WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
May 2, 2018
Releasing the New Pilot Watch Collection, "Navitimer 8" | BREITLING
BREITLING
Symbolizing Breitling Under New Management
The New Aviation Style, "Navitimer 8"
The "Navitimer 8" series focuses on iconic pieces from Breitling's history. It eloquently speaks to the charm of the non-chrono aviation style, serving as the "face" of the reborn Breitling.
Text KOIZUMI Yoko
A New Logo Without Wings, a Vision for the Future
Breitling is known for its deep, century-long connection with aviation. Last year, Georges Kern took the helm as CEO, and the first pilot watch collection from the new Breitling was unveiled. This is the "Navitimer 8" series.
The "8" in the name originates from the Huit Aviation department, established in 1938 to manufacture cockpit instruments and pilot watches for both military and civilian use.
Willy Breitling, the grandson of founder Léon Breitling, incorporated the French word for "eight," "Huit," into the department's name because the onboard clocks at the time guaranteed an eight-day power reserve.
This led to the creation of numerous onboard clocks and pilot watches, some of which remain Breitling icons to this day.
Guy Bove, the Creative Director responsible for "Navitimer 8," aimed for a design that honors Breitling's legacy and aligns with its future vision, drawing inspiration from these models produced by the Huit department.
The script B logo, a design previously used in collections like "Transocean," signifies Breitling's mastery over land, sea, and air.
The "Navitimer 8" series features notches on the outer bezel and a pointer, drawing inspiration from early pilot watch models like the Reference 768. It adopts large Arabic numerals with luminous paint. The combination of a "small wedge" and "railway minute track," reminiscent of Breitling's early models, along with luminous hour and minute hands, revives a design valued for its pilot watch functionality.
In addition to the base "Navitimer 8 Automatic," the "Navitimer 8" series includes the "Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph," "Navitimer 8 Chronograph," "Navitimer 8 Unitime," and "Navitimer 8 Day & Date." All five types, worthy successors to Breitling's DNA, will see the two chronographs and the 3-hand automatic released in June, with the remaining two models scheduled for autumn.
From left: "Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph" (with in-house chronograph movement) ¥830,000, "Navitimer 8 Chronograph" (with generic chronograph movement) ¥600,000, "Navitimer 8 Day & Date" (day and date display) ¥450,000, "Navitimer 8 Unitime" (24-hour world time display) ¥880,000. All prices are before tax.
Navitimer 8 Automatic
Movement | Caliber 01 (In-house manufactured movement, COSC-certified chronometer)
Functions | 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, date display, 70-hour power reserve
Case Material | Stainless steel with DLC coating
Case Diameter | 43mm
Water Resistance | 10 bar
Price | ¥550,000 (excluding tax)