Breitling and Charlize Theron celebrate the release of new Navitimer models in 36 and 32mm

A jewel-like take on the iconic design

Initially created in 1952 as a utilitarian tool for pilots, the Breitling Navitimer has, over the last 70 years, become one of the truly iconic watch designs. It’s also, like all icons, evolved beyond its original mandate into something more. The new Navitimer models in 36 and 32mm are a great example of this.

Breitling has just unveiled a swathe of new smaller-sized models made with women’s wrists in mind. To go along with the release, Breitling has enlisted the power of Charlize Theron in a brand new campaign — NAVITIMER – FOR THE JOURNEY — as part of an intimate series told by Breitling’s brand ambassadors in their own words. Theron, the face of the new Navitimer 36 and 32 models, explains, “My journey has been about learning that I’m braver than I think I am,” says Theron. “I don’t want to take a role that doesn’t keep me up at night or leave me sitting in my trailer panicked an hour before I have to go out and perform. That’s the beauty of this path I’m on: the unknown. It’s that one day you get a call that changes your whole life.”

The new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36

Breitling has released five versions of the new Navitimer Automatic 36, three in steel, one bi-metal and one in full gold. Size-wise, we’re obviously talking about a 36mm case, and it sits 11.42mm high on the wrist, and the movement in question is the Breitling Caliber 17, their version of the iconic 2824.

The steel models come in mint green, silver or anthracite options, with a matching strap option or the instantly recognisable seven-link bracelet that is synonymous with the Navitimer.

The two-tone model is (obviously) cased in steel and red gold — it’s offered on leather too, but really, you want this watch on the bi-metal bracelet. The bezel is also in red gold, and the dial is mother-of-pearl with lab-grown diamonds. Finally, the full gold model is cased in 18 k red gold, which is made with traceable gold from Swiss Better Gold Association accredited mines. The dial, like the two-tone, is mother-of-pearl and grown diamonds.

The new Breitling Navitimer Automatic 32

 

Much like the slightly larger 36, the new Navitimer Automatic 32 offers a stripped-back version of the classic chronograph. Here the slide rule has been omitted, a concession to the petite case dimensions. Additionally, this watch is powered by a quartz calibre. Aside from that, there are plenty of distinguishing Breitling features at play: the coin-edge bezel, the bracelet, the handset. In steel, we’re treated to three new variants, all with mother-of-pearl dials. One is plain white, but the standouts are the soft blue and dusky pink numbers. No matter which color you prefer, lab-grown diamonds will play a part.

There are also precious options: a two-tone model with a white dial offered on a bracelet or leather strap, as well as a solid gold number. As with the larger version, all the precious metal is Swiss Better Gold Association accredited.

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36

Movement: Breitling Caliber 17, automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Case: 36 x 11.42mm, steel

Dial: Mint green, silver or anthracite, White mother-of-pearl with lab-grown diamonds on bi-metal version

Strap: Steel bracelet, steel and gold bracelet (for the bi-metal watch) or color-matched alligator leather

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36 Origins

Movement: Breitling Caliber 17, automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Case: 36 x 11.42mm, red gold made with traceable gold from Swiss Better Gold Association accredited mines

Dial: White mother-of-pearl with lab-grown diamonds

Strap: 18 k red gold bracelet or brown alligator leather

Breitling Navitimer 32

Movement: Breitling Caliber 77, quartz

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Case: 32 x 8mm, stainless steel, one version in steel and red gold

Dial: Pink, white or light-blue mother-of-pearl with lab-grown diamonds

Strap: Steel bracelet, steel and gold bracelet (for the bi-metal watch) or color-matched alligator leather

Breitling Navitimer 32 Origins

Movement: Breitling Caliber 77, quartz

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Case: 32 x 8mm, red gold made with traceable gold from Swiss Better Gold Association accredited mines

Dial: White mother-of-pearl with lab-grown diamonds

Strap: 18 k red gold bracelet or brown alligator leather