In the 1960s, Breitling’s Twin Jet Navitimer represented a major visual and functional evolution of the iconic pilot’s chronograph. Developed in 1952 as an instrument for pilots of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Navitimer combined a chronograph with a circular slide rule, allowing aviators to perform calculations using the rotating bezel and measure elapsed time with the chronograph. In 1962, Breitling adapted the design for NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter, creating the Cosmonaute with a 24-hour display suited to orbital flight. Carpenter wore the watch during his Mercury-Atlas 7 mission on May 24, 1962, making it the first Swiss wristwatch to travel into space.

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This story continues in Breitling’s latest pilot watches, which are now part of the brand’s permanent collection. The Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 and the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute feature the period-appropriate Twin Jet logo in gold, which was used by Breitling in 1957 and first appeared on a Navitimer dial in 1965. The logo became a defining visual feature of the brand’s aviation watches, serving as the civilian counterpart to the AOPA logo used on models sold directly to the organisation’s members.

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The two timepieces also bring manual winding back to the centre of the Navitimer collection. Before automatic chronographs became available in 1969, winding a mechanical chronograph was part of the daily routine of ownership. The new models offer the best of both worlds: modern manufacture movements and vintage specifications.

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Also Read: Breitling recreates Miles Davis’ iconic Navitimer with a limited edition

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Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute

The Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute features a 41 mm stainless-steel case. Its black dial has contrasting white chronograph counters and the gold Twin Jet logo, while Super-LumiNova is applied to the hands, numerals, and indexes. A date display is integrated into the lower subdial, matching the dial colour.

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Powering the watch is the manually wound Breitling Manufacture Calibre B02, which operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, with an approximately 70-hour power reserve. The COSC-certified chronograph uses a column wheel and vertical clutch, with a quarter-second indication and 30-minute and 12-hour counters.

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The case features a bidirectional bezel with a circular slide rule, a non-screw-locked crown with two gaskets, and a screwed stainless-steel caseback with a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated to 30 metres. 

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The Cosmonaute is available with a brown calfskin-leather strap and folding clasp for INR 9,81,750 or a seven-row stainless-steel bracelet for INR 10,13,250.

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Also Read: Breitling and Aston Martin announce Formula One partnership

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Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41

This version was inspired by the 1960s watch worn by race car drivers Jim Clark and Graham Hill – who were also pilots – and realised the importance of Navitimer’s slide rule and chronograph for the track.

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With the Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41The COSC-certified, manual-winding B09 calibre has been introduced into the core Navitimer range for the first time. It beats at 4 Hz, offers a 70-hour power reserve, and features a column wheel, vertical clutch, quarter-second indication, and 30-minute and 12-hour totalisers.

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The 41 mm watch is offered with either a black or blue dial, both featuring contrasting white subdials in a reverse-panda layout, alongside the signature circular slide rule and gold Twin Jet logo. The manual-winding movement and simplified dial arrangement allow for a slimmer profile while retaining proportions inspired by historic Navitimer models. The indexes and the hour and minute hands receive the Super-LumiNova® treatment for nighttime legibility.

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The black-dial version is paired with a brown gradient calfskin-leather strap, while the blue-dial model comes with a matching blue gradient strap. The strap versions are available for INR 7,24,500. Both feature folding clasps with release buttons and are also available with a seven-row stainless-steel bracelet for INR 761,250.

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Images: Breitling

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