There’s exciting news in the world of watches, as Swiss watchmakers Breitling released the Navitimer B01 Chronograph, the lovechild of a collaboration with Formula 1 racing.
The collab makes sense, as Breitling has previously demonstrated its ties to the aviation industry, underscoring its commitment to sporty engineering. There was also a scene in the 1965 James Bond movie Thunderball wherein Sean Connery wears a Breitling while driving an Aston Martin. But this latest release makes it official. We also recently took a closer look at another standout Navitimer in our Navitimer Rattrapante review, highlighting how the collection continues to evolve beyond its original aviation roots.
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph Review
At first glance, this watch may look like a classic Navitimer, but when you get up close, you’ll find that every feature has been changed in honor of the Aston Martin Formula 1 collab. With just 1,959 pieces made, honoring the year Aston Martin joined Formula 1, this timepiece is sure to be highly sought after.
Appearance
Though mostly black, the watch offers subtle hints of British racing green (a color most Americans may describe as chartreuse). It runs through the green mottled carbon fiber dial and the bold second hand. There are also accents in the strap, which we’ll get to later.
The dial features white baton indices with a bold Arabic number at 12 o’clock. The second and minute hands are also white, producing high legibility and complementing the panda-style subdial layout. Notably absent are any overt signs of Aston Marten branding; however, the watch does feature the AOPA logo, a winged emblem that somewhat resembles Aston Marten’s.
The Fit
Almost as exciting as the release itself is the fact that this is the first-ever titanium Navitimer. As a result, it has a notably lighter feel than other Navitimer watches, although it may not be as light as some due to the complexity of the movement. However, overall, it’s not as top-heavy as stainless steel timepieces and doesn’t wobble on the wrist.
The comfort it also supported the curved lugs and a 49mm lug-to-lug measurement, allowing the watch to sit well on average-sized wrists, with ideal wrist sizes of 6.5 cm or more. The 13.7 thickness is present but not extreme, so it will fit under most cuffs. However, with a 43mm diameter, this is a larger watch, and definitely a statement piece.
The Strap
The strap is one of the watch’s most clever and unique features. It is a fabric strap, made to resemble a seatbelt. Turning the watch to the side, you’ll notice it’s outlined in that same British racing green. Turn it over, and you’ll find it’s lined in Aston Marten’s signature green, which I would describe as more of a teal. It features a pin buckle closure for optimal adjustability.
Caseback and Movement
Unlike most vintage Navitimers, which feature a closed-back design, the new Navitimer has a sapphire exhibition caseback, offering that ‘under-the-hood ‘ experience. The rotor is finished in a dark, matte tone with team-related branding, tying the mechanics directly to racing. Overall, the design establishes the watch as a motorsport instrument, setting it apart from the classic aviation models.
Looking inside, we can see the Calibre B01, an automatic chronograph movement. The beat rate is 28,800 vph with a 70-hour power reserve. The COSC certification, a standard in every Breitling, demonstrates the brand’s dedication to accuracy and is another reason why the partnership makes sense.
The movement is COSC-certified, meaning it meets strict accuracy standards for mechanical watches. If you’re curious about what that certification actually represents, our guide to what a chronometer watch is explains how testing works and why it matters.
Functionality
Functionally, the watch meets various specifications that make it ideal for Formula 1 racing. Its slide-rule bezel, a Navitimer signature, allows you to time speed over distances, measure fuel consumption, and perform unit conversions. The central chronograph seconds hand starts, stops, and resets the pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock.
If you’re new to chronographs or want a deeper understanding of how these functions are used in everyday wear, our guide to buying a chronograph watch breaks down the key features, layouts, and use cases in more detail.
The watch offers high legibility with its contrasting hour and minute hands, accented second hand, and powerful lume. The three subdials stand out for their panda layout, with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and running seconds at 9 o’clock. With a column wheel that provides a crisp feel and a vertical clutch that allows the chrono to run continuously, you can expect a high-end experience.
30m water resistance means this watch may not be ideal for the beach, but it’s perfect for the racetrack.
Check Out More Great Timepieces at Precision Watches
While this Formula 1 collaboration is a limited release, it highlights the bold, performance-driven side of Breitling that many collectors are drawn to. For those exploring the brand more broadly, we regularly offer a rotating selection of vetted pre-owned Breitling timepieces, each carefully inspected and supported by our in-house expertise.
FAQS
Who is the watch best suited for?
The Breitling Aston Martin F1 Navitimer is suited for motorsport and Formula 1 fans, Navitimer enthusiasts who want a lighter weight option, and anyone who appreciates collaboration pieces with a good backstory.
How does this Navitimer differ from a standard Navitimer B01?
The new watch differs from the previous one because it features a titanium case, a green carbon-patterned dial, and special branding elements. It is also a limited edition piece.
Is this watch good for everyday wear?
Yes, this can be a good watch for everyday wear. It is a larger watch, but not as jumbo as some, and it offers a slim profile and light weight, making it a comfortable choice. However, as a luxury watch, it can be a versatile choice for more formal occasions.
How collectible is this edition?
As the first watch released under the Aston Martin-Breitling umbrella, with only 1,959 pieces produced, it should be highly collectible. However, there is no guarantee that the market value will increase over time.
