.

The Navitimer 01 46mm is available in two colors, the classical black and white dial and a full blue one. As always with Breitling, you will have an extensive choice of straps – several colors and types of leathers – and of buckles – pin buckle or folding clasp. You can also choose the very well finished (and expensive) pilot bracelet with its mirror polished finish.