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Lot #2399

Breitling Navitimer Airborne A33030

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Introduction

Released in 1952 and based on Breitling’s 1942 Chronomat, the Breitling Navitimer was the pilot’s watch to end all pilot’s watches. Following Breitling’s collaboration with the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) to make the slide rule of its Chronomat even more relevant to pilots, the Navitimer was born as the ultimate pilot’s watch. Basically, a hand-held computer, the Navitimer enabled pilots to quickly figure out fuel consumption rates, average speeds, convert between various scales, and much more. Offered here we have the Navitimer Airborne hailing from the mid-1990s. Made of stainless steel and measuring 38mm in diameter and 13mm tall, it wears with a modest wrist presence that Breitling’s chronographs were not known for, particularly their models from the 1990s or 2000s. With a black quad-compax dial sporting 3 silver subdials and a black pointer-date subdial with a silver periphery that’s operated via the pusher at 10 o’clock, the Navitimer Airborne is a unique variant of the Navitimer that retains its pilot’s watch spirit but with a unique twist.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 9

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch only

Est. value range

$2,000 – $4,000

The Details

Brand

Breitling

Dimensions

38mm x 13mm

Model

Navitimer Airborne

Movement

Automatic Breitling cal. 33

Reference

A33030

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa mid-1990s

Condition

Excellent

Material

Stainless steel

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Black and silver

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Boasting a beautifully aged black and silver dial, the Navitimer Airborne features an information-dense display with a quad-compax layout thanks to its pointer-date subdial at 12 o'clock that is operated via the pusher at 10 o'clock.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Featuring a 38mm stainless steel construction that is 13mm tall, the Navitimer Airborne retains a wonderfully wearable profile, something that Breitling weren't all too known for in the 1990s.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in overall excellent condition. Original dial is in excellent condition, with some darkening to the silver subdials and silver chapter ring. Case is in excellent condition. The leather strap shows some signs of wear, with heavier wear at the pin holes. The original pin buckle is included.

Our Perspective

With its beaded slide rule bezel, information-packed dial, and signature design, the Navitimer, has become a watchmaking industry icon, and the Airborne is rich in character as an interesting Navitimer variant with its quad-compax dial and smaller 38mm construction. .

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder