Breitling, as a brand, has been often associated with mechanical proficiency. This has been especially true since the brand launched the Navitimer in 1952. The Navitimer is arguably the most popular Breitling watch to ever be made. The timepiece is a 20th-century classic that remains a favourite in the 21st century as well. Of course, the zeitgeist has shifted dramatically since then but apparently not enough for the Navitimer to go out of fashion. Well, just like its ancestors, the all-new Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 is a representation of one of watchmaking’s most alluring complications.
Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45
The Rattrapante is definitely one of the most sophisticated as well as thought-of complications in all of the horological universe. To lay it down in simpler terms, the watch has two superimposed central hands for the chronograph that can measure two separate elapsed times simultaneously. The Rattrapante function in the all-new Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 is a unique one and it makes the watch an instant hit among enthusiasts.
The new Navitimer is aesthetically impressive as well. In fact, it is as impressive on the aesthetics front as it is on the technical one. The watch is cased inside a 45 mm 18-carat red gold frame that is distinguished by a Stratos grey dial. The hour markers, as well as the hour and minute hands, are clad with Super-Luminova, a luminescent that guarantees extreme legibility. In addition to that, the case has a bidirectional bezel that rotates on both sides. Fixated on this bezel is the coveted circular slide rule that the Navitimer is known for.
Going into a little detail here, the new Navitimer B03 has something else to offer too. The Navitimers usually feature the stylized ‘B’ insignia along with an anchor logo right at the base of the chronograph’s hands.  However, the new timepiece offers a slight refinement. The logo has been neatly divided between the two hands. The ‘B’ is placed on the red chronograph hand, while the anchor sits nicely on the split-second hand. Therefore, the two elements of the watch’s logo get separated from each other and then get aligned together again when the hands align.
The split-second pusher which is placed at 3 o’clock with the crown serves as a stop as well as restart button for the spilt second hand. This enables users to measure and compare the results of multiple competitors.
The heart of the watch, the B03 Calibre was manufactured by the watchmaker at its Chronométrie facility located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The movement, that is also COSC certified, offers a power reserve of 70 hours. It is also protected by a warranty of 5 years.
A Detailed Review – Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45
Ref. RB0311E61F1P1
The timepiece has a 45 mm case made out of 18-carat red gold. The watch’s 30-meter water resistance is also noteworthy. The slide rule bezel has once again found its way back at the top of the Breitling Navitimer as it can be seen in this reference. The dial displays the usual hour and minute hands along with two separate chronograph hands.
As far as the movement is concerned, Breitling has truly outdone itself. The B03 Manufacture Calibre is state of the art in every sense. The movement is 30.4 mm in diameter and 9.18 mm in thickness. It is an automatic mechanism with up to 70 hours of power reserve. At 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement offers a column wheel, split-second chronograph, and a vertical clutch. The chronograph impresses a lot with 1/4th second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. The B03 movement is also COSC certified, as are all Breitling calibres.
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