canadadave
Gold Member
FOR TRADE: New model Breitling Navitimer 8 (part of the Aviator series), with some great features for a model which bears no resemblance to what we normally understand to be the "Navitimer". Breitling appears to have gone in a rather new direction while certainly maintaining its more traditional model lines. Purchased brand new at the Breitling Boutique Toronto on Nov. 2, 2019 and worn only a few times, so in virtually new-like condition.
This one is the date-only model, with explorer-like Arabic-numeral dial and central sweep seconds hand. No chronograph, no moonphase, no bells, no whistles...just an honest-to-goodness lean, clean time-telling machine in the early pilot tradition with a modern flair.
The deep black contrasting dial has crisp luminescent hour numerals, an inner index track with tiny seconds demarcations, and luminous-filled hour and second hands. The AR-coated low-profile cambered sapphire crystal makes for great readability. Dial script is kept to a minimum, with the steel Breitling "B" logo at top in raised relief, rather than printed, for sharp effect. The tiny date aperture is positioned at 6 o'clock for dial symmetry, and is completely unobtrusive inasmuch as it aligns with - indeed is almost an extension of - the 6 o'clock marker directly beneath it. A further nice touch is how the date-wheel background is color-matched (either black or blue) to the dial, with white numerals to match the hour markers. In fact, the date complication, with its positioning and dial-matching, is so subtle that it is hardly noticeable at first glance, yet it is a very welcome and for some a very necessary feature.
The knurled bi-directional bezel rotates solidly and decisively with moderate pressure. No clicks or detentes are present with this bezel, but none are necessary as there is ample friction to keep the bezel from drifting. This is a well-machined, smooth-gliding bezel, and with its 'bottle-cap' edging, somewhat of a unique look for Breitling.
Case diameter at 41mm (excluding crown) and case length at 48mm are ideal dimensions for a moderate-size wrist, and lug-width at 21mm is perfectly proportioned to the case. The polished case back is solid and engraved with the essentials, including reference and serial number. The case height is a svelte 10.74mm, likely among the thinnest profiles for a higher-end sport model and a nice digression from the 'doorstop' trend that characterizes many sport and tool watch brands, including Breitling. The case is mostly brushed, with accent polishing of the lug flanks, crown and knurled perimeter of the bezel. Depth rating is 10ATM/100M.
The movement is the ETA-based Breitling Caliber 17, unquestionably a robust work-horse that is COSC-certified and thus chronometer-rated as are all Breitlings. Accuracy is spot-on, namely +2 spd, with an amplitude nearing 300. This hacking movement has a quiet rotor and maintains a respectable power-reserve on full wind. The "B"-logo'd knurled crown, constructed with double gaskets, screw-locks solidly for water and dust resistance.
The steel bracelet is classic Breitling. Solid-link, heavy, rattle-free and machined to mate to the case with precision. Removable links are the desirable screw-type, not pin/sleeve. All removed links included. The signed deployment clasp is well-engineered and very comfortable under the wrist. This Navitimer is no light-weight at 160 grams.
All-in-all a very versatile Breitling that can be worn equally appealingly and feel as much at home with business suit or jeans and leather. First pic below is a stock photo of the model, included so you can see what this timepiece really looks like as my pics speak to my very limited photography skills. Please excuse the dust in the photos, seen on the bracelet links and case flanks. Serial number obscured for security.
Sells currently for $5,000 + tax at the Breitling Boutique Toronto. (See https://www.breitling.com/ca-en/watches/nav-8/automatic-41/A17314101B1A1/ ). Trade value $5500. Thanks for looking.
This one is the date-only model, with explorer-like Arabic-numeral dial and central sweep seconds hand. No chronograph, no moonphase, no bells, no whistles...just an honest-to-goodness lean, clean time-telling machine in the early pilot tradition with a modern flair.
The deep black contrasting dial has crisp luminescent hour numerals, an inner index track with tiny seconds demarcations, and luminous-filled hour and second hands. The AR-coated low-profile cambered sapphire crystal makes for great readability. Dial script is kept to a minimum, with the steel Breitling "B" logo at top in raised relief, rather than printed, for sharp effect. The tiny date aperture is positioned at 6 o'clock for dial symmetry, and is completely unobtrusive inasmuch as it aligns with - indeed is almost an extension of - the 6 o'clock marker directly beneath it. A further nice touch is how the date-wheel background is color-matched (either black or blue) to the dial, with white numerals to match the hour markers. In fact, the date complication, with its positioning and dial-matching, is so subtle that it is hardly noticeable at first glance, yet it is a very welcome and for some a very necessary feature.
The knurled bi-directional bezel rotates solidly and decisively with moderate pressure. No clicks or detentes are present with this bezel, but none are necessary as there is ample friction to keep the bezel from drifting. This is a well-machined, smooth-gliding bezel, and with its 'bottle-cap' edging, somewhat of a unique look for Breitling.
Case diameter at 41mm (excluding crown) and case length at 48mm are ideal dimensions for a moderate-size wrist, and lug-width at 21mm is perfectly proportioned to the case. The polished case back is solid and engraved with the essentials, including reference and serial number. The case height is a svelte 10.74mm, likely among the thinnest profiles for a higher-end sport model and a nice digression from the 'doorstop' trend that characterizes many sport and tool watch brands, including Breitling. The case is mostly brushed, with accent polishing of the lug flanks, crown and knurled perimeter of the bezel. Depth rating is 10ATM/100M.
The movement is the ETA-based Breitling Caliber 17, unquestionably a robust work-horse that is COSC-certified and thus chronometer-rated as are all Breitlings. Accuracy is spot-on, namely +2 spd, with an amplitude nearing 300. This hacking movement has a quiet rotor and maintains a respectable power-reserve on full wind. The "B"-logo'd knurled crown, constructed with double gaskets, screw-locks solidly for water and dust resistance.
The steel bracelet is classic Breitling. Solid-link, heavy, rattle-free and machined to mate to the case with precision. Removable links are the desirable screw-type, not pin/sleeve. All removed links included. The signed deployment clasp is well-engineered and very comfortable under the wrist. This Navitimer is no light-weight at 160 grams.
All-in-all a very versatile Breitling that can be worn equally appealingly and feel as much at home with business suit or jeans and leather. First pic below is a stock photo of the model, included so you can see what this timepiece really looks like as my pics speak to my very limited photography skills. Please excuse the dust in the photos, seen on the bracelet links and case flanks. Serial number obscured for security.
Sells currently for $5,000 + tax at the Breitling Boutique Toronto. (See https://www.breitling.com/ca-en/watches/nav-8/automatic-41/A17314101B1A1/ ). Trade value $5500. Thanks for looking.
