Breitling is marking its 140th anniversary with a special edition of its iconic Navitimer series. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 Japan Edition (reference AB0139211C2P1 and AB0139211C2A1) celebrates the brand’s rich history and ongoing innovation. This Japan-exclusive model features a stunning mother-of-pearl and ice blue dial, paired with a 41mm case, maintaining the signature features that have made the Navitimer a legend among pilots and watch collectors alike.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Navitimer
First introduced in 1952, the Navitimer was designed by Willy Breitling as a functional wrist chronograph with a rotating slide rule, allowing pilots to perform essential flight calculations. Two years later, it was adopted as the official timepiece of the International Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). For over seven decades, the Navitimer has become synonymous with both aviation and style, adorning the wrists of astronauts, pilots, and even cultural icons like Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg.
This special edition stays true to the spirit of the Navitimer, blending vintage aesthetics with modern refinements, while adding a unique Japanese influence in its design.
Japan-Limited Model: Mother-of-Pearl and Ice Blue Dial
What sets the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 Japan Edition apart is its exquisite dial, combining two popular design elements—mother-of-pearl and ice blue. The mother-of-pearl dial reflects light with an ethereal glow, a detail particularly appreciated in the Japanese market. When paired with the icy blue tones, it creates a visual representation reminiscent of sparkling snowfields or clouds seen from an airplane window, capturing the essence of aviation.
The 41mm stainless steel case provides a refined, understated profile, ensuring the watch is both versatile and elegant for daily wear. Its domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides, gives the watch a slimmer appearance, maintaining the iconic Navitimer look while modernizing its aesthetics.
Breitling Caliber 01: A Masterpiece of Swiss Engineering
At the heart of the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 Japan Edition is the in-house Breitling Caliber 01 movement, known for its precision and reliability. This COSC-certified chronometer boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, ensuring dependable performance over extended periods. The automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a chronograph offering 1/4 second accuracy, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter.
What makes this model particularly appealing to collectors is the sapphire crystal case back, through which the intricate movement can be admired. The craftsmanship of the Caliber 01 is a testament to Breitling’s legacy of engineering excellence.
Refined Options: Bracelet or Strap
This Japan-exclusive edition is available with two distinct options, allowing collectors to choose based on their personal style:
- Reference AB0139211C2P1: With a blue alligator leather strap for ¥1,292,500 (approximately $9,065 USD or €8,155 EUR).
- Reference AB0139211C2A1: Featuring a stainless steel bracelet for ¥1,353,000 (approximately $9,490 USD or €8,535 EUR).
Both versions are equipped with a bidirectional rotating bezel and a rotating slide rule, maintaining the classic functionality that defines the Navitimer series.
Conclusion
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 Japan Edition (references AB0139211C2P1 and AB0139211C2A1) is a fitting tribute to the brand’s 140th anniversary, combining the best of the Navitimer’s rich history with a fresh, contemporary design. With its unique mother-of-pearl and ice blue dial, COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 01 movement, and Japan-limited exclusivity, this model is sure to attract both watch collectors and aviation enthusiasts alike.
For more details on this limited edition, visit Breitling’s official website.
