The Best Breitling Navitimer Alternatives (That Aren’t Just Imitations)

What Pilot Chronographs Do Exactly?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about what a pilot chronograph is actually for. Back in the day, before glass cockpits and digital instruments, pilots relied on mechanical tools to do the math. Chronographs helped them time flight legs, approach windows, or fuel consumption. And that slide rule bezel? It’s basically a circular calculator. You could calculate speed, fuel burn, ground distance, and unit conversions, all from your wrist.

Today, you’re probably not flying a vintage jet across the Atlantic. But the spirit of those complications still resonates. Pilot watches became essential during WWII and the golden age of aviation, when cockpit tools were mostly analog and timing was mission-critical. A pilot chronograph is about more than just function. It’s about celebrating a time when engineering and timing went hand in hand. And when done right, it still gives you that same thrill every time you start the chronograph or turn that bezel.

What Makes the Navitimer Iconic?

The Navitimer isn’t just another chronograph. It’s a watch with history on its side. Introduced in 1952 and adopted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Navitimer was designed as a wrist-mounted flight computer. It combined a chronograph with a circular slide rule that allowed pilots to calculate fuel consumption, airspeed, climb rates, and more, all mid-flight. It became an instant aviation icon—worn by commercial pilots, military aviators, and even astronauts like Scott Carpenter.

Its key features? A complex dial layout, typically tricompax, a rotating slide rule bezel, oversized proportions for legibility in flight; and over time, a range of mechanical calibres, starting from Venus and Valjoux to modern in-house Breitling movements. What makes it different from other Breitling models like the Chronomat or Avenger? The Navitimer isn’t just tough or sporty, it’s functional and technical. It's Breitling's most aviation-rooted piece.

The Alternatives for the Breitling Navitimer

We weren’t looking for clones. We were after real pilot chronographs that capture the essence of the Navitimer, function-first design, aviation spirit, and mechanical character. We looked at:

• Slide rule or aviation functionality
• Chronograph movement (mechanical, preferably column wheel or cam-actuated)
• Legibility and wrist presence
• Brand heritage in flight or tool watches
• Price-to-value ratio

So here’s our top 5 best alternatives for the Breitling Navitimer.

Sinn 903 St B E – The Closest You’ll Get Without a Winged Logo

If you’re chasing the Navitimer feel but want to stay under €3.000, then the Sinn 903 is your best bet. And this isn’t just inspired by the Navitimer, it’s directly descended from it. When Breitling went bankrupt during the quartz crisis, Helmut Sinn acquired the rights to the Navitimer design. The result? The 903. It’s got everything you want: a 41mm steel case, tricompax dial, inner rotating slide rule bezel, and syringe hands. The movement is a La Joux-Perret 8000, an upgraded take on the classic Valjoux 7750 with a column wheel. That means smoother pushers and a refined feel when using the chronograph. It’s water resistant to 100 meters, which already gives it a durability edge over many vintage Navitimers. The B E version in blue adds modern contrast to a very vintage layout. For around €2.500 pre-owned, you’re essentially getting a real Navitimer, just without the name. And in our view? That makes it even cooler

Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator – The Slide Rule That Went Supersonic

Oris isn’t the first name that comes to mind when you think pilot chronographs, Part of the Big Pilot family, inspired by the Bell X-1, the aircraft that broke the sound barrier, it’s built with purpose. At 46mm with a dark PVD finish, this watch isn’t shy. The slide rule is real and functional, the dial is layered but surprisingly legible, and the movement inside is an Oris 675 (based on the ETA 7750). It includes a day-date complication, with a gorgeous unit conversion scale etched into the caseback. Oris thought through every detail. It’s discontinued now, which only adds to the intrigue. If you find one pre-owned between €1.600 and €2.000, grab it, it’s a bold aviation tool that wears its story proudly.

Zenith Pilot Chronograph – Classic Aviation, No Compromises

Zenith is one of those brands that just gets overlooked too often. But when it comes to aviation, they’ve got the history to back it up, and the movements to blow you away. The Zenith Pilot Chronograph uses the El Primero 4069, one of the best high-beat chronograph movements ever made. It ticks at 5Hz, glides like a dream, and features a column wheel mechanism that makes using the pushers a joy. The case is 45mm, with an oversized crown and pushers that echo cockpit controls. What you don’t get here is a slide rule. What you do get is unmatched movement quality, vintage aviation looks, and a brand that actually owns the rights to put "Pilot" on its dials. Prices start at around €6.000 pre-owned. Worth it? Absolutely, if you want precision and presence without compromise.

Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date – Quiet Power

You’ve seen the Navitimer. Maybe even tried it on. And I get it, it’s a classic. But sometimes you want something that offers the same level of technical watchmaking, just with a bit more discretion. That’s where the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date from Glashütte Original steps in. No slide rule watch, no rotating bezel, just clean lines and serious horology. Inside, you’re getting the in-house calibre 37-01, with a column wheel, flyback chronograph, and a 70-hour power reserve. The chronograph pushers feel crisp. The caseback view? Mesmerizing. It’s one of those watches that rewards a closer look. The layout is simple but functional. Oversized date, well-balanced subdials, matte dial, everything is designed with purpose. And the build quality? You’ll feel it. It wears beautifully at 42mm, sitting comfortably between dressy and sporty. Swap the strap, and it transitions without a fuss. It is, to be fair, a step up in price. You’re looking at €12.000 to €14.000, depending on the version, so a bit more than most Navitimers. But you’re also getting a fully integrated movement and Glashütte-level finishing that flies under the radar in the best way. If the Navitimer speaks to the pilot in you, this one speaks to the purist. Fewer distractions, more depth.

So, Which One’s Your Navitimer?

There’s no doubt the Breitling Navitimer is the icon, but it’s not the only way to fly. Whether it’s the heritage and function of the Sinn 903, the bold character of the Big Crown X1 from Oris, the smooth precision of Zenith’s Pilot, or the sheer technical mastery of the Glashütte, each brings its own flight plan to the table. We’ve handpicked these not as imitations, but as true alternatives. Each with a story. Each worth a spot in your rotation. And if you need any help, don’t feel sorry to reach out to us, we love doing these sorts of things!