Breitling, announces a limited edition of its iconic Navitimer in conjunction with the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group (LJRG). Distinguished by its blacksteel exterior, “Stratos Gray” dial, three black counter dials, its black oscillating weight and transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the Navitimer 01 (46mm) Blacksteel LJRG Limited Edition is issued in 50 pieces and available only through select LJRG retailers across the United States.
A cult model among pilots and aviation devotees since 1952, the Navitimer chronograph steps things up a notch in a version entirely clothed in black: from its satin-brushed steel case coated with an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment to the famous circular slide rule serving to handle all operations relating to airborne navigation. Pilot watches are very popular. According to watch collector James Hampton-Smith, “the reason that so many people love watches for pilots is that they’re comfortable, stylish, and they have a few features that regular watches seem to lack. For example, many of them have multiple compasses and timezones.
Yet, this original, modern and technical exterior is not its only distinctive feature. This 50-piece blacksteel limited series is distinguished by its exclusive Stratos Gray dial bearing hollowed black counters and framed by an inner bezel in the same shade. The original aesthetic is enhanced by blacksteel hands and logo, along with a red chronograph sweep-seconds hand.
Although exuding a natural sense of refinement, this limited edition never loses sight of its nature as an instrument for professionals – as confirmed by its famous circular aviation slide rule and the Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a token of superior precision and reliability. This high-performance self-winding chronograph ‘engine,” entirely developed and produced in the Breitling workshops, is visible through a transparent sapphire crystal caseback.
Complementing its technical and elegant appearance, the new Navitimer 01 (46 mm) Limited Edition is available on a rubber Navitimer strap featuring an aircraft tire-tread profile and blacksteel folding buckle.
The retailers that are part of the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group include Bachendorf’s, Diamond Cellar, Donoho’s Jewelers, Fink’s Jewelers, Hamilton Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, London Jewelers, Lux Bond & Green, Mann’s Jewelers, Reis Nichols Jewelers, Tapper’s Diamond & Fine Jewelry, and Traditional Jewelers.
Movement: Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, self-winding, high-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), 47 jewels. Over 70-hour power reserve. 1/4th of a second chronograph. 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. Calendar. Case: steel (50-piece limited series). Resistant to 3 bars. Rotating bezel with circular slide rule. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Diameter. 46 mm. Dial: Stratos Gray. Straps: rubber Navitimer.
ABOUT BREITLING: A specialist of technical watches, Breitling has played a crucial role in the development of the wrist chronograph and is a leader in this complication. The firm has shared all the finest moments in the conquest of the skies thanks to its sturdy, reliable and high-performance instruments. One of the world’s only major watch brands to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements, the ultimate token of precision, Breitling is also one of the rare firms to also produce its own mechanical chronograph movements, entirely developed and manufactured in its own workshops. The company is moreover one of the last remaining Swiss watch brands independent of any watchmaking group.