The phrase ‘green with envy’ dates back to Shakespearean times when a certain Iago warned Othello: “Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Good folk have been trying ever since not to succumb to said particular-eyed specimen, but when it comes to life’s luxuries, it can prove difficult.
Watches are a fitting example. You might think owning either a khaki green Patek Philippe Aquanaut, a silky green Girard-Perregaux Laureato or a pistachio green Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph would not only keep you satisfied, but garner sufficient envy amongst friends and fellow watch lovers to warrant a humble brag. But then days like these come about where in true Breitling form, the Swiss watchmaker unveils a killer line up of new Navitimers that boasts a cooler, mint green in 41mm and a rich racing green in 46mm. And suddenly, any such bragging rights are plunged in jeopardy of being usurped.
For its 70th birthday, it’s a silly, roundabout way of introducing the latest iterations of the Navitimer – Breitling’s much obsessed-over and most iconic watch – but mixing things up in an playful, provocative way is exactly Breitling’s forte.
Said cheekiness probably explains why the company chose the day before the world’s biggest watch fair opens (after a two year absence) to take over Zurich airport and cover it in Breitling yellow and blue to unveil its new icons, though it must surely concede that Omega and Swatch stole its thunder in being the noisiest brand to steer the world’s attention towards watches this week, with new releases from the likes of Rolex and Patek to come.
“It’s fair to say that after two years of pandemic and isolation, people are longing for positive things in their lives that can no only lift their own spirits, but those of the people around them too,” one of the watch world’s most charismatic CEOs, Georges Kern tells GQ. “Breitling is among the most colourful brands in this respect and we are resolutely optimistic. Our commitment to offering casual, inclusive, sustainable luxury resonates with our existing customers, but we are able to attract new, younger audiences too with our unique modern-retro style.”
The new Navitimers flex a realness that plays directly into Kern's narrative, as they are lively and bold while boasting modern refinements to what you’d describe as the Navitimer’s classic characteristics – the circular slide rule, the baton indexes, the trio of chronograph counters and the notched bezel for easy grip.
Boasting a golden heritage in game-changing tool watches, dress watches, and its own watch production for more than 136 years now, the updated versions exemplify what Kern describes as Breitling “taking design inspiration from our rich history and offering state-of-the-art functionality and technology." And in NBA legend Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kern has a shiny new member on the cheerleading squad to raise the energy levels and seep Breitling watches into the minds of a new, younger (basketball-obsessed) demographic.
Known for his off-court cool and down-to-earth attitude and style, Kern tells us that for Antetokounmpo, “the idea of a modern, colourful interpretation of an iconic watch with a 70-year history is appealing.” Indeed, the new Navitimers have the classic features that have always defined the watch for 70 years but that DNA is combined with the modern refinements it creates a great companion for a giant like Antetokounmpo.
The specifics to get you excited
Dubbed the de facto Pilot’s watch, the nN (new Navitimer) comes in 46, 43 and 41mm sizes, with the 46mm wearing a lot huge than anticipated. There are two case materials, the more bling 18-karat red gold and the less showy stainless steel, and you can don it on a choice of straps – from semi-shiny alligator leather to a more sophisticate metal bracelet. Inside, it is powered by a COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, which equates to a running time of about 70 hours and allows the wearer to change the date accordingly. It also comes with the safety net of a five-year warranty.
The colours are where the fun is at, with various sexy shades of blue, green, white and copper dial options. The return of the AOPA wings to their original position at 12 o’clock is where the biggest thrill comes, and it’s what will ultimately separate the OG watch lovers from the newbies fans. But both will likely be aligned on one thing – as per Gerald Genta and the AP Royal Oak, or the Omega Speedmaster, once a watch is an icon, it is forever an icon. And with these new releases, the Navitimer can be assured of such a status; a status that’s evolving in the best way possible – a cheeky and fun one.
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