Breitling SA was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling – a passionate and innovative watchmaker known for his sharp business sense. In 1915, barely a year after he had passed, his son, Gaston, proved he had inherited his father’s pioneering spirit by introducing one of the first-ever wrist chronographs with a separate push-piece above the crown. Gaston’s own son, Willy, followed up his father’s achievement with the world’s first two-pusher chronograph wristwatch, the Chronomat, which made its debut 25 years later, in 1940. The Navitimer was released not too long after – in a horological terms, that is – and cemented Breitling’s avionic legacy. The heritage of WEMPE – the brand this limited edition Navitimer honors – is no less historically significant than that of Breitling SA.
Gerhard D. Wempe, born on March 26, 1857, is regarded as a pioneer of the watch and jewelry trade in Germany, and with good reason. Also known as “Gülden Gerd” (Golden Gerd), he used his courage and creativity to lay the foundation stone for a large, international company in 1878. All these years later, this company still bears its original founder’s name, having proudly worn it through some of the most severe crises in watchmaking history.
As for the watch itself – it closely follows the design cues and general aesthetic of its original 1959 predecessor, serving as both a tribute to and an expansion of the historical line. Just like said predecessor, the A41340 gives off an air of sportiness while simultaneously incorporating a degree of sophistication and refinement. The biggest difference would be the omission of the 6 o’clock subdial, which creates a balanced dial layout and leaves room for the WEMPE logo. Since the model celebrates the jeweler’s 125th birthday, it is one of only 125 pieces ever made, which has made it quite popular among collectors.
Hidden behind its beautifully-engraved steel caseback, the trusty Breitling caliber B41 is ticking confidently away.
Our offering is in very good condition, comes outfitted with an OEM black leather strap, but – regrettably – doesn’t include any of the original boxes or documentation. Ticking per specs.
Covered by a limited warranty of 1 year, starting on the date of purchase.
| Model | |
|---|---|
| Reference number | |
| Condition | |
| Year of production | |
| Scope of delivery | |
| Movement | |
| Movement caliber | |
| Power reserve | |
| Case material | |
| Case size | |
| Water resistance | |
| Dial color | |
| Crystal | |
| Strap/Bracelet | |
| Complications/Functions | Chronograph, Chronometer, Date, Limited edition, Luminous hands, Luminous indices, Rotating bezel, Small seconds, Tachymeter |
