Following the launch of the new Navitimer 8 collection, Breitling has now introduced the Navitimer Super 8, an outsized “destro” that takes inspiration from the ref. 637, a thigh-borne stopwatch used by bomber pilots during the Second World War.

This little known military watch was designed by the Huit Aviation, Breitling’s aviation instrument department, and made oversized for optimal readability and ease of use. It was worn on the thighs so the stopwatch could be read by glancing down with hands on the controls. The ref. 627 had a large, notched bezel and a pronounced crown located on the left side of the case for easy operation, even with gloved fingers.

The ref. 637

The Navitimer Super 8, however, is time-only and not a stopwatch. But in a concession to its history it does have an inner bi-directional rotating bezel to measure elapsed time.

The Super 8 is available in two iterations: stainless steel with a black dial, and titanium paired with a green dial.

Like the rest of the Navitimer 8 collection, both watches feature luminous Arabic numerals and hands. It is by far the largest watch from Breitling this year, measuring 46mm, or 50mm if you include the notched bezel.

Powering the Super 8 is the Breitling B20, which is based on Tudor’s MT5612, a COSC-certified movement presently used in the Tudor Pelagoes and Black Bay. It features a variable inertia balance wheel and a 70-hour power reserve.