Editor’s Note: Watches & Wonders (formerly SIHH) and Baselworld 2020 are canceled but that hasn’t stopped watch brands large and small from debuting their new wares. To stay on top of this year’s best new watch releases, visit our tag page.
The Breitling Navitimer 1959 was released in 2019 as a faithful recreation of one of the earliest and most iconic vintage Navitimers. It was well-received, with much of the enthusiasm surrounding its “beaded bezel” that had exactly the same number of beads as the original. But since it only came in plain, old stainless steel, people who wanted something special were left in the cold. Fortunately, the shortage was shortlived.
Breitling just announced two new limited editions of the Navitimer 1959 in platinum and red gold cases. The watches carry over most of the same features: a moderately sized 41mm case and the hand-wound Breitling B09 in-house movement. To remain more faithful to the feel of the original, the dial is protected by highly domed plexiglas, rather than sapphire (which would typically be considered the more modern and premium choice). Breitling fans that really know their Navitimers will be able to distinguish the platinum version from the steel by its blue dial — the steel version has a black dial.
Each of the new watches comes on a leather strap with buckles to match their respective case materials. Limited to 159 pieces, the Breitling Navitimer 1959 in red gold has a price of $22,850. In platinum, only 59 pieces will be made and they’ll cost upwards of $39,900.
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