Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46 User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the operation, maintenance, and care of your Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46 watch, model AB0127211B1A1. Please read this manual carefully to ensure proper use and to maximize the lifespan of your timepiece.

The Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46 is a precision instrument featuring a self-winding automatic chronometer certified movement, a chronograph function, and a circular aviation slide rule. Its robust construction includes a polished stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a water resistance of 30 meters (100 feet).

Components Overview

Familiarize yourself with the key components of your Navitimer watch:

Figure 1: Front View of the Watch. This image displays the watch face, including the main dial, sub-dials, hour markers, hands, and the outer slide rule bezel.

Figure 2: Side View with Crown and Pushers. This image highlights the crown for time and date adjustments, and the chronograph pushers located on the side of the watch case.

Figure 3: Rear View with Transparent Case Back. This image shows the transparent sapphire crystal case back, revealing the intricate Breitling Caliber 01 automatic movement.

• Crown: Used for winding the movement and setting the time and date.
• Chronograph Pushers: Buttons located at 2 o'clock (start/stop) and 4 o'clock (reset) for operating the chronograph function.
• Bidirectional Rotating Bezel: The outer ring with a circular aviation slide rule, used for calculations.
• Main Dial: Black dial with luminescent index hour markers and hands.
• Sub-dials:
  • 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock.
  • 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock.
  • Small seconds at 9 o'clock.
• Date Display: Located between 4 and 5 o'clock.
• Sapphire Crystal: Scratch-resistant, glare-proofed on both sides, protecting the dial.
• Transparent Case Back: Allows viewing of the automatic movement.

Setup

Winding the Watch

The Breitling Caliber 01 is a self-winding automatic movement. When fully wound, it has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. If the watch has stopped or its power reserve is low, manually wind it by rotating the crown clockwise approximately 40 times while it is in the normal (pushed-in) position. The watch will also wind automatically with wrist movement during wear.

Setting the Time and Date

1. Pull out the crown to position 2 (first click) to set the date. Rotate the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise until the correct date is displayed. Avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this can damage the movement. If the time falls within this period, first set the time outside this range, then adjust the date, and finally set the correct time.
2. Pull out the crown to position 3 (second click) to set the time. The small seconds hand at 9 o'clock will stop. Rotate the crown to move the hour and minute hands to the desired time. To ensure precise time setting, align the minute hand exactly with a minute marker when the seconds hand reaches 60. Push the crown back to position 1 (normal position) to restart the movement.
3. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in after setting to maintain water resistance.

Operating the Chronograph and Slide Rule

Using the Chronograph

The chronograph function allows for precise measurement of elapsed time up to 12 hours.

1. Start: Press the upper pusher (at 2 o'clock) to start the chronograph. The large central seconds hand will begin to move, along with the 30-minute and 12-hour counter sub-dials.
2. Stop: Press the upper pusher again to stop the chronograph. The elapsed time can be read from the central seconds hand, the 30-minute counter, and the 12-hour counter.
3. Reset: After stopping, press the lower pusher (at 4 o'clock) to reset all chronograph hands to zero. The chronograph must be stopped before it can be reset.

Using the Circular Aviation Slide Rule

The Navitimer's bidirectional rotating bezel features a circular slide rule, enabling various aviation-related calculations such as multiplication, division, speed, distance, fuel consumption, and conversion of units.

The slide rule consists of two logarithmic scales: a fixed scale on the dial (inner scale) and a rotating scale on the bezel (outer scale).

Multiplication Example (e.g., 15 x 4):

1. Align the number 10 on the outer (rotating) scale with the number 15 on the inner (fixed) scale.
2. Locate the number 4 on the outer (rotating) scale.
3. Read the corresponding number on the inner (fixed) scale, which will be 60.

Division Example (e.g., 60 / 4):

1. Align the number 4 on the outer (rotating) scale with the number 60 on the inner (fixed) scale.
2. Locate the number 10 on the outer (rotating) scale.
3. Read the corresponding number on the inner (fixed) scale, which will be 15.

For more complex calculations and specific aviation applications, refer to specialized Navitimer slide rule guides or Breitling's official resources.

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning

To maintain the appearance of your watch, clean the case and metal bracelet regularly with a soft cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use a soft brush and soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in before any contact with water.

Water Resistance

Your Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46 is water-resistant to 30 meters (100 feet). This rating is suitable for splashes or brief immersion in water, but it is not designed for swimming, diving, or showering. Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in to maintain water resistance. Do not operate the crown or pushers when the watch is wet or submerged.

Temperature and Magnetic Fields

Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures (above 60°C / 140°F or below 0°C / 32°F) or sudden temperature changes. Keep the watch away from strong magnetic fields, such as those produced by speakers, refrigerators, or certain electronic devices, as magnetism can affect the accuracy of the mechanical movement.

Service Intervals

Like any high-precision mechanical instrument, your Breitling watch requires regular servicing to ensure optimal performance and longevity. It is recommended to have your watch serviced by an authorized Breitling service center every 3-5 years. This service typically includes cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of the movement, as well as replacement of worn seals to maintain water resistance.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your watch, please consult the following common troubleshooting steps before contacting a service center:

• Watch has stopped or is running slow:

  This usually indicates insufficient power reserve. Manually wind the watch by rotating the crown clockwise approximately 40 times. Wear the watch regularly to allow the automatic winding mechanism to function.

• Date is not changing at midnight:

  The watch's time might be set to AM instead of PM, or vice-versa. Advance the time by 12 hours. Ensure you avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM to prevent damage to the date mechanism.

• Chronograph hands are not resetting to zero:

  Ensure the chronograph is stopped before pressing the reset pusher. If the hands are still misaligned after resetting, a service may be required to recalibrate the chronograph.

• Condensation under the crystal:

  This indicates a potential breach in water resistance. Immediately take the watch to an authorized service center to prevent further damage to the movement.

For issues not covered here, or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact an authorized Breitling service center.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

Your Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 46 comes with a 6-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and material flaws under normal use. It does not cover damage resulting from improper handling, accidents, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear.

Please retain your proof of purchase and warranty card, as these will be required for any warranty claims.

Customer Support

For warranty service, repairs, or any technical inquiries, please contact an authorized Breitling service center or the official Breitling customer support. Using unauthorized service providers may void your warranty.

Visit the official Breitling website for a list of authorized service centers and contact information.