Updated
Breitling Navitimer B01 vs Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces)
Two chronographs compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Breitling Navitimer B01 ($10,000–$25,000) and Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) ($10,000–$25,000) are closely matched chronographs at similar price points. The Navitimer B01 emphasizes In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture engineering while the Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Breitling Navitimer B01 | Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 43mm | 41mm |
| Movement | Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) | Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture | Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified |
| Power Reserve | 70 Hours | About 70 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Cambered Sapphire | Domed sapphire |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | 18k red gold |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Breitling's design language vs Breitling's approach
The Breitling Navitimer B01 features a Stainless Steel case at 43mm with Cambered Sapphire protection. The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) offers 18k red gold construction at 41mm with Domed sapphire. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) vs Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC)
The Navitimer B01 runs the Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) (In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture, 70 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) uses the Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) (Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified, About 70 hours reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
43mm vs 41mm — different wrist presence
At 43mm, the Navitimer B01 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) at 41mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Breitling Navitimer B01 sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Navitimer B01 uses Cambered Sapphire with 70 Hours, against Domed sapphire and About 70 hours on the Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Navitimer B01 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Breitling
Navitimer B01
Choose the Breitling Navitimer B01 if you prioritize In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) with 70 Hours power reserve.
View the dossierBreitling
Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces)
Choose the Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) if you value Breitling B09, hand-wound column-wheel chronograph, COSC-certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 41mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Hand-wound chronograph, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 (COSC) with About 70 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Breitling Navitimer B01 and Breitling Navitimer 1959 Edition (18k red gold, 159 pieces) represent two distinct approaches to the chronograph category — the Breitling bringing Swiss Made tradition while Breitling delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.