Breitling Navitimer B01 vs Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
Breitling's chronograph meets Hamilton's field watch
Quick Verdict
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic ($500–$1,000) delivers Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) technology in the tier below the Breitling Navitimer B01 ($10,000–$25,000). The Khaki Field Automatic measures 38mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Navitimer B01 justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Breitling Navitimer B01 | Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 43mm | 38mm |
| Movement | Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) | Automatic H-10 |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture | Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) |
| Power Reserve | 70 Hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Cambered Sapphire | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Breitling's design language vs Hamilton's approach
The Breitling Navitimer B01 features a Stainless Steel case at 43mm with Cambered Sapphire protection. The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 38mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Breitling 01 (Manufacture) vs Automatic H-10
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 Khaki Field Automatic uses the Automatic H-10 (Automatic (ETA C07.611 base), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Khaki Field Automatic offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
43mm vs 38mm — different wrist presence
At 43mm, the Navitimer B01 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Khaki Field Automatic at 38mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Hamilton sits in the lower tier
The Breitling Navitimer B01 sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Navitimer B01 uses Cambered Sapphire with 70 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Khaki Field Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Navitimer B01 is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Khaki Field Automatic handles 100m (10 ATM). The Khaki Field Automatic offers superior water resistance.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Breitling Navitimer B01 | Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Case alloy | Stainless steel 316L — the industry-standard mid-range Swiss spec. | Stainless steel, brushed finish. Hamilton does not publish the alloy grade for this reference. |
| Sapphire crystal | Synthetic corundum (Al₂O₃), grown via the Verneuil process for crystal blanks then formed into the cambered (domed) shape. Mohs hardness 9. Anti-refle Mohs 9 | Verneuil-grown sapphire, single-side AR coating. |
| Lume specification | Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers. Grade and glow duration are not published by the manufacturer for this reference, so neither is claimed here. | Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour numerals. Hamilton lists "Super Luminova: Yes" for this reference and does not publish a grade, so none is claimed here. |
| Bracelet alloy | Stainless steel 316L matching the case. | Full-grain leather (varies by reference). |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic saves you $9,242 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Breitling Navitimer B01 if…
- Buyers wanting an in-house movement at the $9K price point
- Accuracy-minded buyers — COSC chronometer certification guarantees precision
- Weekend warriors — 70-hour power reserve means it survives two days off the wrist
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Chronograph enthusiasts looking for a proven timing instrument
Pick the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic if…
- Strong value proposition under $1,000 with quality construction
- Active lifestyle wearers — 100m water resistance handles swimming and water sports
- Weekend warriors — 80-hour power reserve means it survives two days off the wrist
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Military/field watch enthusiasts who value legibility and durability
Breitling Navitimer B01
- 30m water resistance is the headline weakness. At the upper end of the $5,000–$10,000 band this is the most-criticised spec. The Navitimer is an aviation tool, not a water watch.
- Slide rule learning curve. Most owners never actually use the slide rule for in-flight calculation. Knowing how to operate it is a horological badge-of-honour, not a daily-driver feature.
- Dial visual density. The Navitimer dial is the watch's character, but it is also the most cluttered face in any luxury watch under $10k. People who want a clean dial will not love this watch.
- 43mm wears large. The 43mm case + 22mm lug width + cambered crystal pushes the visual presence above the spec. Try before you buy if you're under 6.75" wrist.
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
- Same H-10 / C07 movement as Tissot PRX and Mido — paying brand premium for the Hamilton heritage
- 3 Hz "slow" seconds beat (visible 6 ticks/sec vs. 8)
- Strap quality is adequate, not exceptional
- No hacking, but movement is auto-only (no hand-wind on the 80h variant — older H-30 caliber refs had it)
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.
Check Price on AmazonHamilton
Khaki Field Automatic
Choose the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic if you value Automatic (ETA C07.611 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic H-10 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Breitling Navitimer B01 and Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Breitling bringing Swiss Made tradition while Hamilton delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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