A jewel-like take on the iconic design
The new Breitling Navitimer 36 and 32mm
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 Navitimer 32_Ref. A77320D91K1A1
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 Navitimer Automatic 36_Ref. A17327361L1P1
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.
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36_Ref. A17327361L1P1, Ref. A17327361L1A1
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.
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36_Ref. A17327211G1P1, Ref.A17327211G1A1
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36_Ref. A17327381B1P1, Ref. A17327381B1A1
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.
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36_Ref. U17327211A1P1, Ref.U17327211A1U1
Breitling Navitimer 32_Ref. U77320E61A1U1_RGB
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.
Breitling Navitimer 32_Ref. A77320D91K1A1
Breitling Navitimer 32_Ref. A77320D91K1A1, Ref. A77320D91K1P1
Breitling Navitimer 32_Ref. A77320171C1P1, Ref. A77320171C1A1
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 36Movement: 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 OriginsMovement: 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 32Movement: 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 OriginsMovement: 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