A cult model among pilots and aviation devotees since 1952, the Navitimer chronograph steps things up a notch in a larger and darker version. Breitling’s new Navitimer 46 Blacksteel is distinguished by its all-black exterior, its two-counter dial, its black oscillating weight and its new strap featuring an aircraft tire-tread pattern. The satin-brushed steel case is coated with an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment.
But this is not the only distinctive feature. Instead of the three silvered counters on the classic model, the dial bears two tone-on-tone counters: small seconds at 9 o’clock and a chronograph 30-minute totalizer at 3 o’clock. An authentic instrument panel, created using the “par épargne” technique on a sterling silver base, enhanced by red accents in the shape of small counter pointers and a central sweep-seconds hand.
The Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01 high-performance movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), comprises a black oscillating weight visible through a transparent caseback.
Further accentuating the aeronautical touch, the black case and dial are fitted with a sturdy and comfortable all-new rubber strap bearing an aircraft tire-tread pattern and now available on all Navitimer models.
Breitling Navitimer 46 Blacksteel is water resistant to 30 metres/100 feet and has a retail price of Euro 8,750 (US$ 9,225).