Breitling launched the Navitimer in 1952 in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). It revolutionized aviation timekeeping with a slide rule bezel that could calculate fuel consumption, average speed, and rate of climb and descent. In 1969, it reached a milestone with the groundbreaking Calibre 11 movement, one of the first chronograph movements ever produced.
Due to its popularity, several iterations have been released over the years, including the Breitling Navitimer Olympus 43mm A19340. It is one of Breitling’s most sophisticated models, featuring Calibre 19 movement and approximately 250 components. Beyond its chronograph, it also offers a perpetual calendar, date display, and moon phase, and is chronometer-certified. This pre-owned model
While this particular Navitimer Olympus 43mm recently sold for $6,395, you can explore our current selection of pre-owned Breitling watches to discover other distinctive references currently available.
Breitling Navtimer Olympus Review
This dense, technical watch offers all the appeal of a classic Navitimer, with updated elements and robust complications, making it a distinctive timepiece.
The Appearance
This watch offers various complications, and it’s got a busy dial to prove it. The background is black with white elements, creating a reverse panda effect. Overall, it supports a high contrast visual.
While this may be a tool watch, it has a polished appearance, with a winged logo just under 3 o’clock. Its timekeeping hands are broad, with a sword-like profile and luminous inlays.
The chronograph second hand is long and fine, with an arrow tip that extends to the slide-scale rule, making timing and calculations easy to read. Even the subdial hands are slim and straight, supporting high contrast.
Surrounding elements include a beaded bezel, which provides grip for the slide rule while producing a shimmery effect around the dial. The sapphire crystal adds distortion and enhances the depth of the subdial and markers. A polished stainless-steel finish gives it a luminous presence, elevating it beyond a purely functional tool watch.
The Fit
At 43mm, this is a substantial watch, and its 15.2mm thickness amplifies its presence. However, its case is stepped back, sitting a little lower than the thickness would imply. As a result, it may fit nicely under some jackets, but we wouldn’t go so far as to wear it under a dress cuff.
It fits well on wrists with a circumference of 16 cm or more. It is relatively heavy, but the watch is well-balanced with curved lugs. A tapered strap further supports the fit.
The Bracelet
The bracelet features multi-link construction with small, closely woven links that create a woven look. Highly polished, it catches the light, providing an aviation instrument feel. Tapering from the lugs to the clasp, it supports an elegant appearance.
The bracelet closes with a folding clasp with a secure locking system, making it suitable for everyday wear and travel. While leather bracelets are available for these watches, metal bracelets hold up better to sweat and moisture.
Functionality
As mentioned, the watch has robust complications, so let’s dig into them.
Most notable and unique is the circular slide rule bezel. Though useful for pilots who need to calculate speed and mileage, the bezel is also handy for multiplication and division. It can help you figure out tips faster than most smartwatches.
The discreet moonphase display, which sits discreetly near 3 o’clock, shows the current phase of the moon and is synchronized with a perpetual calendar that displays the date and does not require manual adjustment for leap years. A central chronograph second hand stops and starts with the top pusher and resets with the bottom one. The watch also offers a 30-minute counter subdial and running seconds at 9 o’clock, running independently of the chronograph.
Caseback and Movement
Turning the watch over, you’ll see a stainless steel, solid, screw-down caseback. It is engraved with the Breitling logo and features a polished finish, supporting the instrument/tool feel. Its screw-down design helps it maintain structural integrity.
Under the hood ticks a Caliber 19 automatic, self-winding movement. It is COSC-certified, meeting high precision standards. The power reserve is 40-42 hours with a 30m water resistance.
Experience the Breitling Navitimer Olympus 43mm at Precision Watches
If the Navitimer Olympus 43mm appeals to you, we recommend visiting our Lower Gwynedd showroom to experience similar models firsthand. Our curated selection of distinctive references ensures you can find a timepiece suited to your lifestyle and collection goals.
If you’re rotating out of another piece to make room for something new, a professional watch appraisal can help you understand its current market value before making a move. We provide transparent evaluations and streamlined transactions for collectors at every stage.
We also offer professional watch repair services to support accuracy and long-term performance throughout your ownership.
Visit us in-store or connect with us online to learn more about our current collection and services.
FAQS
Is the Breitling Navitimer Olympus a sports watch or a dress watch?
The watch would best be classified as a sports-luxury pilot watch. DNA, like the slide-rule bezel, chronograph, 43mm case, and tool-like dial, places it in the sports/aviation category. However, the perpetual calendar, moonphase, and fully polished case and bezel give the watch a refined, dressy appearance. It’s best to wear the watch however you feel most comfortable.
Is the Navitimer suitable as a daily watch?
The watch offers optimal functionality and durability, making it a good choice for daily wear. However, the hefty size and slightly dressy look may cause some individuals to reserve it for special occasions.
How complex is it to set the perpetual calendar and moonphase?
The setting process of the Navitimer Olympic is more complex than that of a standard date watch, but if you follow the manual carefully, you will master it quickly. Basically, you use the crown for time and the recessed pushers in the case band for day, date, month, and moonphase. Additionally, once you set it up, you can typically keep it running with minimal maintenance.
How does the Olympus compare to a standard Navitimer chronograph?
Compared with a standard Navitimer chronograph, the Olympus adds a perpetual calendar and moonphase complication, creating significantly more visual and mechanical complexity. For collectors who prefer a more focused chronograph layout, references like the Navitimer Rattrapante offer a different take on Breitling’s aviation heritage.
