To celebrate its 140th anniversary, Breitling is launching the Navitimer Automatic GMT 41. Zooming into the watch, the signature slide-rule bezel is still present, although this Navitimer omits the chronograph and replaces it with a GMT function.

Featuring a 41 mm case in either stainless steel or 18k rose gold, it retains the classic Navitimer style, albeit with a cleaner look without the chronograph sub-dials.

Initial Thoughts

After revamping the Navitimer in 2022, Breitling gave its trademark aviator’s chronograph more vintage-inspired aesthetics, including more compact cases. Given that the Navitimer is synonymous with the chronograph, it’s not unreasonable to criticise the GMT has having lost some of the spirit of the original. However, I dig the cleaner aesthetics without the pushers and the triple registers.

And this is also more affordable. Most Navitimer chronographs are equipped with the in-house B01 movement, resulting in an hefty entry price of US$9,600. The Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 is equipped with an ETA calibre, resulting in a slightly more affordable price that starts at US$6,200 on a stainless steel bracelet. Many other brands in this price bracket now utilise in-house or heavily improved movements, which puts this at a disadvantage in terms of mechanics.

That puts it in the middle of the pack for accessible GMT watches: not as affordable as a Longines or the same value proposition as a Tudor, but it has the advantage of the classic Navitimer look that’s made cleaner and more useful thanks to the second time zone function.

That being said, the Navitimer GMT is an excellent value proposition in stainless steel only. In rose gold with a matching bracelet, it costs US$36,500, a price that puts it in a segment where it’s relatively uncompetitive.

Classic styling

In all aspects, the new GMT 41 is classic Navitimer, despite shedding the chronograph. The Navitimer GMT is instantly recognisable as one, since it retains the same case design as well as the important slide-rule bezel, essentially a manual calculator for various parameters of a flight.

The case is 41 mm wide and 11.65 mm high, which is similar to the original Navitimer case size. Below the solid case back is a COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 32, which is actually an ETA2893-2. It beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz) and offers 42 hours of power reserve.

The Navitimer GMT is available with either an alligator leather strap or the distinctive Navitimer bracelet with its links set at an angle.

Key facts and price

Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41
Ref. A32310251B1P1
Ref. A32310251B1A1
Ref. A32310211G1P1
Ref. A32310211G1A1
Ref. A32310171C1P1
Ref. A32310171C1A1
Ref. R32310251L1P1
Ref. R32310251L1R1

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11.65 mm
Material: Stainless Steel and 18K Rose Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 32
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet or alligator strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Breitling boutiques and select retailers starting March 2024
Price: US$6,200 in stainless steel; US$36,500 in rose gold

For more, visit breitling.com.