Breitling Navitimer Fighter
In this review we will focus on the replica Breitling Navitimer Fighter model that was released in the replica world this year. If you are a Breitling fan this review will give you a chance to compare the replica Navitimer with the genuine model. When I was first introduced to the watch world I was never attracted to Breitling all that much. Most of the models had busy, strange dials and very "unique" appearances topped off with a heavy bulky look. Windrider Chronomat Blue two tone at the time was the only Breitling model I considered even remotely appealing.
But as time passed Breitlings began slowly growing on me. The first of their watches to catch my eye was the Navitimer, and not only because it's visually the closest and most accurate chronograph replica out there, but also because it's such a classic model. I see it as a watch equivalent to Ferrari F355 Berlinetta or Porche 911. Although the beauty always lays in the eye of the beholder, I think we can all agree that Breitlings are not beautiful chronos in the outmost traditional sense, like Speedmaster Broad Arrow or Daytona but most definately features it has very characteristic and unique appearance.
One can pretty much say with confidence that Navitimer is Breitlings bread and butter model. It was the model that placed Breitling in the spot light of the watch world. It was originally introduced in 1954 and since then evolved through several different models, but the general, appearance of this classic remained unchanged during it's monumental 50+ years in production.
Due to it's age and popularity Navitimer will be instantly identified as a Breitling, at least among those even remotely acquainted with wristwatches. Though the recognition factor most likely will not be the same as with models like Steelfish titanium or Aeromarine. I personally am a big fan of the Steelfish, but not convinced by the rather dull and gray look of the titanium finish. So it had to be a Navitimer, Chronomat or Chrono Avenger. At the time I also found myself quite found of the Bullhead version of it that Neil for a short time had available.
By this time I have been planning to buy a Breitling rep for quite some time but wasn't convinced by the Asian 7750 automatic movement. But when a great deal came along I couldn't help the urge any longer. I purchased my used Navitimer from a friend. The watch was already 12 months in wear but in surprisingly great condition, working and keeping great time. I must add the price was excellent as well.
Some history of the Navitimer. This replica is a copy of the older Navitimer, "SERIE SPECIALE", which according to what I found was running in the early 80. I find it puzzling that the replica factories copied this perticular model and not the 90's verison the "Fighter Special Edition", or even the more common 2001 model, also very visually very similar we'll approach the differences later in the review.
Breitling originally created the Breitling Fighters team, an ingenuity seeking to bring together second generation World War II fighter planes. The Fighters Team includes the Spitfire, Supermarine, Yakolev Yak 3, North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk, Messerschmitt Bf109, and the Chance Vought F4U Corsair. The Breitling Fighters Chronograph is the official model of this fighter team. While it's manufactured with the latest features in mechanical watch making, it fully embodies the spirit prevailing over a half a century ago, the time when Breitling developed it's first chronographs. It is worth while noting that the Navitimer was one of the most complex mechanichal watches made to date inhereting all the functions of a "navigation computer" capable of carrying out every calculation a flight plan requires including division, multiplication, calculating miles per minute, calculating miles per hour, calculating fuel consumption, calculating rate of climb or descent, calculating ground speed, calculating the distance of climb or descent and statute and nautical mile conversion.
Here's a enlarged scan of the Navitimer caseback which shows the engraved fighter planes. Someone has pointed out that the engraving of Messerschmitt was mistakenly spelled. This happens not to bother me at all though I guess is worh mentioning. Though if I ever run into a crazy Navitimer freak with a magnifying glass in his back pocket demanding to inspect the watch, I'll know to stay away.
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