The Navitimer and the Chronomat are Breitling's two signature watches. The Navitimer is the pilot's watch of 1952, with a circular slide rule around the dial. The Chronomat is the all-purpose sport chronograph, relaunched in 1984 for the Italian Air Force's aerobatic team, with a rotating bezel and 200 m of water resistance. In our stock the Navitimer starts at $2,595 and the Chronomat at $1,585.
At a glance
| Navitimer | Chronomat | |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Aviation instrument, detailed dial | Robust sport watch |
| Bezel | Slide rule for flight calculations (turns both ways) | Rotating bezel with four "rider tabs" |
| Water resistance | 30 m | 200 m |
| Bracelet | Seven-row steel bracelet or leather strap | "Rouleaux" bracelet of rounded links, or rubber |
| Sizes | From 32 mm to 46 mm, depending on the model | From 32 mm to 44 mm |
| Chronograph movement | Breitling B01, in-house, about 70 hours | Breitling B01, in-house, about 70 hours |
| In our stock | 192 watches, typically $6,160 | 215 watches, typically $6,960 |
Both lines also include three-hand automatic models without a chronograph. Check the reference on the listing.
The Navitimer
The slide rule let pilots calculate fuel consumption, climb rates and distances before electronic instruments. Few owners use it today, but it gives the Navitimer a dial like no other watch. It is the dressier of the two and looks best on leather. Its weakness is water: at 30 m it should be kept away from swimming.
The Chronomat
The Chronomat is the Breitling you can wear anywhere. The rider tabs on the bezel protect the crystal and can be swapped to count down instead of up. The Rouleaux bracelet is one of the most comfortable on any sport watch, and 200 m of water resistance means you never need to take it off.
The B01 movement
Chronograph versions of both watches use Breitling's own calibre B01: a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch and about 70 hours of power reserve. Every Breitling movement, including the B01, is a COSC-certified chronometer.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Navitimer if you love the aviation history and the detailed dial, and the watch will mostly stay dry.
Choose the Chronomat if you want one robust watch for everything, including the water.
Shop the Breitling Navitimer and the Breitling Chronomat, or read the full Breitling buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bezel on a Navitimer for?
It is a circular slide rule. Pilots used it to multiply, divide and convert units for flight planning.
Can you swim with a Breitling Navitimer?
No. It is water resistant to 30 m, which covers rain and splashes only. The Chronomat, at 200 m, is the Breitling to swim with.
Is the Breitling B01 a good movement?
Yes. It is an in-house, chronometer-certified chronograph movement with about 70 hours of power reserve, well regarded for reliability.
Which is more popular, the Navitimer or the Chronomat?
The Navitimer is Breitling's best-known watch. The Chronomat is the more practical daily watch.
