We have several new releases from Breitling to announce today, and one of them just happens to be the first ladies’ watch of the the Georges Kern era. It’s a 38 mm three-hand automatic interpretation of what is arguably Breitling’s best-known design, the Navitimer. What this watch is not is a chronograph - a complication long associated with the Navitimer - though it does offer the familiar slide rule bezel. The Breitling wathes Navitimer 1 Automatic 37 comes in steel as well as metal and gold. The available dial colors include blue, silver and black. It joins 43mm and 41mm Navitimers that also launch this year in Basel.

Actually watch is being put forward as the first ladies’ timepiece in order to debut under Breitling’s brand new management, I’m fairly sure plenty of vintage-watch-loving guys out there will find the 38mm size appealing. I, for one, plan to try one on later this week within Basel. At 38mm across x 10. 10 milimeter thick, this particular watch is right in line with vintage sports watch dimensions. And the colors are far from what one might describe as “feminine. ” If you read the Omega website closely, you can see which Breitling is itself stoking the sense of ambiguity here.

 

On the Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 product page from the Breitling web site, you can read this specific: “Stylish and compact, the Navitimer 1 Automated (38 mm) may be the smallest in dimension, but it is the ultimate statement of elegance and sophistication. The ideal accessory for the adventurous Breitling woman, it is available in steel as well as steel & gold with dial inside black, glowing blue or silver. ”

Within the page saying this and also 44 other novelties for Baselworld, the watch is described thus: “Other exciting releases included the actual Navitimer Programmed in 32 mm, the gentlemen’s tool watch combining elegance along with vintage inspiration. ”

This is a great looking, if somewhat watered-down version in the Navitimer. Given its appealing looks along with refreshingly toned down dimensions, I could see it doing rather effectively with women and men who like smaller-sized sports watches. I that can compare with the black-dialed version together with matching black date disc at six o’clock. We haven’t tried any of the fresh Breitlings on yet, but this looks like it’s going to be the most wearable of the lot.