On September 6 at a star-studded party hosted by CEO Georges Kern at New York City’s Classic Car Club, Breitling unveiled a spectacular collection of its iconic Navitimer watches in two new, more slender sizes.
Featuring captivating mother-of-pearl dials, traceable red gold, and eco-conscious lab-grown diamonds, the Navitimer 36 and Navitimer 32 made their grand entrance with the enchanting presence of actress, philanthropist, and brand ambassador Charlize Theron.
The Navitimer, born in 1952 as a pilot’s tool, has transcended its origins to become one of the most iconic and coveted timepieces in history. Often referred to as one of the greatest watches ever made, it has traditionally been on the larger side. The introduction of the 36mm and 32mm versions caters perfectly to those who appreciate the charm of a smaller-diameter watch.
These new iterations feature pops of pastel shades and the distinctive beaded bezel of the Navitimer, creating timepieces with a jewellery-like allure. This infusion of elegance makes the legendary navigational watch a versatile companion for any journey.
The launch campaign, titled Navitimer – For the Journey, kicks off a series of short films featuring Breitling’s brand ambassadors sharing their stories in their own words. The lead role in this captivating film is played by Oscar-winning actor Charlize Theron, who recounts her personal journey from remote South Africa to Hollywood’s international A-list.
Mr Kern aptly describes the Navitimer’s recognition factor, stating: “You can spot someone from across a room and know they are wearing a Navitimer. It’s just that recognisable. Charlize Theron so wonderfully represents this line because she too is an icon known the world over for her strength, beauty, talent, and powerful journey.”
Navitimer 36 – A Gem in Time
The Navitimer 36 retains the iconic beaded bezel and circular slide-rule, which has been a favourite tool for pilots. It is now available in three chic metallic dial colours (mint green, silver, and anthracite) with baton indexes, or with a white mother-of-pearl dial embellished with round-cut “better diamonds”.
In line with Breitling’s commitment to sustainability, these diamonds are lab-grown and traceable to accredited producers adhering to the SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Diamonds Standard. The gold used in the collection is equally ethical, sourced from artisanal and small-scale mines meeting the Swiss Better Gold Association’s social and environmental criteria.
All watches featuring better gold, better diamonds, or both, carry the Origins label, signifying the integrity of their precious materials.
The Navitimer 36 is available in steel, two-tone steel and gold, or full-gold configurations, accompanied by a seven-row bracelet with a folding clasp or a green, Bordeaux, or anthracite alligator leather strap with a folding buckle.
Navitimer 32 – Elegance in Simplicity
The Navitimer 32 offers a refreshing take on the classic aviation watch by simplifying the dial design and forgoing the slide-rule. This charming timepiece boasts mother-of-pearl dials in powdery pink, baby-blue, and billowy white.
As with its larger counterpart, the Navitimer 32 features better diamonds throughout the range and better gold in the full-gold model. It is available with a seven-row bracelet and folding clasp or an alligator-leather strap with a folding buckle in pink, Bordeaux, or blue.
The new watches feature both mechanical and quartz movements. The Navitimer 36 is powered by the self-winding Breitling Calibre 17, while the Navitimer 32 boasts the Breitling Calibre 77 SuperQuartz movement, known for its extended battery life of 3-4 years. Both calibers are COSC-certified for precision.
In celebration of its 70-year history, the Navitimer has formed its own ‘Squad,’ featuring prominent figures like basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, dancer Misty Copeland, aviator Bertrand Piccard, and Charlize Theron, who serves as the face of the new models. Each member of the Navitimer Squad shares their unique journey in a series of films.
Charlize Theron reflects on her journey, saying, “My journey has always been about being up for any challenge. I traveled from South Africa to Los Angeles when I was quite young, and both that physical journey and the journey of being open-minded and ready for new experiences has served me well personally and professionally.”
In store now, prices range from £3,400 to £27,000.
