Has Breitling Perfected the Legendary Navitimer? (AOPA Logo)

[@bobbydazzler1780]

Opinion seems divided - many Breitling fans miss the B-wings and fancy B-Anchor second hand. Others like the simplified clean look. At least wings are back after the solo B which looked lost on this busy design. I feel this iteration is less flight tool and more private members departure lounge. But I’m torn. The 2016 version - albeit with a solid caseback - seems the quintessential Navitimer complete with temperature conversion engraving. This one somehow is too simplified perhaps. It’s missing some Breitling DNA. Maybe a case of less being less.

[@ID-Guy]

Very interesting take. I'm definitely not well versed enough in Breitlings history of the Navi's (of recent years) But I like your take on it being "too simplified" and more of a departure lounge watch. The image with a lot of these new machines the brand is offering all fall under that "streamlined" look. Maybe it's good for the longevity of the designs but might also shift the older customers away and poach new ones? This could be a discussion all by itself 😆

[@valjean3141]

I agree with this take - to me, the new Navitimer design has substantially watered down what made the older generations of Navis iconic. Not that the new ones are bad - they just feel kind of generic to me. If I were looking at them now against IWC, and Sinn, and some of the Omega Speedmasters, and Tudor - I’m no longer feeling anything that would especially pull me towards a Breitling Navitimer. Maybe towards a Zenith, but not a Navitimer. I realize that people think the new guy running Breitling is very clever, but I don’t really understand the brand identity anymore, other than that they don’t want to cultivate their old image, and they do want to sell watches to a much wider group of consumers.

[@bobbydazzler1780]

@@ID-Guy well if the evolution is to simplify and dilute then the next one will be minus the slide rule altogether and suddenly the concept of the Navitimer is gone forever. We all know the side rule is redundant and is a vintage aesthetic but it’s what makes this watch unique in a sky full of clones. They will definitely get the antimagnetic parts in once the patents run out and possibly add a controversial internal bezel operated by a crown like others to get the WR at least up to 100m. I guess old school Breitling fans like me are confused by the branding moves, which are all over the place. Almost like Kern wants to mask the fact it’s a Breitling altogether like it’s a dirty secret. It’s starting to look like a colourful Moonswatch. It’s still nice though but somehow misses the mark.

[@ID-Guy]

@@valjean3141 Thanks for sharing this! We can equate these sorts of changes to all sorts of industries today where there's this shift in direction in favour of bringing a new group to the party (but at the same time alienating its previous audience) Maybe the young pups like me would see a watch like this differently now because all I remember about Breitling from the 90's and early 2000's was they all were "Dad's watches", large, highly polished, two-toned etc etc. It's very interesting 🥃

[@ID-Guy]

@@bobbydazzler1780 Thanks for sharing all of this - I've pinned the comment because the feedback around this would be fascinating and you're definitely not the only one who see's the new interpretation this way. Removing the slide rule from this watch would be the nail in the coffin... something tells me they wouldn't go that far. But you make a good point that it does lose some of its earlier charms by being "too clean" - sans tachy. My question would be: How would this watch fair if they decided to look more into the earlier First Gen Navitimers and added Arabic Numerals etc. to their dials? Should they maybe have made it appear more traditional? Those OG 806 models... if only they made them as standard production pieces. They're beyond charming 🥃

[@bruck177]

Picked up the ice blue version on bracelet a week back. Absolutely stunning piece. I previously felt the Navi dial was too busy and the case/bracelet too blingy. But now it’s darn near perfect. My only 2 issues: - water resistance (I hear it’s due to the bezel action; if so no way around that) - no quick adjustment on the bracelet clasp (though the bracelet and clasp are crafted beautifully) Hope this holds its value better than previous Navitimers. Either way I’m impressed with several recent Breitling releases & look fwd to what’s next. Great vid, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@ID-Guy]

Huge congratulations Chris! That Ice Blue dial is guaranteed to be one of the hottest of the lot and it's great to know that your thoughts around this new release is the same as mine (clean and concise) Keep wearing it and enjoying it brother and congrats again! 🥃

[@mccalljeff]

Still like it?

[@wkdsid]

Arguably one of your best reviews. Totally agree with most of your points. 2 things: The reason for 30m WR maximum is due to the fact that slide rule rotation actually rotates the entire crystal. The alternative would be to add an additional crown to rotate the slide rule (like Sinn does) while maintaining a fixed crystal, but the elegance would be diminished a great deal. A mobile crystal makes sealing difficult, hence the 30m. Secondly, a big design change was removing the tachymetre scale. Really decluttered the dial.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you for clearing these issues up and for the compliment Sidhant! I didn't even notice that it was the Tachy that made the difference with this new machine! Goes to show how this bug has been screwing with my head 😆

[@chrisstevenson2622]

Again, the are bringing the tool function of the watch to the forefront and borrowing from past models and making a sharp tool watch that can be worn with jeans and a T-shirt to a suit and tie. Love the design!

[@ID-Guy]

Its such a sharp update, love it! Have a great start to your week Chris 🥃

[@williamjmongeau3054]

Very well presented. A pleasure to watch as you presented a worthwhile overview to all parts of the watch and its history!

[@j.burgess4459]

Commiserations having the virus. It got me right before Christmas. The main symptom was that it screwed up my sense of taste. (Taste of the tongue, that is - I didn't start liking Hublots or RMs or anything as _horrifying_ as that😆)

[@ID-Guy]

That last line made me laugh 😆 It's been a pain... nothing too serious but just today I woke up with all of the classic symptoms of mild bronchitis (luckily got all the meds on tap) It just goes to show that after two weeks it's not worth trying to be heroic and start talking again. But thank you Jay. This bug is a persistent lil sh*t 🥃

[@gelmibson883]

I feel sorry and can relate at the same. I was almost buying a Island watch, when coof hit me. Crazy!

[@michaelfierman3256]

And cheers "to the co-pilot" for making it through the episode. Really nailed it again. Loved the episode and keep feeling better

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you as always Michael! This bug has managed to become mild Bronchitis (but I've got all the meds on tap) Here's hoping I can get another clip out next week 😉 It's a clash between fighting the bug and being productive at once - a fine balance 🥃

[@PeterKotsa]

Iv'e been on the same journey myself, I think many of us have. Great to see you're recovering and back to producing excellent content, great video. I have yet to pull the trigger on a Brietling over the years, however its videos like this that cause me to re-visit the brand, thank you.

[@ID-Guy]

Really appreciate the compliment Peter AND I got a suggestion to your channel for the Sinn 1.1 (added it to my watchlist) What an absolute beauty that model is with the coating... I really hope you keeping well brother and thank you for the well wishes (this bug has been a persistent one) 🥃

[@PeterKotsa]

@@ID-Guy you too brother, for both of us who NEEZD our voices, its been a real bummer thats for sure. Get well and stay well 🥃

[@atthelord]

I have to agree with you! I love the new NAVI and will get one next month. I tried the entire new collection at the boutique and my favourite is the 43mm black dial on a strap. I really prefer the older bracelets to the new ones. Would love to see a video on the Panerai Luminor Quaranta! (And off topic, you’re such a good looking bloke!)

[@ID-Guy]

The Navi's have never caught my eye (apart from the reissues like the 806 and 765) Maybe it's because the modern ones (to me at least) lacked the same kind of "character". But these new models are so sharp and to the point! Hopefully these will bring Breitling in a fresh audience. And thank you for the compliment, gotta say, the bug over the last few weeks has made me feel the opposite 😆 Appreciate it though and thank you for taking the time to watch the clip 🥃

[@krasnaludek298]

Good choice! 👍🏻

[@Ossory88]

Hey man, it's been a while since I checked in here. Glad to see the content is still stellar. All the best.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you brother! I really hope you're doing well and have a great start to your week! 🥃

[@kojiattwood]

Missed your videos, glad to hear you're feeling better!

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you Koji! Still not out of the woods yet (it seems) but feeling way better. I really hope you're keeping well brother 🥃

[@lawrenceh7182]

Another top video my friend, excellently executed and concisely summarised. 🥃

[@ID-Guy]

A pleasure as always Lawrence and thank you so much for taking the time to watch the clip! Have an excellent week 🥃

[@TheLumeRoom]

Brilliant video as usual! You'll never believe who's getting a new Navitimer for his big birthday in the coming weeks... 😁

[@ID-Guy]

Ah, I'm excited for you! Such a gem of a release and please share how your experience with the watch fares! Also, an early Happy Birthday 😉🥃

[@TheLumeRoom]

@@ID-Guy Cheers mate, I'll get a video up as soon as the time comes. 🍻

[@ID-Guy]

@@TheLumeRoom It's going to be brilliant! Have a great end to your Sunday 🍻

[@rezar6894]

Sorry to hear you had the virus, I’ve had it twice now and although the second time wasn’t too bad still got me. Glad you are doing better and another great review 👌🏼

[@ID-Guy]

It's been a pesky one too. Looks like this has settled now as a mild bronchitis (but I have all the meds on tap luckily) Thank you as always Reza and I'm glad the bug hasn't affected you after two knocks 🥃

[@AZadeh-nd8vx]

I like the new Navitimer but IMO, I think the best looking Navitimer was the A23322 with the Valjoux 7753 movement. It was 41.5mm, has a red tipped Chronograph second hand, the B wing logo and counter weight and a much more comfy bracelet as well. Plus it was all polished and just looked the business to me! The dial layout was better too

[@NintendoPlayBox360]

same here!

[@alvinmick218]

Great video! My two all time favorite versions of the navitimer are the Sinn 903 navitimer and the cosmonaute navitimer by breitling. The Sinn 903 has all the right specs and the cosmonaute has that awesome 24 hour dial. Thanks for doing this video. Continued speedy recovery wishes my friend

[@ID-Guy]

The 903 is getting so much love in the comments! Something tells me I need to get my hands on one... And those cosmonaute's, if I'm assuming correctly it's the model with the 24hr dial? Man, Breitling has made some standout chrono's over the years. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the clip as always Alvin and have a great start to your week! 🥃

[@alvinmick218]

@@ID-Guy Sinn just exudes so much quality and value in their pieces and I’m keeping my eyes on Fortis as I’ve read somewhere that they are working on their next generation of “space watches.”

[@alvinmick218]

They should really be something splendid!

[@steffenbaden-baden3723]

Bought my Navitimer in 1996 in 38mm (D33030), still love it. The new Generation is the first after my watch, that i consider buying. Would like something between 38 and 40mm but I‘m also fine with the 41mm version. Thx for that review.

[@ID-Guy]

That's great to hear an enthusiast can look at these models and see something special about them. Hopefully they'll be playing around with the colours of these smaller sizes in the future and include some of the more "traditional" dials instead of all the pastel colours. But it's my pleasure Steffen and thank you for taking the time to watch the clip! 🥃

[@dukeofpearl]

I’ve just bought the blue dial 46 Navitimer. Being a big guy I like more of a large dial. The new bracelet being half polished and half not really stands out. The b01 movement is unquestionably brilliant! The logo is to my taste…it’s a staggering watch. This is my second Breitling. And I swore I’d never buy another. But seeing what was on offer here, I just had to jump in! Great watch! Nice work Breitling! 👍🙏🏻

[@FreshlySnipes]

I just picked up the exact same watch. Cheers 🍻

[@dazlarg]

I tried this in the metal today.. and it’s stunning , and you’re right it is so so recognisable from across the room.. it’s an head turner.

[@anthonysmith2982]

Two uploads in two days? That is a treat! Thanks mate. Your dedication is appreciated. When it's 'right' the Navitimer is one of *the* great watches. When it's not, well... Despite the coverage this newest iteration is getting I haven’t paid much attention - the date at 6 is welcome, the dial *needs* a winged logo and does not need an ornamental B on the seconds hand. At first look I’m thinking Navitimer Lite! The 806 re-issue was on the money but my love goes to the 809 Cosmonaute. I’m into chronographs, I love a 24hr dial. The Scott Carpenter story is as good as any other watch story and that orderly clutter, the legible mess - whatever it is - it just works. The 41mm size is perfect too, at least on my wrist. It has that purposeful, toolish elegance that we rarely see in todays beefier, shinier offerings; it's all very appealing to me. I like a lot of what Brietling are doing but *would* like to see them slim down and tighten up the range and price the Top-Time line as an entré into the brand as they did in the before times, but perhaps that's my own financial status talking!!

[@ID-Guy]

I've gotta make up for the 2 weeks of nothing somehow, right? 😉 It's so interesting to know that in this one situation, Navitimer owners actually yearn for that complexity on the dials (makes sense since they were like mini-computers back then) And the 24hr dials on those Cosmonautes are incredible - probably WAY too niche to todays clientelle. But I'm with you, the '59 806 reissue would be my first choice. Navi's deserve to be technical. Ditto about the prices and thank you as always Anthony. Great feedback on these machines! Have a super week 🥃

[@anthonystevens8683]

This new version of the Navitimer is much cleaner than the old one and from my view at least has the date position where it needs to be if you need the date complication. One for me to look out for once it's been around for a while. Certainly Breitling look to be back on an upward trajectory over the last year or so. I can understand the push away from the red chronograph second second hand as my old Speedy looks even cleaner using white hands. I think it would be good to have the chronograph hands differentiated by colour from the normal time hands similar to what Omega did with the old non wavy dial modified Valjoux Seamaster chronograph. This new version is close to a winner in my humble opinion.

[@ID-Guy]

It's crazy what a few small tweaks can do to a model as significant as the Navitimer, I'm sure it's going to be a banging piece (especially for the new time buyers interested in the brand) 🥃

[@raylang339]

It's nice to see that you dressed up for this video.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you for the work you put into this video.

[@keithlos1497]

Another cracking and objective review of this modern interpretation. Well done. Like yourself..the first Navitimer I want to own.

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a million for taking the time to watch the clip Keith! Have a great start to your week!

[@fayimmohammed5435]

Get well soon mate🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you Fayim! Looks like its transformed into a mild bronchitis over the weekend (but I've got the meds to sort it out) Thanks a ton for the well wishes brother and I hope you're keeping well 🥃

[@dr_bertlemann]

Indeed Breitling made many things right from a design evolution perspective. I really like tidyness of the watch compared to previous versions. However, I get the B01 in a BB Chrono with a better water resistance at a substantial 'discount'. The only thing.....need to wait another 6-8 months..... according to my AD. Loving your videos, very well summarizing the key features.

[@ID-Guy]

You'd think that by now they'd be able to throw a few gaskets behind the chrono pushers to keep them watertight... But hey! They're keeping with tradition 😆 And thank you MBE, I really enjoyed putting this one together (besides the struggling to talk parts) 🥃

[@everyday2324]

I love the logo with wings and anchor! It's so beautiful and strong at the same Time

[@snookeredinbc6017]

Got mine, 41 blue with black sub dials on bracelet. My first Breitling and loving it

[@garybunting3035]

Love the blue panda dial......im guessing there will be a wait list for that version 💙💙

[@ID-Guy]

These will definitely be one of the most sought after (how could it not?) 😉

[@wkdsid]

Word on street is that these are selling very very well so far, appealing to a broader audience while also keeping the most important Navi heritage intact

[@aDocandhisWatch]

Great video as always!! My favorite is the 806 Reissue Navitimer but these new ones are great (probably because they “borrow” from the esthetics of the 806) 👍🏻

[@ID-Guy]

That 806... I so wish they made them a part of their permanent collection (it just seems like a no-brainer) It's simply gorgeous! 🥃

[@aDocandhisWatch]

@@ID-Guy Agree!! Gorgeous watch 🙌🏻 thanks for the reply

[@abcdLeeXY]

Purchased the copper dial 43mm several weeks back and I still can’t get over how radiant and elegant the dial is. The deployment alligator strap is the best. My only gripe with it is the terrible box that it came with.

[@jmbaug1229]

The ice blue 💙 panda dial is absolutely 🔥

[@ID-Guy]

It looks incredible... Really give the Platinum Daytona a run for its money (for about 1/40th of a price) 😉

[@robertsullivan4773]

Have two a limited edition montbrilant with the first B01 in it in mercury sliver very fancy, and the reissued 806. I haven't seen this new interpretation yet in person but from what you have shown it makes me want to go check it out. Personally I own 5 Breitlings and just don't get caught up with the logo debates.

[@ID-Guy]

That 806 reissue is something else (huge congrats managing to secure one!) and the community feedback around these pieces are so divided its very interesting to say the least. Die-hards from both ends are either praising or condemning them 😆🥃

[@georgehave]

They did a wonderful job. Functional and simple. I used a slide rule in college.😱 Probably not a function many wearers will use.

[@ID-Guy]

I missed out on the slide rule by a few years but my folks used them a lot! Gotta be one of the most useless features to have on a watch today 😆 But these new Navi's are gems. I really hope they bring in an entirely new audience for Breitling 🥃

[@Chris-4i2]

The 30-metre water resistance is a deal killer

[@pedromanuellopez142]

I'd be interested in your opinion of the Sinn 903, which is basically a 1:1 Sinn Version of the Navitimer in a 41mm case. It is an often overlooked piece of trivia that Helmut Sinn paid Willy Breitling for the right to make a Sinn Version when Breitling was struggling financially.

[@ID-Guy]

It's got a helluva cool story, right? It would be fun to tackle the 903 one day (I think I've mentioned it once in a Sinn video back in the day) more to the point, I need to make more Sinn videos in general... Great suggestion on this Pedro! Thank you brother 🥃

[@pedromanuellopez142]

@@ID-Guy You are doing fine, I really like your unpretentious, knowledgeable take on things, keep it coming!

[@ID-Guy]

@@pedromanuellopez142 That really means a lot Pedro, thank you sir 🍻

[@pedromanuellopez142]

@@ID-Guy wild to imagine the two founders of their own brands making a deal, kind of like two kids trading match box, or hot wheels cars. No conglomerates, no armadas of lawyers, just two guys meeting.

[@watchfred3865]

Sinn NEVER paid anything to Willy Breitling - and had no rights to anything.

[@johnhebert3855]

Finally, a Navitimer model good for actual inflight use. Who would have thought?

[@neelsengupta662]

Excellent review! I love the navitimer but will never own one as I see so many out in the wild! I'd rather own a Tudor with the rose logo

[@ID-Guy]

Appreciate it as always Neel, thank you brother. Sigh... and don't we all wish those Rose logo models were still a thing? Have a great week! 🥃

[@neelsengupta662]

@@ID-Guy 🥃🥃🥃

[@skzion2]

Very interesting. It is always helpful if you give the exact model number, however. You're beating the Rona handily.

[@XiaoqiuQIU]

The date at 6 in itself might work, but a cutout in a sub dial looks odd and makes it look like the Speedy Reduced, which always looks "reduced" compared to the Speedy Pro because of that date window and the larger font breaks the uniformity and consistency of the subdials. The Zenith setup of blending the date into the hour markers and put it at 4:30 looks better.

[@admiralcraddock464]

As much as i like the new ones i must say a prefer the pre '16 ones; i like the busy looking dial and the date at 4 o'clock. However, I'm glad Breitling are not resting on their laurels

[@swampThaang]

More relevant than the location of the date window... is its increased size and legibility. Also, at least the previous iteration, is very harsh to operate. Would like to see the pushers/winder still crisp but smoother.

[@ID-Guy]

The legibility! Great shout. I'm really looking forward to my next trip out to the AD to see these in the flesh, I wonder if they've tweaked these B01 movements at all? 🥃

[@stephengarratt8027]

Have to agree these latest batch of Navitimer of Brietling are fantastic with the new movement. What are your thoughts on the Sinn 903 which is a historic piece in its own right?

[@ID-Guy]

The 903 will get a video one of these days! It has one of the quirkiest stories out there. Design wise, I'm not too much of a fan of a central "12" at the top of the dial BUT the proportions are so neat and tidy (plus it makes for such good banter) 😉

[@brysoga]

Love the ice blue. I could spend a lot of money at Breitling if I had it.

[@HarshanGamage]

Everything with the new Navi is nice, but they got to bring back the winged B logo. After all AOPA logo is not the breitling logo. Winged logo with the counter weight B is the way to go!

[@Treetopflyer777]

I’ve been a HUGE navitimer fan for over 30 years. I’ve had many. In my opinion they’ve completely F’ed it up. The navitimer has been the “submariner” of the Breitling line. It’s what has defined Breitling for 60+ years. Can you imagine Rolex changing the sub this extensively? Or offering it in candy colours?? The sub is an ICON because Rolex keeps its perfection essentially unchanged. Breitling has committed itself to being a shopping mall brand now because it is constantly following trends. Now it’s gone and messed with it’s one and only true icon. I just sold my 2015 navitimer sadly. Boy do I regret that. Last of the best.

[@ID-Guy]

It is pretty mad when we think about how "consistency" seems to be the underlying that keeps a watch design relevant. Another example is the SMP300 which has some odd design decisions (always has) BUT because it's been around for 25+ years and has a strong "Bond" (glorious pun) with those who've always had them, it moves from strength to strength. Totally understand what you mean about the trend following and trying to remain relevant. Maybe it's just me (as someone who isn't that well versed with the Navi) that I find this model kinda fresh after the minor neutering 😆

[@Treetopflyer777]

@@ID-Guy seeing as the navitimer (and every other Breitling watch) constantly gets changed and has so many different variations, the least they could have done was kept a Navitimer “heritage” or something along those lines and had at least one consistent version of the Navitimer that is old school and stays old-school. Or keep them navitimer line old school and have a couple of new “modern“ versions of it. Man this design really triggers me. I better call up my therapist…lol. Can I send the bill to Kern?🤣

[@ID-Guy]

@@Treetopflyer777 Why they haven't made an 806 / 809 and kept it as a part of their line also makes me scratch my head. Why make such a beautiful watch as a Limited Edition? I'm pretty sure if we all had the money available and an infinite number of those on the shelves we'd all be going after them, right? The decisions made sometimes with brands and their novelties 😆

[@Treetopflyer777]

@@ID-Guy exactly. It’s a big shock I know but I think it’s all about maximizing profits. Period. Especially with Breitling’s new owners.

[@ID-Guy]

@@Treetopflyer777 All about those sales figures (It's terrible when it starts affecting the product line) 🥃

[@mod.life.crisis2964]

I don’t like the fact that they ditched the time conversion scale from the dial.

[@ID-Guy]

Blame it on the bug (or call me novice) But I didn't even notice this scale had disappeared until it was brought to my attention 😆

[@ID-Guy]

IDGuy Store: teespring.com/stores/the-idguy-store Channel Support - Patreon: www.patreon.com/idguy Latest Releases: kzbin.info/door/zf6rqsEBni5G2TSevD6F4Afeatured Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/id.guy/

[@jwdepriest]

I like the look, but this logo version looks like either an “open book” or those birds you paint when you first learn how to paint. I prefer the winged B… Also, maybe consider slowing the B roll down a bit.

[@ID-Guy]

That's EXACTLY how I saw the AOPA logo originally, like an "open book" - That's hilarious 😆 And I will in the future, some of the clips in this one were very sporadic (blame it on the bug)

[@michaelriera6277]

Agree 100%

[@LORENIFFT68]

Love your take but one suggestion. During photo/video clip montages, there are way, way too many fast short clips and it bothers my eyes. PLEASE slow it down to more than 2 seconds for each at least!!!

[@uwe7445]

I love the Navitimer and thus I am not objective. Maybe there are better watches at this price point, but for me it is one of the most desireable ones. The only area of improvement that I see is the poor water resistance. I would like to see 100m - is this really such a technical challenge? Other brands like IWC do have watches in their assortment that deliver this specification. BR Uwe

[@jameshoward9700]

Nice one - really interesting critique. I like a a classic Navi, but the modern iterations leave me cold. They move in the right direction, but for me, still lacking - neither tool nor dress, neither tech, nor elegant, but never versatile; a thin line masterfully trod by the Speedy. I agree with your detailed points - red seconds, 6 o'clock date, dial text, but I think the slide rule just looks bland and generic now - not enough scales and numbers, that defined the Navi. This should be more than 'just' a chrono. Then the messy release itself - all those sizes, all those colours: too much dilution. It just leaves must people wanting X colour in Y size and complaining that the 'right' combo is missing. The release should just have been 1 model, 1 size (black, 43mm), then dripped in the variation later. As for sizes, 46mm? Really? Party like its '08!

[@ID-Guy]

It says "we know what we're doing" when a brand can drop one model in one size, you're right. It's interesting to see the contention with these new models. Many are saying that they'd actually prefer that complexity on the dials (and removing elements like the slide rule would turn it into something completely generic) It's a hard line to follow with these machines and maybe they've bitten off more than they can chew 😆 Thanks as always James. Have a great start to your week!

[@jameshoward9700]

@@ID-Guy And you, buddy! As ever, I think there's room for a more serious (austere?), Pro line and a more jazzed up version. Breitling needs a bit of 'serious.' The Speedmaster line typifies this well with a classic, 'Pro' model and many bigger, smaller, more colourful diffusions. But then Omega fail to do it with their Seamasters, as we've discussed before!!!

[@ID-Guy]

@@jameshoward9700 Well said, there is a more "casual" look to these Navi's (I like the Departure Lounge analogy) 😉

[@lukepullen3765]

I’ve always seen Breitling as an ‘old mans’ watch and still very hard to see past that for me even though I’m a fan of this new iteration.

[@ID-Guy]

It had such an amazing reputation as a "dad's watch" through the 90's and early 2000's. Pretty crazy how brands develop those kinds of stigmas, right? When in doubt look at the reissues (there are some awesome, awesome designs they offer) 🥃

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@MK II LOL

[@chrisstevenson2622]

How come you don’t review micro brands??

[@WatchmanNiel]

Every boy knows that Breitling NEEDS a winged logo, it is what gives it the masculine bad-boy presence in the first place! Also, if it wants to be in the big boy league, it needs 100m water resistance. That’s when I’ll bite.

[@ID-Guy]

You'd think that today the water resistance would be sorted out with these models. A simple gasket behind the pushers. Well hey, at least they're keeping with traditional 😆

[@watchfred3865]

@@ID-Guy it has absolutely nothing to do with the pushers, these could be adapted to 20ATM/200M easily. The design concept of the "classic" Navitimer needs the crystal to rotate with sliderule AND crystal to be functional as a sliderule "Flight Computer". Setting crowns like others have designed turn the sliderule into pure decoration, the Navitimer loses its functionality to calculate complex operations in seconds, something Breitling couldn't do. A fully waterproof AND functional toolwatch Navitimer would need a geared bezel that rotates an inner sliderule under the fixed crystal, this adds about 2.5mm to the bezel width, 5mm to the watch diameter - and the Navitimer loses its classic design.

[@johnbalian874]

Hi

[@ID-Guy]

Nice to have you John 🥃

[@gelmibson883]

Woo! I wouldn't throw my Rolex in a spaghetti bowl for that!

[@ID-Guy]

Well hey, you've got your Superocean 😉

[@mrk131324]

Well, if they have, they are late to the game. Sinn has perfected the Navitimer since decades under the name 903. That‘s the original Navitimer while the Breitling is just a remake/homage (sound wrong, but it‘s true, look it up)y

[@NintendoPlayBox360]

To me it seems that the current Breitling tries to pay homage to its roots from the 50s and 60s, which works great for many models. For the Navitimer and other pilot watches however, it seems to me that the Schnider era was the golden age when it came to their design language. And it seems to me that the current Breitling is almost trying to ignore and erase this era. The winged B logo is iconic and was pretty much the best in the whole industry. Now they are actively removing it from their lineup. The AOPA logo is ok, but it does feel like a downgrade. For me, when it comes to a basic Navitimer, the best "modern" references are the A23322 (the last of the Valjoux generation) and the AB0127 (first gen B01 with the applied winged logo). The current gen is good, but I would still prefer one of the aforementioned. And that is where my money went recently, altho I could have picked up a 41mm of the current gen. I hope Breitling stops ignoring its recent history and starts appreciating it just as much as they appreciate its more vintage designs.

[@johnhebert3855]

Yes, and I don't care about the logo(s).

[@nigelwest3430]

Looks far too simplified for me, I love the look of my old 2006 model

[@skzion2]

I have to admit that your analysrs have a much more persuasive effect on me than any other channel. The reason is that you are selective in what your cover and precise in your discussion. The usual influencer BS leaves me cold.

[@ID-Guy]

Is it sad to say that that's the reason why I barely ever watch videos on YT around watches (save a handful of channels?) - So few have any inkling about structure 😆 I really appreciate it brother, thank you for the compliment 🥃

[@TaffytheGreyhound]

the water rating is a joke sadly, dealbreaker for me.

[@TheCameltotem]

They ruined so much on it.. Brushed steel? We toolwatch now eh? Subdials no longer silver and worse font. Outer ring is flat. Bezel is just horrible. Atleast they made it thinner..

[@ID-Guy]

I'm definitely a novice with Navitimers 😆 Thanks for point all of these elements out brother 🥃

[@WIS7802]

From your comment I am absolutely sure that you have not seen the new navitimer irl

[@TheCameltotem]

@@WIS7802 I've seen it irl too. I've spent way too much time debating over different navitimers when I bought mine so I can see some big differences in my eye. The new one is obviously great looking to but I feel some of the changes are worse.

[@WIS7802]

@@TheCameltotem if you have put it on the wrist and you still prefer the previous one I can not insist and your opinion is completely respected. Personally when I had seen them side by side with the previous navitimer b01 (with the wings) the new one, it seemed totally a different level. The thinnest brushed case, the aopa logo (like in the first navitimers) but this time applied, the smallest angle of the slide rule, the removal of the tachymeter (like in the first cosmonaut of 62) and the simplified dial ,the date at 6 (like in the first navitimers with a date, the navitimer chronomatic of 69) which in my opinion is the perfect position for a date ,the big subdials (like the big eyes navitimer of 68), the amazing domed crystal ,the new rotor, the new bracelet ,the colours…Incredible watch. They took the best features of the navitimers all these 70 years and created the best navitimer of all time imho . Even better and compared with the 806/7806 I dare to say. PS: And i am a huge fan of the previous navitimer b01 which was, until the presentation of the new one, my favorite watch . 😀

[@TheCameltotem]

@@WIS7802 You make good arguments and I can tell you know your history of the Navitimer. I agree there is a lot of nods back to the historic Navitimers and there will always be different thoughts on this. I do really like that they brought back the AOPA logo , im conflicted about the date at 6, it adds for a more clean dial. Personally I think the big subdials do look a bit lost on the dial but yes I respect the nod back to the previous ones. All in all, its a brave move and it makes sense from a historic standpoint. I must reccomend you the Navitimer book that was just released, it really has EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know about the Navitimer. Its called Navitimer Story: The Epic Saga of The Breitling Chronograph

[@ps3301]

Buy sinn navitimer. It is a superior model.

[@WIS7802]

😂😂😂

[@Odat]

Lol have you compared the finishing and quality of both watches. The Navitimer is superior in quality. I had both and I know!.