Pre-Loved Breitling Navitimer
The pilot's chronograph with a built-in slide rule
The Navitimer is one of aviation's most recognisable chronographs, and pre-owned is a savvy way to own this heritage tool watch at a considerable saving over retail. The used market offers everything from vintage examples to modern in-house-powered pieces across many dial and size options.
The edit — 96 pieces
































































































Why the Navitimer is iconic
Introduced in 1952, the Navitimer's circular slide-rule bezel let pilots perform in-flight calculations, and it became the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Its busy, technical dial and rotating slide rule remain among the most distinctive designs in watchmaking.
What to pay pre-owned
Pre-owned UK prices typically run from around £2,000 for modular-movement and older examples to £5,000+ for in-house Calibre 01 and precious-metal models, with a median near £2,990. Movement type, case size and material, box and papers, and dial condition drive value.
Sizes & variants
Common variants include 41mm, 43mm and 46mm cases, the modular Calibre 13 versus the in-house Calibre 01, plus the Cosmonaute 24-hour dial and steel, two-tone and gold cases.
How to authenticate
- 1.Check the reference and serial numbers against the model, and confirm the fine slide-rule and dial printing is sharp, legible and correctly aligned rather than blurred.
- 2.Verify weight, chronograph pusher feel and crown action, and compare dial, hands and lume detailing to a known-genuine reference.
- 3.Buy from sellers offering an authentication guarantee, and treat original box, papers and service records as valuable supporting provenance.
Guidance only — always buy from sellers offering an authentication guarantee.
Buying a pre-owned Breitling Navitimer — FAQs
How does the Navitimer slide rule work?
By rotating the outer bezel against the fixed inner scale you can perform multiplication, division and unit conversions such as fuel burn and airspeed; it is a functional analogue calculator, not just decoration.
Is the Navitimer too big to wear daily?
Older models can wear large, but Breitling offers smaller 41mm and 43mm cases that suit most wrists, so trying different sizes or checking lug-to-lug measurements is worthwhile.
In-house Calibre 01 or modular movement?
The in-house Calibre 01 is a column-wheel chronograph with a long power reserve and generally commands more pre-owned, while earlier modular movements are reliable and more affordable.