Pre-Owned Breitling Navitimer
The Breitling Navitimer
A pre-owned Breitling Navitimer is a chance to own one of the most recognisable pilot’s watches ever made. Breitling introduced it in 1952, built around a circular slide rule bezel that let pilots perform flight calculations on the wrist. In 1954 the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association adopted it as its official timepiece, and it went on to define the aviation chronograph through the golden age of civil flight. It even reached space in 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter.
More than seventy years on, the Navitimer is the watch most people picture when they think of Breitling. The slide rule bezel remains its signature, and the modern collection pairs that heritage with the in-house, COSC-certified Manufacture Caliber 01.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Navitimer?
The Navitimer has one of the deepest back catalogues in watchmaking, and much of it is only available on the secondary market. Discontinued case sizes, earlier movement generations, the retired Navitimer 01 and Navitimer 8 references, limited editions, and vintage examples going back to the 806 all live here.
The Navitimer is also an accessible route into a genuine watchmaking icon. Breitling produces it in reasonable numbers, so pre-owned examples offer the in-house chronograph movement and the slide rule heritage at a lower entry point than the newest references. Buying from a dealer with watchmakers on site means the chronograph, slide rule bezel, and movement have all been verified before the watch reaches you.
Navitimer Sizes and References
The Navitimer’s size is the main decision, since the collection spans compact to genuinely large.
B01 Chronograph 41. The most heritage-faithful modern size, close to the proportions of the 1950s originals, and increasingly popular with buyers who want the Navitimer look on a smaller wrist.
B01 Chronograph 43. The flagship and best-selling size, balancing wrist presence with wearability. This is the reference most buyers picture today.
B01 Chronograph 46. The largest chronograph, offering maximum slide rule legibility and the bold, oversized pilot look the Navitimer is known for.
GMT and Automatic. Time-and-date and GMT executions, including the Automatic GMT 41, which add a second time zone for travellers alongside the chronograph line.
Vintage and heritage references. Earlier references including the 806 and the space-flown Cosmonaute, along with the Navitimer 8 and Navitimer 01, all found pre-owned.
Note that the B01 43mm figure refers to the slide rule bezel diameter; the case itself sits closer to 41mm, so the watch wears slightly smaller than the number suggests. You can schedule an appointment to compare sizes in our showroom.
Pre-Owned Navitimer Prices
Pre-owned Navitimer prices depend on generation, size, and materials. Steel B01 Chronograph references generally sit in the mid four figures, which makes a pre-owned Navitimer one of the more accessible ways into an in-house Swiss chronograph. GMT and larger references run somewhat higher, two-tone and rose gold examples higher still, and vintage or limited editions are priced according to condition and rarity.
Box, papers, and overall condition all affect value. Our inventory changes regularly, so contact us if you are looking for a specific size or reference.
Authenticated and Serviced In-House
The Navitimer is mechanically involved, with a chronograph, a rotating slide rule bezel, and registers that all need to function correctly. Every pre-owned Navitimer we sell is examined by our on-site watchmakers, who verify the movement and chronograph operation, check the slide rule bezel action, confirm serial and reference numbers, and refinish the case and bracelet where appropriate. Every pre-owned Navitimer carries our two-year warranty, with service handled directly by our own watchmakers.
Sell or Trade Your Navitimer
We buy pre-owned Breitling Navitimer watches outright and accept trades toward anything in our showroom. Our team evaluates each watch on its reference, condition, and current market demand. Start with our Sell Your Breitling page or bring the watch into the store for an in-person evaluation.
Related Collections
Looking at the wider Breitling range? The Super Chronomat is the versatile sport chronograph, and the Superocean is the dive line. You can also browse our full selection of pre-owned Breitling watches.
How much is a pre-owned Breitling Navitimer?
Steel B01 Chronograph references generally sit in the mid four figures, making a pre-owned Navitimer one of the more accessible ways into an in-house Swiss chronograph. GMT and larger references run higher, two-tone and rose gold examples higher still, and vintage or limited editions are priced by condition and rarity. Overall condition, box, and papers all affect the final price.
What size Breitling Navitimer should I buy?
The chronograph comes in 41mm, 43mm, and 46mm. The 43mm is the flagship and the size most buyers picture, balancing presence with wearability. The 41mm is closest to the vintage proportions and suits smaller wrists, while the 46mm offers maximum slide rule legibility and the boldest look. One useful detail: the quoted size refers to the slide rule bezel, so the case itself wears slightly smaller than the number suggests.
What is the slide rule bezel on a Navitimer for?
The circular slide rule is a working mechanical calculator. By rotating the bezel against the fixed dial scale, a wearer can perform flight-related calculations such as speed, distance, fuel consumption, and unit conversions, all of which pilots needed before onboard computers. It remains functional today and is the Navitimer’s defining feature, though most owners now treat it as a nod to the watch’s aviation heritage.
Does the Breitling Navitimer have an in-house movement?
Modern Navitimer chronographs use Breitling’s in-house Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph with a column wheel, vertical clutch, and roughly 70 hours of power reserve. The manually wound Cosmonaute uses the closely related Caliber B02. Older references used a range of movements depending on the generation.
Is the Navitimer a good first luxury chronograph?
For many buyers, yes. It offers a genuine in-house chronograph movement, one of the most recognisable designs in watchmaking, and real aviation history, all at a pre-owned price below many comparable Swiss chronographs. The slide rule bezel also gives it a distinct identity that sets it apart from other chronographs.
Do your pre-owned Navitimer watches come with a warranty?
Yes. All pre-owned watches from Precision Watches include our two-year international warranty covering mechanical defects, with warranty work handled by our on-site service center.
Can I trade my current watch toward a pre-owned Navitimer?
Yes. We accept trade-ins toward any watch in our inventory. Our team evaluates the brand, condition, and current market demand for your watch, then applies the agreed value to your purchase.
Where can I see pre-owned Breitling Navitimer watches near Philadelphia?
Our showroom is in Lower Gwynedd, PA, roughly 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. We are open Monday through Saturday, and you can schedule an appointment to view watches in person.
- 22,000+Social Media Followers
- 8+Authorized Brands
- 4.9 ★★★★★908 Google Reviews
