Breitling Navitimer Fighter
First off I wouldn't count in Breitling Navitimer two-tone into my "every day" collection. It is more of a special occasion model due to it's royal and prestigious appearance. Personally, I favor the stainless steel model but since I and others alike have reviewed the stainless steel Navitimers over and over again I chose to do the two toned model.
I guess another reason for this review is the high demand for TT models and as to date no review. So here it is.
This of course does not mean that I am not fond of gold quite on the contrary some of my first rep models where two tones rolex submariners. I also absolutely love most two toned models, including this Navitimer. I do feel though that I am a bit too young to wear gold watches. Gold and masculine, bulky sports watches generally don't mic, not in the case of the Navitimer: with highly polished, beautiful bracelet and only 30 meters of water resistance Navitimer isn't exactly the bulkiest of chronographs. This, in my opinion makes it a perfect fit with the gold finish. It's extraordinarily beautiful, dressy and all this without being "flashy" and ostentatious.
From a replica standpoint the two toned Navitimer is perfect. The mid plated gold links look very authentic. But again I am not a jeweler, and I can't say how it would survive a close inspection. I can only say that this replica has a far superior look and feel in comparison to the two tone Submariners I've owned, most likely due to the solid center links and overall heavy feel of the watch case and the bracelet.
Having said that I can't offer any expertise on the technical aspects of the watch... or determine the strength of the plating. I can only mention I have never heard people complaining about the gold plating fading off of the watch bezel. Even if the plating on the bracelet starts to weather... the watch goes amazingly well with the leather strap. It is also available with the leather strap by default.
I feel this model best goes with a dressy clothing, suit and white collard shirt is a breath taking combination for this one. So it might not be the watch to go with a more casual style, though who knows... maybe some can pull it off.
Unlike the 12 9 6 two tone model, the Tricompax is finished with silver subdial hands (correct on this rep). This model also comes with black and blue dials (also without Arabic numerals).
I also own the previous Navitimer model the Serie Speciale Fighter's Edition which I also reviewed. There I also go into detail on the"slide rule".
Instead of the comman 12 9 6 subdial layout my replica uses the "Tricompax" set up, which is used on the new Navitimers. The last version of this model to come out was already a job well done, on this model though we can see improved and more accurate sub dials. It also features better, more visible luminosity on the hands and of course the new improved version of the movement (high beat at 28,000 VPH). Other than the changes mentioned above, the case and bracelet seem to have remained unchanged. Question I had myself asking was, why would they change a watch that was already so well constructed?
I have recently received a detailed explanation of this from the manufacturer which I hope to edit and post in a short time to come.
This model also comes in the standard 12 9 6 option, this is a good option for those planning to swap the movement for the Swiss Valjoux later in time. But as I have mentioned before that model should have black sub dial hands. And though it doesnt make much difference to me, I could see how this small details could be important for some... and thus worth mentioning.
The only complaint of this rep I have noticed is the bracelet size. For those with bigger wrists the watch can be a little tight, even with all the links in place and the micro adjustment at maximum. Though you can always get extra links from the dealer or switch to the leather strap.
The clasp on this model is exactly the same as the stainless steel. Here again we come across the extra high polish which unfortunately collects scratches pretty easily.
To conclude, this is most likely one of the best made replicas I have owned. Personally, do not saught out to impress anyone with my watches, but if this is what you are looking for, this model will go above and beyond. The two toned Navitimer is extremely pleasing to the eye, almoast royal in it's appearence and highly recognizable. I recommend this model to everyone. Oh, one last thing to keep in mind. The original of this watch does retail for over $7000, so if youre not ready to be called out on the rep I suggest to pick something less pricey.
