Breitling Navitimer and Apple Watch: Aviation meets tech

You're 30,000 feet over the Atlantic, monitoring fuel burn on your Breitling Navitimer's slide rule bezel while simultaneously checking METAR updates on your wrist. Except you can't, because both devices occupy the same real estate. Pilots and watch collectors have long wrestled with this choice: heritage or connectivity, mechanical precision or digital utility.

The Navitimer was not designed to be replaced, but rather to be complemented.

The Breitling Navitimer: 70 years of aviation precision

The first version of the Navitimer watch appeared in 1952 as the official timepiece of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Far more understated and utilitarian than the elaborate gem-studded versions of the watch you see in jewelry stores today, this version of the watch was truly a working timepiece.

It was capable of calculating 15 different features important to pilots, including such things as: Fuel consumption Rate of climb Distance to fly, and more With their sheer functionality and backup functions such as back-up airspeed indicator and altimeter, mechanical watches proved invaluable to pilots. In its present form, this watch is a practical chronograph measuring seconds, minutes and hours. The two subsidiary dials display the flight's time for easy planning of routes and precise measurement of fuel consumption.

The mechanical movement that is housed in the iconic Navitimer case is a real tribute to the art of Swiss watchmaking. The B01 calibre provides a 70 hour power reserve and the watch is certified as a COSC chronometer. The COSC certification is a severe test for the watch: for 15 days the timepiece is placed in 5 different positions and 3 different temperatures, which guarantees the accuracy of the watch. Through the Collectors watch, Aviation History is brought to life through the engineering that has lasted the years.

Unlike a mere tribute to aviation history, our watch does more than simply evoke a bygone era. Its analog dial is more readable under direct sunlight than on a glowing digital screen. And the slide rule, requiring no batteries, is always ready for use. Many commercial pilots today rely on calculations verified by the venerable slide rule as a cross-check against those provided by their on-board avionics.

The calculations are so ingrained that the pilots sometimes forget to reference them and so are at the mercy of technology. The watch's 22mm lug width accommodates standard NATO and leather straps, so the owner can choose which strap to wear on any given flying mission.

Key features that define the Navitimer's aviation utility:

• Bidirectional slide rule bezel for multiplication, division, and unit conversion
• Chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers for precise timing
• COSC-certified movement ensuring accuracy within strict parameters
• 30-meter water resistance protecting against cabin pressure changes
• Luminous hands and markers for low-light cockpit visibility

A relatively modern take on the design, the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43, here in AB0138 form, maintains a blend of comfort and the flight tools that would be pertinent to a pilot's cockpit. Smartwatches being what they are, it's also good to bear in mind the 22mm lug width and the dimensions of the case when considering wearing them over the top of a Breitling timepiece.wear a smartwatch with your Breitling, understanding its 22mm lug width and case dimensions becomes essential for dual-wear setups.

Apple Watch connected features for modern pilots

The Apple Watch is quite a bit of different technology when compared to a traditional mechanical watch. I've found the Ultra 2 and Series 10 to be very useful for pilots. While they aren't intended to replace the avionics of the aircraft, the Apple Watch can be used as a crosscheck in the event the primary navigation systems fail. The Apple Watch has built-in GPS, a built-in compass, and the ability to display the GMT, along with haptic timers and weather apps that can be very useful.

I reviewed the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and focused on the GPS and altimeter features. The GPS function uses dual-frequency positioning and offers better accuracy in mountainous and urban canyon environments.

The altimeter uses a barometric pressure sensor to measure altitude changes, giving pilots a better sense of altitude and reducing the need to reference the panel-mounted altimeter constantly during VFR flight.

We all have a bunch of weather apps on our Apple Watch. And now having a weather app on our Apple Watch is not a bad idea either. Many apps that we have on iPhone or iPad also come with Apple Watch apps. We can then turn our Apple Watch into a mobile METAR station. Say you are flying ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot and you would like to see your flight plan and the local weather on the Apple Watch.

Well you can. The preflight and in-flight weather is always a tap and glance away from your Apple Watch screen. Also a feature that I like with many weather apps is the great vibration of the Apple Watch when you are off course or near a Waypoint. Something that in a loud cockpit can be a lifesaver. Vibration is a lot quieter than a noise that an app will make to alert you.

Battery performance separates Apple Watch models significantly:

• Series 10: 18 hours typical use, requiring nightly charging
• Ultra 2: 36 hours normal use, 72 hours in low power mode
• Charging time: 45 minutes to 80%, 90 minutes to full capacity
• Flight mode extends battery by disabling cellular and background refresh

Really the Ultra 2's battery life is only an issue in the grand scheme of things if you're actually using it for its intended purpose of being an elevated "tool watch" for traveling. If you were to take the Ultra 2 on a multi-day backpacking trip, it's easy to see that the battery life could easily cover two or three days. In a similar vein, if you were traveling on a long-haul flight and wanted to get in some timing exercises before landing, 72 hours would likely be more than enough time.

Of course as with anything, 72 hours is not infinity (as mechanical watches with decent wound reserves all know, you can always "recharge" your power reserve by a simple turn of the bezel or a winding from the crown) but it's a bit too short for my comfort for the world of flying. If you're on a long leg that has you in the air for many hours, being worried about the watch needing a charge is still something you'll have to deal with.

Connectivity features include cellular capability for making calls or sending messages without phone proximity, useful during ground operations or emergencies. The ECG and blood oxygen sensors monitor physiological stress, helping pilots recognize fatigue or hypoxia symptoms before they impair judgment. These health metrics provide data that mechanical watches cannot capture, adding a safety dimension beyond timekeeping.

Breitling Exospace B55: hybrid alternative

When Breitling announced that it was about to launch the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected watch, the watch world was eager to find out what it would be like. Here, Breitling's rich watchmaking heritage is combined with the technology of a smartwatch to enable professional pilots to work more efficiently. This is achieved by using a high performance SuperQuartz movement ten times more accurate than a standard COSC certified watch.

This is then paired with the Breitling smartwatch via Bluetooth in the pilot's smartphone. Here, the flight hours and number of flights can be logged. Thanks to a new power saving technology, the battery can then last up to two months or a minimum of 30 days or until alert messages are received from the smartphone. This means there is no need for daily charging of the battery.

Because thermal compensation of the standard quartz crystal ensures high accuracy and stability, the SuperQuartz technology used in the B55 is capable of reaching an extraordinary level of precision. While mechanical movements can achieve COSC accuracy grade with a daily rate deviation of 4 to 6 seconds, the SuperQuartz technology is limited to a deviation of only 10 seconds per year. So the Exospace B55 is one of the most accurate watches in the world, far more accurate than even the most precise mechanical watches and more than even the simplest standard quartz watches.

Flight logs, lap times and countdown timers can be set and synchronised via Bluetooth with the Breitling flightwatch app on your smartphone. All data is stored on the watch and then sent to your smartphone every time you open the app. Unlike the "smart" smartwatches (such as the Apple Watch), the Breitling Connected watch does not drain the battery constantly. Battery life on a single CR2032 battery is up to 2 months. No need to charge it every day.

Comparison of pilot watch technologies:

The B55 is made of a light titanium alloy, far less heavy than stainless steel. If you are an air force pilot this might come in handy on a long night flying mission. The watch features an analog-digital face. Unlike regular digital watches the dial of the B55 includes traditional watch hands, combined with an LCD segment used for displaying extra information. This allows for a longer battery life and a more classic watch design.

The Exospace B55 includes pilot-specific functions: countdown timers with audible alerts, electronic tachymeter, and flight time recording. These features replicate some Apple Watch capabilities while maintaining the luxury Swiss form factor. The watch lacks GPS and third-party app access, which is where Apple Watch holds a clear advantage for pilots needing comprehensive digital integration.

While hybrid watches are okay for some people, I think a lot of pilots would like a watch that can easily bridge both the analog and digital worlds without having to carry two watches. This, of course, involves compromises. Although the mechanical or full smart approach may not be what some pilots are looking for, perhaps watches like the Breitling Exospace B55, or other true dual-wear pieces where each watch has to be removed and stored could be an alternative.

Dual-wear: Navitimer and Apple Watch on one wrist

Wearing two watches on the same wrist should not be a trade-off between style and function. The Smartlet modular strap allows the Apple Watch to be worn alongside the Navitimer on the same wrist, without removing the strap or modifying either case.

A precision-made adapter attaches to each watch using spring bars. The mechanical watch remains fully independent, while the pilot gains access to smart technology essential for modern aviation.

By adding an adapter system, you swap your current watch strap for a precision-machined wrist bracket. On each side of the bracket you snap in your respective watches - the Navitimer on one side, the Apple Watch on the other.

Both watches remain fully functional at all times and require no modification. Because the bracket distributes weight evenly, wearing both all day is comfortable without strain.

Comparison of wrist-worn solutions for pilots:

Yes, but that is not all the functions of dual-wear. While the analog navigation face of the Navitimer can be worn during the entire mission, all the functions of the Apple Watch can be accessed at any time. So, while engaged in fuel calculations using the slide rule bezel, the pilot can receive a text message from Air Traffic Control on the Apple Watch.

Considerations for successful dual-wear:

• Wrist size: minimum 7-inch circumference for comfortable fit
• Weight distribution: titanium adapters reduce total weight vs stainless steel versions
• Strap material: leather for casual wear, NATO or rubber for active flying
• Wrist Orientation We recommend keeping the watch face of a mechanical watch facing back towards the back of your hand and keeping the screen of a smartwatch facing your palm so that the display does not come into contact with any abrasive surfaces.
• Clothing clearance: ensure cuffs accommodate the wider profile during professional flights

Modular strap technology has evolved dramatically from the early days of the dual-wear concept. Contemporary adapters are crafted from the same SS316L stainless steel found in Omega Speedmaster cases, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.

Titanium versions reduce weight by 40% while preserving structural integrity - critical for all-day cockpit comfort. Precision machining maintains tight spring bar fitment without risking damage to watch lugs.

To ensure secure fitment during dual-wear, adjust the spring bars with proper tools for each lug. Never use improvised alternatives - scratching lug interiors permanently affects resale value.

Check spring bar tension monthly. Flight watches vibrate significantly and repeated movement can gradually loosen the connection. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43's 22mm lugs fit onto standard adapter sizes.

How Smartlet solves it

The Smartlet earned a Bronze Medal at Concours Lepine 2025 and launched at CES 2026. Its patented system supports lug widths from 18mm to 24mm, making it compatible with the Navitimer B01 43's 22mm lugs and every other Breitling reference. No modification to either watch is required.

So in effect you have three watches, depending on how you prioritise things in the cockpit. Classic - SS316L stainless steel - same finish as on our Navitimer watch. Shadow - black PVD - same as the dial colour and the buckle on our "blacksteel" watch. Titanium - Grade 5 - making the overall weight of the watch 40% lighter than standard - which is no small matter when having to wear two watches for a six hour flight crossing the Atlantic.

An airline pilot based in the US describes using the Titanium version through a transatlantic rotation. The weight reduction proved more relevant than expected on a six-hour westbound leg.

Questions fréquentes

The Breitling Navitimer and Apple Watch are both fantastic watches, but could they possibly be combined into a hybrid smartwatch? This week, a concept render was shared on social media showing a possible Apple Watch hybrid with the classic Breitling Navitimer dial.

There isn't hybrid watch that combines the Navitimer watch traditional mechanical parts with Apple Watch technology. The Breitling Exospace B55 Connect is a hybrid using a SuperQuartz movement and Bluetooth technology, and that's a different product line. Another approach, though not really combining two watches, is to be able to use a modular strap adapter.

How does battery life compare between mechanical, hybrid, and smartwatches for pilots?

For long term missions, a mechanical watch such as the Navitimer will keep you on time as long as you remember to wind it. Conversely, a battery powered watch such as the Exospace B55 will require a battery change every 1-2 months. The Apple Watch battery life varies depending on which model you choose, but generally will last between 18 and 72 hours. Longer missions are always easier with a mechanical watch as there is no worry of a battery running out at an inopportune time.

Will dual-wearing watches damage my mechanical Navitimer?

As long as it's fitted correctly with the correct spring bar tool and adapters. The strap system utilises the standard spring bar attachment system as a watch strap, without imparting any additional tension to the watch case or lugs. Provided that the spring bar tension is periodically checked and the area is regularly cleaned, there should be no long term issues.

What compatibility factors matter when choosing a strap adapter for dual-wear?

When it comes to sizing a watch, we always talk about lug width. In this case, our lug width is 22mm. We also talk about wrist circumference. In order for a watch to be considered a true dual-wear watch, we look for a wrist circumference of at least 7 inches. Finally, we have the height of the case. Apple Watches are available in 41, 45 and 49mm sizes and each of those sizes sit on the wrist in a bit different way.

A rather in-depth review of the Breitling Exospace B55 Urban Cope has been posted to aBlogtoWatch, which not only shares the full story of the watch but also asks an important question about the watch's practicality for use as a main timepiece for a working pilot.

Mainly the Exospace B55 watches will be used for a couple of basic functions: to connect with your smartphone and to record your flights. There is no GPS in these watches, no weather applications, no mobile link, nor any of the other Apple Watch apps. If you are looking for a premium watch for professional pilots that also offers a few basic smartwatch functions such as linking your iPhone or logging your flights, then the B55 is your watch. But if you need a sophisticated smartwatch for your flying needs, then this is not the watch for you.

How do I maintain both watches when wearing them together during flights?

Cleaning the adapter once a month is also recommended to avoid the buildup of dirt and moisture. Always make sure that your mechanical watch has the correct spring bar tension before embarking on a long journey. As a general rule, a mechanical watch should be serviced every 5 to 7 years.

Smartlet keeps both watches on your wrist through every flight, from pre-departure checks to block-in. No charging compromise, no heritage sacrifice.