Updated
Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) vs Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Two chronographs compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $25,000+
Quick Verdict
The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) ($10,000–$25,000) offers Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified precision in the tier below the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary ($25,000+). The Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) measures 41mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional chronographs for their respective tiers.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) | Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 41mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) | Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 |
| Caliber Type | Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified | Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre |
| Power Reserve | About 70 hours | About 48 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | 18k red gold | 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Breitling's design language vs Omega's approach
The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) features a 18k red gold case at 41mm with Domed sapphire protection. The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary offers 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) vs Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861
The Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) runs the Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) (Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified, About 70 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary uses the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 (Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre, About 48 hours reserve) at standard. The Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
41mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 41mm, the Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Breitling sits in the lower tier
The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) uses Domed sapphire with About 70 hours, against Sapphire Crystal and About 48 hours on the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary handles 50m (5 ATM). The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Breitling
Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces)
Choose the Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) if you prioritize Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) with About 70 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonOmega
Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Choose the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary if you value Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 with About 48 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) and Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary represent two distinct approaches to the chronograph category — the Breitling bringing Swiss Made tradition while Omega delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces)
Two chronographs compared — $2,500–$5,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Two chronographs compared — $2,500–$5,000 vs $25,000+
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces)
Tissot's timepiece meets Breitling's chronograph
Explore These Watches
How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.