BreitlingNavitimer 8

Breitling was founded in 1884 and ever since has been designing watches for those favourite watch wearers’ occupations: flying and diving. One of Breitling’s most famous pieces, the Navitimer, dates back to 1952 when the US Aircrafts and Pilots Association approached the company about making a flight chronograph that could be used to make all in-flight calculations.

The Navitimer 8 is a radical update for the Navitimer line. The watch’s design channels some of the aesthetic of vintage Breitling pilot's pieces with its coin-edge bezel and a reverse panda dial, but cuts down on the visual clutter normally associated with the Navitimer’s bezel. (As an aside, the name Breitling 8 comes from the Huit Aviation Department - huit meaning "eight" in French) - that Breitling set up in the 1930s to make onboard chronographs for aviators.

With its 43mm brushed steel case and knurled bezel, this is a large and impressive watch. The blue dial features lumed Arabic numerals and hands, with silver subdials at 3, 6, and 9. There’s a date window at 4.30. This Navitimer 8 is also chronometer-certified. The chronograph calibre Breitling 01, first introduced in 2009, is a modern, vertical clutch, column-wheel-controlled in-house movement; robust and reliable.  

In short, this Navitimer 8 AB0117 is a pilot’s watch that’s made for life on the ground too. This 2020 example, is presented on an unworn Breitling leather strap with a pin buckle signed by Breitling. There is a scratch on the anti-reflective coating of the crystal that is only visible in some lighting. The watch has been tested and is working to specification and its overall condition is consistent with the seller’s A grading.

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