New Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde

The historical brand of pilot watches pays tribute to one of the most revered and legendary aircraft.

Presenting the new Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde.

When I first saw the name, I thought: aviation watches dedicated to an aviation icon - logical. However, after a series of collaborations with various brands - from Victoria Beckham to the NFL and Aston Martin - Breitling has proven that it can create truly thoughtful models where details are not just commercially convenient but meaningful. Did they achieve this in this case? Let's find out.

History of the Model's Creation

To start, a little context. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flight. Recall that Concorde flew at Mach 2 - twice the speed of sound - at an altitude of 60,000 feet. This allowed passengers to see the curvature of the Earth. The aircraft halved the transatlantic flight time. It was nicknamed the "White Bird." This history is the basis of the Breitling dial design.

Dial Design

The main dial is executed in deep rich blue tones - the color of the stratosphere that could be seen from the Concorde cabin at cruising altitude. White chronograph counters are set against this background, creating a "dark blue panda" effect while also alluding to the aircraft's nickname - "White Bird." This detail is subtle enough to be overlooked if one does not know, but for those in the know, it is perceived as a deliberate and thoughtful move.

The internal bezel with a logarithmic scale is also in white, tying the design together. The indices and hands are coated with SuperLuminova luminous material, ensuring good readability in low light conditions - a classic feature of the Navitimer as a professional instrument watch.

Watch Case

The 43 mm case is made of stainless steel and is 14.94 mm thick. These are not thin watches, but the Navitimer has never aimed to be an inconspicuous accessory. The main criteria are readability and ease of handling the bezel, which is especially important for aviation watches.

The lug-to-lug distance is slightly over 49 mm, which might seem large, but the sloped profile of the lugs softens the visual perception and makes the watch comfortable on the wrist. As a result, the model is worn with a noticeable presence, befitting its purpose.

The bidirectional bezel is made of platinum - a pleasant premium touch. Platinum gives the bezel a cooler, silvery shade that subtly distinguishes it from the case and adds a sense of solidity and luxury. The water resistance is 30 meters - standard for aviation watches that combine elements of classic and sporty styles. The glass is a convex sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

Mechanism

The back of the watch is engraved with the inscriptions: "One of 593," "Tribute to Concorde," "Jetliner," and "Mach 2." The number 593 is not random, it refers to the Olympus 593 engines used on the Concorde. Such numerical details are important for connoisseurs and serve as a subtle tribute to the legendary aircraft.

Inside is the in-house Breitling Manufacture Calibre B01 movement - automatic, with vertical coupling and column wheel, COSC certified. It is a highly precise and reliable chronograph with a 70-hour power reserve, making it convenient for weekend use without winding.

Strap

The watch comes with a blue alligator leather strap and a stainless steel folding clasp. The width at the lug is 22 mm, tapering to 18 mm at the clasp. The strap color precisely matches the dial shade, creating a harmonious image.

If alligator leather is not to your taste or you want variety, there are many alternative straps with a width of 22 mm available today, allowing you to customize the model to your liking. However, out of the box, this combination looks balanced and stylish.

Final Assessment

The main advantage of this model is its subtlety and restraint in expressing the theme. Breitling did not use large silhouettes of the Concorde on the dial or overload the design with symbolism. Instead, the story is conveyed through details: the stratosphere color, white counters, limited edition number.

The watch encourages curiosity and attention to detail. This model is an example of a restrained and effective tribute. Those familiar with the Concorde's history will appreciate it more deeply, while others can enjoy the classic "dark blue panda" design. Choosing this model depends on your interest in the Navitimer and pilot chronographs with a logarithmic bezel.

If this is your style, then this version offers additional meaning and uniqueness. And for Concorde enthusiasts, it will be another source of pride.

Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde: Price and Availability

The model is now available in a limited edition of 593 pieces.