The history of this Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36
In 1952, the House of Breitling unveiled a chronograph designed for professional aviators and aviation enthusiasts. Initially designed for the AOPA association, the Navitimer incorporates a particularly ingenious circular slide rule, making it possible to solve all the essential mathematical operations in full flight, from rate of climb to fuel consumption. Over the decades, this technical on-board instrument has become a veritable world watchmaking icon. With this contemporary version, the Manufacture has cleverly reinvented its founding myth. Stripped of its classic chronograph function, the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36 reference U17327211A1P1 retains the aesthetic essence of its predecessor, while becoming slimmer to fit thinner wrists. The famous slide rule thus loses its purely utilitarian vocation to become a hypnotic visual signature, transforming the original tool-watch into a remarkable piece of refined jewellery.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Navitimer
The 36 mm-diameter armour skilfully blends highly polished stainless steel with the warmth of solid red gold. Measuring just 11 mm thick, the case features a superb, finely crafted circular-grained bidirectional rotating bezel. The genuine white mother-of-pearl dial reveals iridescences and cloudy reflections that are unique to each model. The 12 o'clock position is elegantly punctuated with brilliant-cut diamonds, meticulously set in hand-applied square red gold bezels. The slender gold hands house a luminescent material for night-time readability, while the central second hand ends in a red point and features the stylised letter B logo as a counterweight. The watch is powered by the robust self-winding Breitling Calibre 17. This mechanical movement, certified as a chronometer by the COSC, oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 38 hours. The case is water-resistant to a depth of 30 metres. The whole is mounted on a luxurious brown alligator leather strap highlighted with white stitching, and secured by a stainless steel folding clasp.
Why this Breitling watch
The major appeal of this declination lies in its perfect balance between the raw technical heritage of aviation and the preciousness of contemporary materials. The organic combination of mother-of-pearl, red gold and the sparkle of diamonds gives this model a particularly luminous presence, while respecting the historic DNA of the aviation line. On the second-hand market, the two-tone configurations set with this versatile size are a great success with enthusiasts looking for the aesthetics of a great icon in restrained, elegant proportions. Acquiring this specific piece allows you to take advantage of a timeless design, immediately identifiable at first glance, sublimated by watchmaking finishes of the highest order.
Delivered contents and condition
This piece is presented in exceptional condition. Still adorned with its original protective plastics on the case sides, lugs and folding clasp, it has clearly never been worn on the wrist. It is accompanied by its luxurious eco-responsible box, its original identification label and its digital warranty card confirming its provenance, serial number and technical specifications. Acquiring such a watch in this condition offers the rare privilege of experiencing for yourself a true legend of contemporary watchmaking.
Guarantee and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the absolute authenticity of this timepiece. The watch comes with a 24-month guarantee. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As Switzerland's leading second-hand retailer with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for on-site fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Like new - brand new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No visible defects to the naked eye.
