Breitling has introduced a limited-edition Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first flight, reinforcing the watch’s longstanding association with aviation milestones. For over seven decades, the Navitimer has evolved from a functional pilot’s instrument into a cultural icon. Originally developed in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), it is widely regarded as the first wristwatch flight computer, featuring a patented circular slide rule capable of performing in-flight calculations.
The Concorde—conceived at the height of the jet age—remains one of aviation’s most significant achievements. Flying at twice the speed of sound, it halved transatlantic travel times and cruised at 60,000 feet, offering passengers rare views of the Earth’s curvature. Nicknamed the “White Bird,” it carried around 100 passengers and symbolised a period of bold technological ambition.
The new Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde reflects this legacy through a stratosphere-blue dial paired with a matching alligator strap. White subdials and an inner slide rule reference the aircraft’s nickname. The edition is limited to 593 pieces—a nod to the Olympus 593 turbojet engines that powered Concorde.
Caseback engravings include “One of 593,” “Tribute to Concorde,” “Jetliner,” and “Mach 2,” referencing the aircraft’s supersonic cruising speed.
The Navitimer’s own history mirrors Concorde’s pioneering spirit. Beyond aviation, the watch became the first Swiss wristwatch in space, worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter, and later adopted by figures including Formula 1 drivers Graham Hill and Jim Clark, as well as musicians Serge Gainsbourg and Miles Davis.
Today, Breitling continues to position the Navitimer as a blend of heritage and technical innovation. Founded in 1884, the Swiss watchmaker is credited with inventing the modern chronograph and remains one of the few independent brands producing in-house manufacture calibres. Its collections span air, land, and sea, with all movements certified as COSC chronometers.
With this release, Breitling brings together two aviation icons—marking five decades since Concorde’s first flight and reaffirming the enduring appeal of precision engineering and aspirational design.
