Hey, have you heard about the Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 watch? This new release is a serious Pilot’s watch that exceeds what one would expect in both aesthetics as well as engineering. It?s an interesting – and well timed – release for chronograph lovers in general but also for fans of the classic Navitimer. This new model features a hefty 18K ?red gold? 45mm case and an in-house split-second Rattrapante movement secured by 2 patents, and finished with a Stratos Gray Dial.

The hour hands are coated with the traditional Super-Luminova coating, easily legible in dark situations like in the cockpit of a plane. Another stylized feature exclusive to this specific model are the hands which have been fitted with the Breitling logo divided between two hands. Most Breitling watches are fitted with a single B logo on the underside of a single hand, so this is a welcomed change, and one that brings uniqueness to an iconic watch. The Red chrono hand features the B, while the second hand is fixed with the Anchor logo. Both logos are separated when the split second hand is stopped and rejoin when running.

Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45

The split second pusher is unique because it functions as a stop and restart for the split second hand which allows the wearer to compare recorded times simultaneously. Maybe not the most useful feature for a pilots watch, but one that is welcomed regardless. The B03 has a nice long power reserve of 70 hours, 2 hours shy of the now modern Rolex Daytona Chronograph. The movement is produced in house by Breitling at their headquarters in La Chaux-De-Fonds Switzerland.  

The bezel is bidirectional allowing for quick and easy adjusting, although less safe in-case of accidental movement, but this is not as important as it would be for a dive watch. The bezel and much of the shape and characteristics inherit the look from the classic Navitimer which is excellent.

This is a very exciting release for chrono collectors or pilot watch fanatics, although one must have a fairly large wrist size to pull it off. The B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 comes with the black alligator leather strap fitted with a pin buckle. Head over to Breitling?s official website to check out some of the specs. breitling.com

ByJohn Biggs

John lives in Brooklyn and has loved watches since he got his first Swatch Irony automatic in 1998. He is the editor of WristWatchReview.