The legacy of supersonic aviation brought to the wrist
In the history of aviation, there are names that transcend their own function. They are not just machines; they are symbols of an era, of ambition, and of a moment when humanity chose to go further. The Concorde is, without a doubt, one of them. And now, that spirit takes flight once again in the form of a watch.
Breitling presents a limited edition that not only pays tribute, but reinterprets one of the most fascinating chapters of aeronautical engineering: the Concorde. The result is the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde Ref: AB01389C1C1P1, a piece that connects past, technique, and emotion on a single plane.
The Concorde: when flying meant going beyond
For nearly three decades, the Concorde represented the pinnacle of commercial aviation. It flew at Mach 2 and at over 18,000 meters of altitude, halving transatlantic flight times and offering a view of the planet reserved for very few.
The result of a collaboration between France and the United Kingdom, this supersonic aircraft became a true icon, with a very limited number of operational units for Air France and British Airways.
Beyond its figures, the Concorde symbolized a new era: one of speed, innovation, and an unprecedented travel experience.
Navitimer: the watch born in the cockpit
To pay tribute to an aviation icon, Breitling turns to one of its most emblematic models: the Navitimer, launched in 1952. Originally designed for pilots and developed in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), it featured a circular slide rule capable of performing conversions of speed, fuel consumption, or distance directly from the wrist.
This functionality made it an essential tool in the cockpit, but also a symbol. Over time, it transcended its professional use to become one of the most iconic watches in contemporary watchmaking.
Choosing it as the foundation for this tribute is not just logical—it is almost inevitable.
A dial that evokes the stratosphere
One of the most distinctive elements of this edition is its deep blue dial. This is not merely an aesthetic choice, but a direct reference to the experience of flying on the Concorde. At over 60,000 feet, the sky takes on a unique, intense, almost unreal hue. This is the color Breitling sought to capture in the watch.
The white subdials provide contrast and legibility, while also evoking the Concorde’s nickname: the “white bird.” The combination creates a balanced aesthetic between technical precision and emotional resonance, where every detail has meaning.
The presence of the historic AOPA logo reinforces the connection to the Navitimer’s aeronautical heritage, underscoring its authenticity.
Watchmaking engineering in the service of precision
Beyond its symbolic significance, this Navitimer maintains the technical rigor that defines the brand. At its heart beats the in-house B01 calibre, one of Breitling’s most renowned movements.
It is an automatic chronograph equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch—two key elements that ensure precision in time measurement and smooth operation. This is complemented by an approximate 70-hour power reserve, ensuring reliable performance even after several days without use.
The 43 mm case offers a contemporary presence on the wrist, maintaining a balance between functionality and aesthetics. With a water resistance of 30 meters, the watch remains true to the Navitimer’s DNA, prioritizing its identity as an aviation instrument over extreme sports specifications.
A limited edition with meaning
This model is limited to 593 pieces worldwide. Far from being an arbitrary number, it directly references the Olympus 593 engines that propelled the Concorde to supersonic speeds.
The caseback reinforces this narrative with engravings such as “One of 593,” “Tribute to Concorde,” and “Mach 2,” elements that directly connect the piece to the history it represents.
It is delivered with a blue alligator leather strap, in harmony with the watch’s overall aesthetic, adding a touch of sophistication that balances its technical character.
More than a watch: a historical piece
The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde is not simply a limited edition. It is a contemporary interpretation of a moment when technology and human ambition reached new heights.
For the collector, it represents a piece with narrative, coherence, and historical value. For the enthusiast, it is an opportunity to wear on the wrist a fragment of that era when flying meant challenging limits.
Because there are watches that tell time—and others that remind us when we were able to surpass it.
Discover this limited edition from Breitling at MAISON ROCA. Contact our boutique at Av. Meritxell, 50 in Andorra la Vella and book your appointment.
