Q: What sizes and functions is the Navitimer available in?

The Navitimer collection is available in multiple case sizes to suit a range of wrist sizes and preferences: 36mm and 32mm for a compact fit; 41mm for a heritage-inspired dimensions; 43mm as our flagship size; and 46mm for a bold and pronounced pilot's watch look. The Navitimer is available in time-only, time-and-date, GMT, chronograph, and perpetual calendar chronograph executions. Some key references are the Navitimer Automatic 41, the Navitimer Automatic GMT 41, and the B01 Chronograph 46. Limited editions, special materials , and commemoratives editions are released periodically.

Question 1

What sizes and functions is the Navitimer available in?

Accepted Answer

The Navitimer collection is available in multiple case sizes to suit a range of wrist sizes and preferences: 36mm and 32mm for a compact fit; 41mm for a heritage-inspired dimensions; 43mm as our flagship size; and 46mm for a bold and pronounced pilot's watch look.

The Navitimer is available in time-only, time-and-date, GMT, chronograph, and perpetual calendar chronograph executions. Some key references are the Navitimer Automatic 41, the Navitimer Automatic GMT 41, and the B01 Chronograph 46.

Limited editions, special materials, and commemoratives editions are released periodically.

Question 2

Are Navitimer watches automatic?

Accepted Answer

Current Navitimer models are poered by automatic (self-winding) mechanical movements . The Flagship caliber is Breitling's in-house Manufacture Caliber 01 , a COSC-certified chronometer with a column-wheel, vertical clutch, stop-seconds function , and approximately 70 hours of power reserve . The Manufacture Caliber 01 is assembled, tested, regulated, and cased entirely within Breitling's Chronometrie in La Chaux-de-Fonds and is widely regarded as one of the finest in-house chronograph movements at its price point. Other references use the B19, B23, or B20.

Question 3

Is the Breitling Navitimer waterproof?

Accepted Answer

The Navitimer is water resistant to 30 meters (3 ATM). This means it can safely withstand rain, splashes, and brief incidental contact with water, but it is not designed for swimming, snorkeling, or any form of submersion . The Navitimer is an aviation instrument watch, not a dive watch. To maintain water resistance, always ensure the crown is fully pushed in. For more details on the level of water resistance you can expect of your watch, please go to the Information on Water Resistance page.

Question 4

How do you use the Navitimer slide rule and bezel?

Accepted Answer

The Navitimer combines a mechanical chronograph with a circular slide rule bezel —its most distinctive feature. The chronograph is operated via two pushers at 2 o'clock (start/stop) and 4 o'clock (reset). The outer rotating bezel carries a logarithmic scale that, when aligned with the inner scale, enables aeronautical calculations without any arithmetic: align a value on the outer ring with a reference on the inner ring, and the result appears at the corresponding point. Common uses include calculating airspeed, fuel consumption, rate of climb, and unit conversions (km to nautical miles, liters to gallons). The bezel rotates bidirectionally and is operated by gripping the notched outer edge. As a true Breitling aviation icon , the Navitimer has been a trusted tool for pilots since 1952.

Question 5

How do you set the time and date on a Breitling Navitimer?

Accepted Answer

To set your Navitimer: 1. Pull the crown to the middle position (position 1) to advance the date — rotate until the correct date appears. 2. Pull the crown to the fully extended position (position 2) to set the time — rotate to the correct hours and minutes. 3. Push the crown back in firmly to restore water resistance. Important: never set the date when the hands are between approximately 9 PM and 3 AM, as the automatic date-change mechanism is engaged during this window and forcing the date can damage it. For detailed setup and maintenance guidance, refer to the Breitling user manual and care instructions.

Question 6

Does the Navitimer need to be manually wound and how do you wind it?

Accepted Answer

Most current Navitimer references are self-winding automatics —the rotor winds the mainspring automatically through the motion of your wrist during normal wear. If the watch has stopped after being unworn, manually wind it by unscrewing the crown, leaving it in the neutral (crown-in) position, and rotating it clockwise approximately 30–40 full turns to build an initial power reserve. The Caliber B01 offers around 70 hours of power reserve , meaning it will run for nearly three days without being worn. Manual wind calibers like the B02 or B09 are wound by turning the crown clockwise. Wind carefully, and stop when you feel resistance, as that indicates the mainspring is fully wound.

Question 7

What warranty does the Navitimer come with, and where can it be serviced?

Accepted Answer

A Breitling Navitimer with our Manufacture Caliber 01 comes with a 5-year international warranty , extendable to 8 years when registered on the Breitling website within 3 months of purchase. For non-manufacture calibers, the warranty is 2, extendable to 5 , respectively. For servicing, repairs, or battery replacement, always use an authorized Breitling service center or boutique to maintain warranty validity and ensure the movement is handled by certified watchmakers. Breitling recommends a full service every 4–5 years under normal conditions of use.

Navitimer

The Iconic Pilot’s Watch