A fitting send-off for the original Jumbo Jet. 

Perhaps no other watch can claim to be the de facto pilot’s chronograph like the Breitling Navitimer, its name a portmanteau of ‘navigation’ and ‘timer’. Originally conceived for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in 1952, it is most recognised for its bidirectional bezel with a circular slide rule that pilots could utilise to perform all in-flight calculations. While it has received several updates under the hood and has been offered in various colourways over the decades, its winning form has remained largely unchanged. That said, we reckon that the new Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Boeing 747 Limited Edition is one of the most attractive among recent releases, striking a fine balance between nostalgia and modernity. 

The watch might be a head-scratcher for some as we don’t often see special editions from watch manufactures commemorating commercial aircraft, but the Boeing 747 is no ordinary aeroplane. Nicknamed ‘Queen of the Skies’, it was a game-changer when it first took to the runway in 1969 with double the passenger capacity of the next-largest jetliner, two aisles, and an upper deck lounge. More importantly, it had a range of over 5,000 nautical miles, which put long-haul flights within more travellers’ reach than ever before. However, as more fuel-efficient commercial aircraft present more economically viable options over the years, Boeing announced that the last of the 747, the 1,574th, will be delivered this year.

Providing a fitting send-off to the ground-breaking aircraft that changed commercial aviation is the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Boeing 747 Limited Edition. “What better way to remember a revolutionary jumbo jet than with a revolutionary pilot’s chronograph,” concurs Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “The Boeing 747 brought style to the skies, just as the Navitimer brought the spirit of aviation to style-savvy watch enthusiasts.” 

Paying homage to the iconic aircraft, the new Navitimer Boeing 747 in stainless steel is generously sized at 43mm and features vintage touches, such as the classic colours of the original Boeing 747 on the cream dial, black sub-dials, and red-and-white slide rule with blue accents. Hat-tipping its heritage as a pilot’s chronograph, the AOPA’s logo is displayed prominently at 12 o’clock in a retro-style shade of gold, counterbalanced by an integrated date window at 6 o’clock. Take a closer look at the dial, and one may also spot that the “Boeing 747” name is discreetly incorporated into the circular slide rule’s inner scale. 

More shoutouts to aircraft can be found at the back of the watch, including engravings of the words “One of 747” and “The Original Jumbo Jet”. The open caseback also showcases the exceptional Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, a COSC-certified self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel, vertical clutch, and 70 hours of power reserve.

Limited to 747 pieces, the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Boeing 747 Limited Edition is available with a black alligator leather strap with a folding buckle (S$12,970) or a stainless-steel seven-row bracelet with a butterfly clasp (S$13,480). 

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