Navi underrated?

[Chester01]

I have been into watches since the early 80’s. I have to say, I feel the navitimer is about the most under appreciated chronograph out there (save for the zenith el primero) and I’m not sure why. I mean fantastic legacy, was and is a proper tool watch, and yet I still see very few in the wild. I mean many say breitling has been too blingy, but the current Navi is only 2mm larger and 1 larger lug to lug. Yes the case is polished, but with the leather strap is really not at all blingy, though the dial does have a lot going on. And certainly compared to a gmt, the Navi would certainly appear the more reserved of the two.

However it remains actually easily readable and far more so than my Daytona. The in-house movement is a solid one, with a great power reserve. The overall changes to the watch have been very minimal over the years. Maybe it’s the Rolex mania that obscures the other great watches out there or perhaps folks not happy with the overall direction of breitling? I would be interested in others perspectives?

[srvrf]

I used to own a Navitimer 01 LE and thought it was one of the best looking watches out there. Even with a 6.5” wrist, the 43mm case looked great. But in the end, what made me sell it was the very low WR rating. 30m and the very soft leather strap meant I couldn’t really get it wet.


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[MohiMedia]

Not sure I would call it underrated.

I don't see them too often out in the wild, but there seems to be a lot of listing on ebay and a lot being sold relatively quickly.

I also know plenty of people that think they look great. So it seems we have this conundrum where they appear to be desired yet aren't seen too often (at least here in Chicagoland--might just be my circles though).

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by MohiMedia

Not sure I would call it underrated.

I don't see them too often out in the wild, but there seems to be a lot of listing on ebay and a lot being sold relatively quickly.

I also know plenty of people that think they look great. So it seems we have this conundrum where they appear to be desired yet aren't seen too often (at least here in Chicagoland--might just be my circles though).

Well, they likely produce far fewer watches per year than rolex and that likely has something to do with why we see fewer of them. But the talk about the top chronos always revolve around the daytona and speedy. I think sometimes Breitling's movement to larger and flashier watches have perhaps tainted appreciation for the navitimer. However, given the giant lugs and loud colors that rolex uses in the ceramics (i.e. BLRO and Hulk), Rolex's bling and wrist presence factor is not far behind Breitling's offerings at all. In my estimation, the 2 most important chrons are the Speedy and Navi, then the el primero, and then maybe the daytona. However, I think I may be in the minority here as the navi certainly is not considered by most to be "on par" with the daytona. I would argue against that and successfully, as what is the daytona really actually known for other than its celebrity associations.

[Busyboy]

Has not escaped my attention

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Busyboy

Has not escaped my attention

Sweet combo! While some of the watches are cut off from the pic, the watches do not look all that far apart on size.

[uniqueMR]

No matter what, Breitling Navitimer is a nice watch. Proud owner of one!

[Fabrice M]

I don’t think it’s underrated, it a beautiful watch, but the dial is very busy, and I think most people prefer simplicity.

[misa77]

I have this Old Navitimer, what a beauty!!

[joli160]

Originally Posted by misa77

I have this Old Navitimer, what a beauty!!

It certainly is

[Mad Hatter]

I appreciate you starting this thread OP. Navitimer one of the most iconic and important watches in the industry with timeless look and great history. Big fan!

[rex311]

I have a Navitimer and it is one of the cool watches I have. It might be underrated to others but not to me.

[OTX]

Not really a fan of Breitling in general but the Navitimer 01 is a different story. It’s a true legend and a classic. It gets respect from everyone!. It’s as serious as watches get!. Love the Navitimer 01. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the best selling Breitling and they hold value well if you buy right. I really enjoy my Navitimer 01. I also like the fact that it can be recognized from a mile away. Not too many watches can pull that off. It’s my most complimented watch and I have owner dozens of expensive watches.

[Rolexavidfan]

Latecomer here!

I bought one last Sep with the old B wing logo. I had difficulty wearing it with the original leather strap with my small wrist. Eventually I got a correct leather strap and am now enjoying this timepiece!

It’s probably underrated and not the top of mind for many like myself. But it’s an iconic design from the Breitling house and IMO worthy to be in one’s collection!


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[taxidriver]

Congrats on your navitimer. It’s like the saying, Many are called, but few are chosen to have it. Great watch, timeless and classic design.
Sharing my navi



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[BigBoy17]

Breitling created the chronograph, navitimer should never be underated. It should be a staple in any serious watch collection

[KBM]

Love the watch. Wish it had better wr, though.

[Camdamonium]

In Texas, Navitimers are common. I do think they are very undervalued, but I do not think that is due to the watch itself, but some actions of the brand.

[rex311]

The Navitimer has always been my favorite Breitling.


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[Yuri.Popov]

the navitimer is a beautiful watch, it has always been.

[ricardo-sf]

It took me a while to find my navitimer.. I had to have a blue face and wings logo, and I wanted a b01 movement. 43 mm

It doesn't get the most wrist time, but that's because I also have a tt bluesy sub..

Grail piece.

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[nwbusa]

Navitimer 01 will always be in my collection!

[BT1985]

My Cosmonaute, that I put on a Tudor Black Bay strap. No date, tritium lume and same Lemania based manual wind movement that Omega used for it’s 861 Speedmaster movement. Absolutely love this watch and I have always had a soft spot for the Navitimer in general. Love the aesthetics.






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[breitlings]

they are all underrated. The chronomat is too, m2000 with waterproof pushers, hercules with the simple read out of total time elapsed. I could go on and on. I just appreciate we can buy whatever breitling we want, even rattranpantes without too much difficulty.