Neu im Forum » Breitling replica watches

Breitling, in partnership with the Aston Martin F1 team, has launched its first titanium Navitimer watch, aiming to maintain a leading position in F1 racing. For any F1 fan, the period between the end of one season and the start of the next is widely considered the longest. It's during this time that rumors and hot topics, such as "Ferrari's strong comeback," emerge in droves, with only the release of new car liveries and some pre-season track tests managing to quell the buzz. With the conclusion of the first unofficial round of testing in Barcelona, ​​we, as both F1 fans and watch enthusiasts, are presented with another topic worth discussing before the season begins—Breitling will become the watch sponsor of the Aston Martin F1 team. Breitling replaces Girard-Perregaux, a sponsorship that has lasted for many years, and this is a special time for both the watch brand and the team, as both are experiencing pivotal moments in their respective histories.

To celebrate this collaboration, they also launched a brand-new timepiece – the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team Special Edition. This watch not only joins the long list of F1 special edition watches but also marks the return of this classic timepiece to the track. Watch the YouTube video review above for more information. However, I believe it's also crucial to interpret this collaboration within the broader context of F1/watchmaking.

Before appreciating the watch, let's discuss what this collaboration means for both brands. First, Aston Martin, since Lawrence Stroll's consortium acquired the team, has been one of the most ambitious teams on the track, investing heavily in facilities and personnel. Two of the most notable initiatives are the new manufacturing plant at Silverstone and the hiring of aerodynamics and design master Adrian Newey. While these investments haven't yet fully realized their potential, the major regulatory changes coming in 2026 will mark the first car produced under Newey's leadership, and also the beginning of Aston Martin's collaboration with Honda, which will become its new engine supplier.

On the other hand, Breitling marks its return to Formula 1, though this is its first official involvement. While Breitling has previously collaborated with speed and motorsport, such as with cyclists and the Martini team, this is its first time sponsoring an entire team. So, how did Breitling get involved in F1 before? The answer is: on the wrists of two of the greatest drivers of all time, Jim Clark and Graham Hill.

Many praise one of these drivers, who, had he not died young, could have joined legends like Fangio, Schumacher, and Hamilton on the all-time championship list; the other is the only driver to achieve the "Triple Crown" in motorsport, winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both of these legendary drivers wore the 806 Navitimer, making it a natural choice for Breitling's first official F1 watch.

The collaboration between Aston Martin and Breitling is a perfect match. This automaker is synonymous with speed and luxury, while also leading the way in both historical and modern technology—think of the Le Mans champions DBR1 and DBR9, the then-speedy Bulldog concept car, and a series of arguably the most beautiful cars in history, such as the DB4 Zagato, DB5, and Vanquish. Breitling's illustrious history mirrors this, boasting classics like the Navitimer, groundbreaking products like the two-button chronograph and the SuperOcean "slow motion" watch, and collaborations with brands like TAG Heuer on automatic chronographs.

Enough about the past; let's look at the present. The watch before us is a derivative of the 43mm Navitimer B01, unsurprisingly incorporating British racing green elements. I believe the real challenge lay in seamlessly blending the classic, 70-year-old design of the Navitimer with the cutting-edge technology of today's F1 racing. To achieve this, Breitling opted for a carbon fiber dial with very subtle green speckles, paired with the classic reverse panda color scheme. The absence of the Aston Martin logo on the dial is not a personal concern, but I am curious whether Breitling intentionally chose the AOPA logo to subtly echo Aston Martin's winged emblem.

Anyone who has personally tried on a 43mm Navitimer watch knows it's not a small timepiece. Besides its diameter, its 13.69mm thickness and 49.07mm lug spacing are also quite substantial, which may not be ideal for those with smaller wrists. However, this watch will be the first Navitimer to be made of titanium, a significant breakthrough for such a historically significant timepiece. The titanium material not only reduces the watch's weight but also gives it a pioneering engineering design reminiscent of Formula 1 racing. However, its 30-meter water resistance is somewhat lacking. Admittedly, on a track like Spa, where it's often rainy, a watch is unlikely to be completely submerged in water in an open cockpit. However, for a watch primarily designed for sports performance, a water resistance of 30 meters is somewhat lacking.

Aside from the green (and bright yellow) accents hinting at the collaboration with Aston Martin, the only obvious evidence is the automatic winding rotor of the in-house B01 movement. This tried-and-tested, reliable movement is the preferred choice for Breitling chronographs (you know what I mean?), featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch, and boasting a 70-hour power reserve.

Brand: Breitling

Model: Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
Reference Number: EB01381A1B1X1
Case Dimensions: 43 mm (diameter) x 13.69 mm (thickness) x 49.07 mm (length)
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Crystal: Sapphire crystal on both front and back
Dial: Green mottled carbon fiber
Lug Width: 22 mm
Strap: Seatbelt patterned leather with folding pin buckle
Movement: Calibre B01, automatic, in-house manufactured
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, rotating slide rule bezel