Breitling Brings A Golden Touch To Its Most Recognisable Icons
There is something particularly evocative about gold at this time of year. Against the cool light of winter, its warmth seems amplified, lending even the most familiar objects a sense of occasion. For the festive season, Breitling has taken that timeless combination of gold and steel and given two of its most recognisable watches a fresh expression.
The new Navitimer Automatic 36 and Superocean Heritage Automatic 36 combine stainless steel with 18k yellow gold, creating a striking two-tone aesthetic that feels both traditional and contemporary. At 36mm, both watches retain an elegant, versatile scale, while crisp white details and, in the case of the Navitimer, a natural mother-of-pearl dial introduce a distinctly wintery character.
Yellow gold has become something of a rarity in Breitling’s recent collections, with red gold having taken a more prominent role. Its return here is therefore particularly significant.
“Yellow gold is a metal that carries unmatched cultural value. Using gold’s natural color makes a bold statement. These two-tone watches strike the right balance to give the classic style an elegant, fresh, and sophisticated touch. The subtle use of yellow gold against the white elements on the dial and bezel creates a distinctive contrast, giving both designs an elegant character.” Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO, Breitling
The effect is perhaps most apparent on the Navitimer Automatic 36. One of the most celebrated names in aviation watchmaking, the Navitimer is instantly recognisable for its intricate circular slide-rule bezel. Here, that defining feature is rendered in 18k yellow gold, contrasting beautifully with the stainless-steel case and bracelet.
The dial is equally distinctive. Crafted from mother-of-pearl, each surface possesses its own subtle variations, ensuring that no two watches are quite alike. Diamond indexes add a discreet touch of brilliance, while Super-LumiNova-filled hour and minute hands maintain the watch’s practical credentials.
Interestingly, this is a time-only interpretation of the Navitimer, dispensing with the additional displays traditionally associated with the model. The result is a cleaner, more restrained watch that allows the architecture of the case, the warmth of the gold and the natural character of the dial to take centre stage.
If the Navitimer brings the spirit of aviation to the festive season, the Superocean Heritage Automatic 36 approaches it from an entirely different direction.
Inside is Breitling Caliber 17, an automatic COSC-certified chronometer beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and providing approximately 38 hours of power reserve. The watch can be worn on a seven-row two-tone bracelet or a brown alligator leather strap, the latter adding another layer of warmth to the design.
The Superocean name has long been associated with Breitling’s connection to the world beneath the waves, and this latest interpretation retains that purposeful character while introducing a distinctly sophisticated aesthetic. A crisp white dial is framed by a white ceramic bezel insert, while an 18k yellow-gold bezel provides the defining flash of colour.
Gold hands, indexes and bezel markings continue the theme across the dial, creating a luminous contrast against the white surroundings. The combination is unexpectedly elegant, but beneath the polished exterior remains a genuine sports watch, with water resistance to 200 metres and a screw-locked crown.
The Superocean Heritage Automatic 36 is powered by Breitling Caliber 10, an automatic COSC-certified movement offering approximately 42 hours of power reserve and a useful date display. It can be paired with either a white rubber strap or stainless-steel mesh bracelet, giving the watch two distinctly different personalities.
Together, the two new watches demonstrate how much character can be created from a relatively simple formula. Steel provides the cool, contemporary foundation. White brings brightness and clarity. Yellow gold supplies the warmth and sense of occasion.
There is also something appealing about their versatility. These are watches that can sit comfortably beneath a cuff at a winter celebration, yet neither feels so precious that it cannot be worn afterwards. The Navitimer retains the spirit of one of watchmaking’s most famous pilot’s watches, while the Superocean Heritage remains unmistakably connected to Breitling’s maritime heritage.
Perhaps that is the most successful aspect of these two new interpretations. The festive season provides the occasion, but the watches are designed to outlast it.
Gold may provide the sparkle, but beneath it are two enduring Breitling icons that are intended to be enjoyed long after the decorations have been packed away.
Technical Specifications:
NAVITIMER AUTOMATIC 36
Reference: D173271A1A1P1 and D173271A1A1D1
WATCH MOVEMENT
Caliber: Breitling Caliber 17
Diameter: 25.60 millimeters
Depth: 4.60 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approximately 38 hours
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Display: hour, minute, second
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 36 millimeters
Thickness: 11.42 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 41.77 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 3 bar (30 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
Case back: closed
Crown: non-screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: 18k yellow gold (made with traceable gold from Swiss Better Gold Association-accredited mines), bidirectional, slide rule
DIAL/HANDS
Mother-of-pearl dial with diamond indexes
Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands
STRAP
Two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow-gold 7 row bracelet or brown alligator leather strap
Folding clasp
PRICE
RRP £
SUPEROCEAN HERITAGE AUTOMATIC 36
Reference: D10390A71A1S1 and D10390A71A1A1
WATCH MOVEMENT
Caliber: Breitling Caliber 10
Diameter: 25.60 millimeters
Depth: 3.60 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approximately 42 hours
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Display: hour, minute, second, date
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 36 millimeters
Thickness: 10.42 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 42.84 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 20 bar (200 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
Case back: steel, screwed in
Crown: screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: 18k yellow-gold bezel unidirectional, ratcheted
DIAL/HANDS
White dial with gold hands and indexes
Super-LumiNova® luminescent indexes and hands
STRAP
White rubber strap or a stainless steel mesh bracelet
Butterfly clasp
PRICE
RRP £
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