Navitimer Alternatives That Are Luxury Or Near Luxury?

I love these references from Sinn...they actually licensed the design, etc. from Breitling...

Here are the specs:

Brand: Sinn

Model: Pilot 903 St B E Navigation Chronograph

Model Number: 903.045

Movement Type: Automatic

Movement Engine: La Joux-Perret LJP 8000 (Modified ETA 7750 base)

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Case Size: 41mm

Case Thickness: 14.5mm

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Crystal: Sapphire

Luminescence: Hands and Markers

Bezel/Material: Stainless Steel w/Inner Rotating Bezel

Crown: Screw Down

Water Resistance: 100M / 330FT

Band: Brown Alligator Strap

Band Width: 22mm

List Price: $3,650

Pre-owned: $3,030

I like the green one

The slide rule bezel is a dying breed. The only brands that I know is Hami, Breitling and Citizen. Some microbrands but nothing too crazy.

I would go and look for vintage/used options:

Sinn Navitimer:

When Breitling was struggling financially Sinn bought the parts and rights to sell their own Navitimer and in some ways better with 100m WR.

Oris ProPilot:

I would buy it used too expensive for a new one.

Seiko Astron:

While not a slide rule the statics are same and quite underrated watches

Fortis:

Personally no one tops Citizen when it comes to their pilot watches

A real tool watch that comprises nothing. Solar, 200WR, Atomic time, Dual time, world timer, Slide rule bezel, alarms, calendar, 45mm and titanium. I wish I has a bigger wrist to own one of them.

On the lower end Seiko still sells some models on ebay

Thanks for sharing this one! Looks great! I took a look on Sinn's site but they don't sell it direct anymore. Looks like you have to find it elsewhere.

Thanks for these references! I'll def take a look. Especially at the Citizen! I have a larger wrist so watches on the larger side with for me.

Thank you kind internet stranger! Love that your user name checks out!

Victorinox Airboss Mach 9

This looks great. I'll take a look. Is it meant for left handed people?

I think breitling gets the licensing from Sinn.

I have no idea why they went with destro for the Mach 9 (the Mach 6 wasn't). Seems like it's still built for a righty though. The start/stop pusher is the bottom one (all they did was flip the 7750) which is easy to use with your thumb if it's on your left wrist but awkward to push with your index finger if it's on the left.

Okay. I could see that. Good points!

I’d just add that I recently got the Longines after wanting it for a while and I love it, there’s a lot going on the dial but well laid out, and if you care it’s probably the sub $4K chronograph with a column wheel… https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/articles/column-wheel

I have that Longines and, although it's a beautiful watch, the polished hands make it almost illegible in most light.

Thanks for the link. I'm somewhat new to watch collecting. I've always liked watches but didn't start collecting and learning about them until recently.

Yeah, the Longines seems really unique and seems like a great value considering the unique complications it has. How does it wear on your wrist?

Oh no! That's too bad. Do you regret the purchase?

Totally true, esp when it’s midnight, 6pm, etc. But damn does it look good 😅

With its original strap wonderful and I just switched to a mesh bracelet (you can see pics on my profile) and fits like a glove. It’s certainly unique at this price point. Also I think this is the only moonphase watch that exists at this price point and the annual calendar… here’s another good review:

https://www.fratellowatches.com/longines-master-collection-moon-phase-hands-review/

I love the navitimer too, bud don’t own one (yet! 😅) and that’s a different watch altogether what’s the attraction between your ? The fact that there’s a lot to look at?

I still wear it occasionally but I wouldn't buy it again. I bought this as a replacement for the Omega triple date chrono (which was stolen) which was a much better watch but, unfortunately no longer available new. The two are almost identical except for the moon phase.

Welcome 😆

Thanks for your insights. Sorry to hear about your stolen Omega! That's really frustrating! Hope it wasn't someone you know.

Thanks for the link! I saw the Milanese bracelet you mentioned. It looks great on that. Especially with the lighter dial!

I have a milestone Bday later this year and I'm looking to celebrate myself with a quality watch. I like the Navitimer because of it's heritage and toolish look while also still being kinda versatile for different types of situations. There's something about the dial and the bezel being under the crystal that really appeals. I also have a general interest in aviation and space so the Navitimer fits. I also like the Speedy for similar reasons. However, I'm not completely glued to the idea of whatever watch I get being closely tied to aviation or space.

I'm leaving room for alternatives in case things change or I come across something really cool and unique but accessible like the Longines. By accessible, I mean I can actually get one and it's not locked behind a wait-list or super high prices. Lol

Totally get where you’re coming from! All I would say is that in terms of tool watch, this doesn’t have a lume and I might be worried about it getting banged up that I wouldn’t worry about with my seamaster, for example.

What’s undeniable is that pictures don’t do this watch justice!

Thanks. It was a breakin a few years ago. Jewelry, watches and cash taken.

Yeah I saw that. It's on my list of watches to try on though. It's a really nice piece!

Ah okay. Still too bad though. I hope your insurance took care of you.

Licensed, they bought the tools from Breitling during some harder times and therefore had obtained the right to build the original "Old Navitimers"