Just released by Replica Breitling is the new ladies collection of their iconic Navitimer pilot’s watch. Debuting in 36 and 32mm case sizes, this new collection joins the brand’s collection’s existing ladies watch lineup which has been in the more “unisex” 41mm size. In typical Breitling fashion, there is a robust line up of pieces in this new collection which ranges from classic silver or anthracite colored dials to mother of pearl dials set with diamond hour markers.
Before getting into the nitty gritty, it’s important to underscore Breitling’s commitment to responsibility and ethics when it comes to use of precious materials. As has been the topic of much discussion recently, Breitling has opted for lab-grown “better diamonds” here as part of their initiative to completely phase out the use of mined diamonds by the end of 2024. Additionally, the two-tone and full-gold pieces are done in “better gold” which means the precious metal is traceable to smaller gold mines that meet the social and environmental standards of the Swiss Better Gold Association.
Let’s start with 36mm collection, all of which have the instantly recognizable Navitimer beaded bezel with circular slide rule. There are six steel iterations that come in either mint green, silver, or anthracite colored dials either on a bracelet or leather strap. The 36mm Navis also come in two-tone or solid-gold variants (also on matching bracelet or strap) with a stunning mother-of-pearl dial with the aforementioned lab-grown diamond hour markers. All of these Navitimer 36 models are outfitted with the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 17 movement that has a 38-hour power reserve and operates at 4 Hz.
These 36m wide cases are 11.42mm thick (with 50 m of water resistance) and have a lug-to-lug measurement of 41.7mm. Given today’s more creative and flexible style choices, don’t be surprised to see these ladies watches on the wrists of more than a couple of men (myself included).
The 32mm versions are both smaller and do not include the slide rule which seems prudent for such a small dial size. What they do have, however, are some beautiful powder pink and light-blue mother-of-pearl dials which are a first for the brand. There is also a white mother-of-pearl dial in steel as well as the two-tone gold. Again, these are all available with a matching bracelet or strap.
The smaller Navitimer 32 models are powered by the COSC certified Breitling Caliber 77 thermo-compensated Superquartz movement. Measuring 32mm wide and 8mm thick, these have a water resistance of 50m.