Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Stainless Steel Cathay Pacific
Out of the entire 2022 Breitling Navitimer watch collection launched this week, there was one set of designs we were desperate to get our hands on. With polished pastel-toned dials, contrasting black subsidiary counters and perfectly sized 43mm cases, here is an in-depth look at the new Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43.
The Breitling Navitimer has come a long way since Willy Breitling first created the wrist-based flight tool for the AOPA (the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). In 70 years, the design has secured a reputation for elegance, reliability and robustness, worn on the wrists of astronauts and on some of the world’s best-known celebrities. Now, in continuation of its journey as the brand’s flagship model, the Swiss watch manufacturer have relaunched the collection in a series of 41, 43, and 46mm chronographs with a new focus on colour, stylings and inclusive appeal.Cathay Pacific has partnered with Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling to celebrate Cathay’s 76th anniversary, by co-curating the Breitling Navitimer chronograph with new design touches. Breitling’s Navitimer chronograph has been synonymous with travel and style since it first debuted in 1952. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of this iconic timepiece, Breitling is releasing a new collection of the Navitimer for 2022.
The collaboration has unveiled an exclusive design limited to just 200 individually numbered pieces: the Breitling Navitimer B01 Cathay Pacific limited edition. It also marks Cathay’s own 76th anniversary, and pays tribute to its rich aviation history and elevation into a premium travel lifestyle brand.
In the video ad, the Navitimer features an integrated slide rule which enabled essential flight calculations long before flight computers arrived on board. The 43mm collector’s model features the unique Navitimer design, updated for the modern age, whereas Cathay Pacific’s identity has been incorporated, with its signature Jade green on the watch face, and the words “Cathay Pacific Edition”, its individual number out of 200 engraved around the display caseback.
The Cathay Jade face contrasts with the white subdials and brown alligator leather strap – a warm, nostalgic look that renders this timepiece as suited to everyday wear as it is for the skies.New design touches for the 2022 Navitimer include a domed sapphire crystal, evolved slide rule, contrasting polished and brushed finishings, and a redesigned display caseback which reveals the workings of the in-house, COSC-certified Caliber 01 chronograph movement. One particular detail of note for aviation fans is the return of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association logo which graced the original 1952 chronograph.
Previously in March this year, Cathay Pacific partnered with Hong Kong label Native Union to launch a collection of tech accessories. According to Cathay, the limited edition accessories are inspired by Hong Kong and the way its people live. The collection includes a universal belt cable, wireless charger, AirPods Pro Case, and an organiser pouch. The lifestyle tech accessories collection will be retailed on the airline’s Asia Miles web shop.
This is not Cathay’s first venture with home-grown brands. Last year, Cathay and lifestyle brand Goods Of Desire launched a collaborative collection in celebration of their 75th and 25th anniversary respectively. The collection featured upcycled merchandise made from hundreds of Cathay cabin crew and cockpit uniforms.
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches are available on a choice of two straps. The first option is a semi-shiny black alligator leather strap with white stitch detailing secured by either a folding clasp or tang buckle. The second is a seven-row linked bracelet with folding buckle. As you’d expect, the bracelets are engineered from their retrospective case material.