Breitling’s Navitimer belongs on any countdown of history’s greatest chronographs. It became the official timepiece of the AOPA, the world’s largest aviators’ club, in 1954 and traveled to space in 1962, both within its first decade of service.
Countless iterations have come and gone since then, making it one of the most diverse luxury tool watches in history as well. But the Navitimer has rarely taken on the panda color scheme so closely associated with the stopwatch complication.
The last two examples I’m aware of are two Japan-exclusive references, one released in the 2000s and the other in 2023. But now North American Breitling fans have their own geographically restricted panda Navitimer, and it is absolutely gorgeous.
The new Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 North America Limited Edition has a silver dial plate that acts as the requisite white background for three black subdials, each inset with chamfered chapter rings and a snailed texture.
Like the 2023 Japanese release, the hands, applied stick hour markers and winged-shield logo are coated in rose gold, adding a touch of splendor to the crowd-pleasing monochromatic dial motif.
As the name suggests, this limited edition 43mm chronograph is sold exclusively in the United States and Canada. It stands apart from previous panda dial Navitimer’s with a mahogany brown alligator leather strap, complete with white stitching and a steel folding clasp.
