Description
Breitling Navitimer 1461 Montbrillant Olympus (Ref. A19350): an aviation icon with a complex heart
Breitling, synonymous with aviation and precision chronographs, has some real icons in its portfolio. One of the most striking is undoubtedly the Navitimer model series, recognisable at first glance thanks to its characteristic slide rule on the lunette. Within this legendary family, there are also less common but all the more interesting variants. One of them is the Navitimer model with reference A19350, better known as the Navitimer 1461.
Navitimer link and added value 1461
The original Navitimer, introduced in 1952, was designed as an essential tool for pilots. An integrated circular slide rule allowed them to perform important in-flight calculations such as fuel consumption, climb/descent and unit conversion. The Navitimer 1461 (A19350) retains this iconic design feature and chronograph functionality, but adds an extremely complex mechanical complication.
The name "1461" refers to the number of days in a four-year cycle (3 x 365 + 1 x 366 = 1461). This is because the watch is equipped with semi-eternal (or four-year) calendar. This means that the mechanism automatically takes into account the different lengths of months (30 and 31 days) and needs a manual correction of the date only once every four years - always on 29 February in a leap year. In addition to the date, this calendar also displays the day of the week and the month. To make matters worse, the complication is added by an indicator monthly phases.
Design and execution
The Navitimer 1461 (A19350) is an impressive piece of watchmaking even in terms of size.
- The case: Typically made of stainless steel with a polished finish. The diameter of the case is usually a generous 46 mm, which matches the complexity of the movement and ensures good legibility of all indicators. Of course, there is a bi-directionally rotatable lunette with integrated slide rule.
- Dial: Despite the wealth of information, the dial retains the characteristic "busy" but functional look of the Navitimer. In addition to the central hour and minute hands and the chronograph seconds hand, there are sub-dials combining chronograph functions (minute and hour counters) and calendar indicators (day, date, month). Small seconds are often integrated in one of the sub-dials. The moon phase indicator is usually located at the top or bottom of the dial. Common dial colours are black, blue or silver. The indices and hands are usually luminescent.
- Glass: The domed sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating provides excellent legibility and scratch resistance.
- Strap/Bracelet: The watches came on either a leather strap (often calf or alligator skin) or the iconic Navitimer metal bracelet in polished steel.
Die: Breitling Caliber 19
At the heart of this complex machine is the Breitling Caliber 19 automatic movement.
- Background: The machine is built on the proven ETA 2892-A2 base, which is complemented by modules for chronograph and semi-eternal calendar with moon phase (often from the specialist company Dubois Dépraz).
- Features: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph (1/4 second, 30 minutes, 12 hours), semi-eternal calendar (day, date, month), moon phase indicator.
- COSC Certification: As is customary with Breitling, the movement is certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), which guarantees its high accuracy.
- Running reserve: Usually around 42 hours.
Market position (as of 4 April 2025)
The Breitling Navitimer 1461 (A19350) is no longer part of Breitling's current production. It is therefore a model that has been discontinued and is primarily available on the secondary market (pre-owned). Its complexity, iconic Navitimer design and relatively limited production compared to standard models make it a sought-after piece among collectors and watch enthusiasts looking for something special. Its price on the secondary market is based on condition, completeness of packaging and the specific variant.
Who is the watch for?
The Navitimer 1461 will especially appeal to:
- Lovers of the Breitling brand and the iconic Navitimer design.
- Watch enthusiasts with an interest in complex mechanical complications.
- Collectors looking for interesting and less common variants of famous models.
- Anyone who appreciates the combination of aviation history with advanced watchmaking mechanics.
Conclusion
The Breitling Navitimer 1461 (Ref. A19350) is a fascinating example of how iconic design can be combined with a high watchmaking complication. The combination of chronograph, semi-eternal calendar and moonphase in the unmistakable Navitimer case makes it a truly exceptional watch. Although no longer in regular production, its legacy lives on and for many collectors it represents a very attractive and treasured piece of Breitling history.
