The new limited-edition Breitling Navitimer in collaboration with Cathay Pacific (Photo: Breitling)
Cover The new limited-edition Breitling Navitimer B01 Cathay Pacific Limited Edition Chronograph (Photo: Breitling)

The Swiss watchmaker celebrates 70 years of the Navitimer, paying a tribute to the classic timepiece beloved by pilots worldwide

Breitling has teamed with some of the world's leading airlines—including Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air, and Etihad—to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Navitimer, one of the luxury watchmaker’s most iconic designs. In Hong Kong, it should come as no surprise that the brand has chosen to collaborate with Cathay Pacific on an exclusive timepiece: the Navitimer B01 Cathay Pacific Limited Edition Chronograph.

According to Alvin Soon, president of Breitling Asia, the brand “handpicked airlines that share the same values as Breitling,” and there are only 200 of the Cathay Pacific limited edition available.

This partnership coincides with Cathay Pacific’s own 76th anniversary, and celebrates “both brands’ longstanding history and shared passion for aviation.” said Paul Smitton, director customer lifestyle at Cathay Pacific Airways.

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Tatler Asia
Alvin Soon of Breitling and Paul Smitton of Cathay Pacific (Photo: Breitling)
Above Breitling’s Alvin Soon and Paul Smitton of Cathay Pacific (Photo: Breitling)

While the timepiece retains the signature aesthetics of the classic Navitimer—such as the circular side rule, the three chronograph counters, the notched bezel and the baton indexes—this edition’s jade dial is a nod to Cathay Pacific’s signature colour.

“Green shades are having a good year in the watch industry,” Soon said. “Different watch brands are offering a lot of green ranging from teal to turquoise, [but] no colour comes close to this unique Cathay jade that instantly captivates eyeballs”.

“There is a story, a shared history and very similar values on excellence and quality,” Smitton added. “We have had a wonderful time working together and are delighted with the Breitling Navitimer B01 Cathay Pacific Limited Edition. It perfectly embodies the craftsmanship of the Navitimer and the Cathay brand signature, and represents how travel and lifestyle can integrate beautifully together.”