The history of this Breitling Navitimer World
In 1952, the House of Breitling introduced a major technical innovation for aviation with the launch of the Navitimer, featuring its famous integrated circular slide rule. Originally designed in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the model quickly became the preferred on-board chronograph for pilots, enabling them to carry out essential navigation calculations in flight. To meet the demands of modern airline pilots and the era of long-haul flights, the brand introduced the Navitimer World reference A24322. This imposing timepiece incorporates a 24-hour GMT function, essential for juggling different time zones, while retaining the instrumental DNA of the original line. A special historical feature of this era is its heavy black bakelite case. Its lid is moulded with the raised silhouette of a supersonic double-rigged fighter, evoking the lines of an F-15, a powerful visual signature to recall the manufacture's historic positioning as a supplier of instruments for air professionals.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Navitimer World
The stainless steel case boasts a statutory diameter of 46 mm and a thickness of 15 mm, offering an assertive presence on the wrist with its fully polished finish. The cambered sapphire crystal, with double-sided anti-reflective treatment, protects a matt black dial contrasted by the wide, sloping white flange of the bi-directional slide rule. The dial features 3 azure counters and a date display at 3 o'clock. The second time zone can be read thanks to a central hand ending in a red arrowhead filled with luminescent material, complementing the traditional sword hands. The whole is mounted on the complex Navitimer steel bracelet, composed of 7 rows of articulated polished oblique links. The solid screw-down caseback is engraved with a conversion table of the world's main reference cities. The case protects Calibre 24, a self-winding mechanical movement with 25 jewels. Certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, it oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 42 hours. Water-resistance is guaranteed to 3 bars, which corresponds to the splash-resistance inherent in the design of its non-screw-down rotating bezel.
Why this Breitling watch
This variation is aimed at enthusiasts of technical watchmaking who are looking for the quintessential pilot's watch augmented with a useful complication for travel. The integration of the GMT function adds a practical dimension without upsetting the classic layout of the sub-counters. This model, now withdrawn from the official catalogue, is becoming increasingly attractive on the second-hand market to collectors who appreciate generous diameters. The combination of deep black and shiny steel gives this reference a profile that is both extremely technical and versatile.
Delivered contents and condition
Sold in 2015, this watch is delivered in a complete configuration including its cardboard overbox, sturdy black bakelite case, leather travel case, slide rule instructions, COSC chronometer certificate and electronic warranty card. When worn with care, this chronograph shows the slight micro-scratches typical of a polished steel watch, visible on the sides of the case and on the links of the bracelet under grazing light. Fully functional and tested, this timepiece is in excellent overall condition. Polishing remains possible at the customer's request.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece and provides you with a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As the leading second-hand retailer in Switzerland and with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for on-site fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Very good condition - watch already worn and polished. Slight signs of external wear. Case and bracelet in excellent condition overall.
