Basel 2018: Breitling’s Legendary Future

Breitling’s cards are well and out on the table ahead of press day, with four lines of watches announced for Baselworld 2018. These are the Navitimer Super 8, Navitimer 1, Superocean Héritage II and Chronomat B01, which all make reference to Breitling’s past, while affirming a coming back to their utilitarian roots.

The Breitling Navitimer Super 8

Breitling Reference 637. (PPR/Breitling)

Navitimer Super 8 in titanium with Military green dial and brown Nato leather strap. (PPR/Breitling)

The Navitimer Super 8 is a watch that takes inspiration from a stopwatch designed by the Huit Aviation Department during the Second World War, intended for use by bomber pilots and crew. This was the reference 637, which for the best usability and readability while on the job, had to be worn on the thigh.

At 46mm, the 2018 Navitimer Super 8 is easy enough to wear on the wrist. But in homage to the stopwatch it takes after, the Navitimer Super 8 has a pronounced crown.

Navitimer 1 Automatic 38

Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 with blue dial and blue alligator leather strap

Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 with a black dial and black alligator leather strap

Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 in steel & gold with silver dial and brown alligator leather strap

The Automatic 38 is a 3-hand Navitimer, inspired by Breitling’s own 1950s Reference 66, which was the first three-handed Navitimer.

The great thing with the 2018 version, of course, is that at 38mm it’s a great option for those who wanted Breitling’s slide rule on a smaller form factor.

Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph

Navitimer 1 Chronograph 41 in steel gold with black dial and black leather strap

Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 in 18 k red gold with blue dial and black alligator leather strap

Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46 in 18 k red gold with silver dial and brown alligator leather strap

Up next is the Navitimer, that we’re a little more accustom to. Except that for 2018, Breitling has created the watch in three different case sizes: 46mm, 43mm and 41mm. Again, with the mindset to offer size options for anyone on the market looking to buy a Navitimer.

For both the 46 and 43mm variations, Breitling’s used the Manufacture Caliber 01. Whereas for the 41, the Caliber 13 was used. This is why we see that the dial configuration is quite different on the 41mm.

Superocean Héritage II

Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 with back dial and Ocean Classic steel bracelet

Superocean Heritage II B01 Chronograph 44 with silver dial and black Aero Classic rubber strap

Superocean Heritage II B20 Automatic 44 with back dial and black Aero Classic rubber strap

Superocean Heritage II B20 Automatic 42 in steel and gold with black dial and black Aero Classic rubber strap

The Superocean Héritage II collection in essence has two new additions. The first is a 44mm chronograph that has been rendered in a bevy of case and dial color combinations, powered by the Manufacture Caliber 01.

The second is a time only version of the same spirit, again in 44mm. Only exception being that with the stainless steel and gold instance, there is also a 42mm option. The movement used for these is the Manufacture Caliber B20 that we learned of at Baselworld 2017 to be based of the Tudor MT5612 movement.

Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44

Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44 with Blackeye Blue dial and Pilot stainless steel bracelet. (PPR/Breitling)

Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44 with Blackeye Gray dial and Pilot stainless steel bracelet. (PPR/Breitling)

Last but not least on the list is the Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44, in a 44mm brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, powered by once again the Manufacture Caliber 01 chronograph movement.

The two dial color renditions on the watch is what Breitling has called Blackeye gray and Blackeye blue.