NWA: A Grail!! Breitling Navitimer B01
I finally got it! Way earlier into my life than I thought I would!
A few weeks ago I made a poll comparing two watches: the Tudor Black Bay Chrono and the Breitling Navitimer. I did so because a few weeks before that, I found a post of fellow Pinoy/Korean enthusiast @hyochan selling his Navi, so I asked if he would accept a trade instead.
He agreed, and it's finally here!
The watch came with its original black strap, albeit very aged and in my opinion too worn out to wear, and a replacement brown strap, also from Breitling. I decided to place it on a black leather strap from my Breitling Avenger, and it matches well 💯
In my line of work, I get to meet a lot of people in my job. I have grown accustomed to seeing clients and their fancy watches. What struck me back when I was just starting out was when I saw a client who wore this weird, BUSY looking watch that blinded me with it's bling. I had to ask him what it was.
This watch enamoured me because it stood out. I talk to clients who wear Cartier, Rolex, Grand Seiko, Patek, and for some reason, the Navi stood out from all of those. I ended up researching its history and decided to make it my grail.
It was sad to see the Tudor go, but I know it will be in good hands. Thank you again sir @hyochan for this trade. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by :)
Very nice Lance! Congratulations on your grail! Enjoy Pare. 😎
Thanks bro! I am enjoying the tudor panda too! Hope both of us will enjoy the timepieces!
Congrats on your grail. Love the Navitimer.
Excellent choice. Very cool piece.
Very cool!
Looks great!!
I have been a fan of the brand since my first Chronomat purchased from the same agent who sold to me my first AP Perpetual Calendar moonphase in the late 1980s, during a family vacation in Kowloon, I was encouraged to apply that first Breitling in trade towards a gently worn PP perpetual moonphase. More than 30 years later, I still remain nostalgic about that first Breitling, while my Patek sits in a bank box to be sold or passed along to a daughter should one of my progeny wish to own it. Our older daughter happily wears one of my fully serviced Chronomats that she and I bought together when she was in elementary school. My younger daughter waits somewhat impatiently for one of my other Breitlings. Obviously there are superior brands, more popular, holds value, etc etc but in this absurd hobby, my family chooses to wear watches that are emotional, personal. My 10 year old Navitimer 1461 is fitted to the original brown croco strap from the ad, the fact it is attached to a folding clasp generates little wear on the pricy OEM straps, a suggestion from one Breitling fan to another.
I have been a fan of the brand since my first Chronomat purchased from the same agent who sold to me my first AP Perpetual Calendar moonphase in the late 1980s, during a family vacation in Kowloon, I was encouraged to apply that first Breitling in trade towards a gently worn PP perpetual moonphase. More than 30 years later, I still remain nostalgic about that first Breitling, while my Patek sits in a bank box to be sold or passed along to a daughter should one of my progeny wish to own it. Our older daughter happily wears one of my fully serviced Chronomats that she and I bought together when she was in elementary school. My younger daughter waits somewhat impatiently for one of my other Breitlings. Obviously there are superior brands, more popular, holds value, etc etc but in this absurd hobby, my family chooses to wear watches that are emotional, personal. My 10 year old Navitimer 1461 is fitted to the original brown croco strap from the ad, the fact it is attached to a folding clasp generates little wear on the pricy OEM straps, a suggestion from one Breitling fan to another.
Thank you for sharing. It's amazing to see stories like this come out of the watch hobby. I am curious to see what those chronomats and your Navitimer look like today after all that time!
I will also keep what you said regarding straps in mind. 💯
Congratulations, the Navitimer is an awesome watch. For me it is the quintessential pilots watch and I love the busy dial 👌 Mine says hi 👋
Wow !
I am considering to add a Navitimer to the collection, maybe by the end of the year. I would go for a classic reverse panda like yours, but I am not sure about the size (41 and 43). Love its vintage aesthetics. 😊
Nice does this have the B01 movement in it?
Thank you for sharing. It's amazing to see stories like this come out of the watch hobby. I am curious to see what those chronomats and your Navitimer look like today after all that time!
I will also keep what you said regarding straps in mind. 💯
Hi! If you check my profile, there are quite a few of my Breitlings pictured. Some of my older watches are on the wrists of my daughters and a nephew so those are not available without planning. My first Chronomat was re launched updated with the 42mm Chronos and new bullet bracelet a few years ago. I was allowed the opportunity to examine the prototype all polished pilot bracelet that replaced the satin bullet ones sometime during the early 90s by the Canadian agent at the time. His watchmaker was able to refinish a shiny pilot to match my late 80s Chronomat watch. My niece sports her deceased dad’s old Chronomat with a yellow gold bezel and pilot bracelet, never leaves her wrist. I am Chinese so obviously and predictably my first serious watches purchased with my own dollars were Rolex but Breitlings were the replacements, still sourced today. Just purchased a Datora before Christmas, may yet add a Navitimer finally with an in house BO1 movement. My older Navis all were fitted with ETA movements that are great after a competent service.
Nice does this have the B01 movement in it?
Yes it does! This is the first Navitimer line to include it
Reference number for this is Navitimer AB0120
Hi! If you check my profile, there are quite a few of my Breitlings pictured. Some of my older watches are on the wrists of my daughters and a nephew so those are not available without planning. My first Chronomat was re launched updated with the 42mm Chronos and new bullet bracelet a few years ago. I was allowed the opportunity to examine the prototype all polished pilot bracelet that replaced the satin bullet ones sometime during the early 90s by the Canadian agent at the time. His watchmaker was able to refinish a shiny pilot to match my late 80s Chronomat watch. My niece sports her deceased dad’s old Chronomat with a yellow gold bezel and pilot bracelet, never leaves her wrist. I am Chinese so obviously and predictably my first serious watches purchased with my own dollars were Rolex but Breitlings were the replacements, still sourced today. Just purchased a Datora before Christmas, may yet add a Navitimer finally with an in house BO1 movement. My older Navis all were fitted with ETA movements that are great after a competent service.
Thanks! I'll check it out. I am Chinese as well so I can understand where you are coming from. It is nice to see other Breitling enthusiasts out there!
Thanks! I'll check it out. I am Chinese as well so I can understand where you are coming from. It is nice to see other Breitling enthusiasts out there!
Haha! They started making Breitlings smaller for the Asian market. My wrists are thinner now that I am in my early 70s but still measures over 8 inches. 😂
Congratulations! It’s a classic 👏🏻
Awesome!!