Servicing the Breitling Navitimer
The movement in this vintage chronograph is a complex yet thoughtfully engineered design, featuring modular construction that simplifies the watch repair process. This architecture allows the watchmaker to service and adjust the base movement independently, without having to disassemble the entire chronograph module—a significant advantage during vintage mechanical chronograph repair. Common issues with this type of movement often include broken pusher arms and worn jumper springs, but in this case, the movement was complete but had accumulated dirt and the oil had thickened from years of use. After a thorough ultrasonic cleaning, careful lubrication with synthetic watch oils, the movement was restored to full, accurate function. The watch crystal was polished, preserving the original character while improving legibility. This classic vintage chronograph watch is now back in reliable working order.
If you would like to initiate the repair of your vintage timepiece, be sure to visit getting started. For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair, Vintage Breitling repair, Vintage Omega repair, and Vintage Heuer repair.
Breitling Chrono-matic History
The Breitling Navitimer Chrono-matic is powered by the Caliber 11 movement developed by Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton-Buren. Released in 1969 (and dubbed “Project 99) these three companies worked with movement specialist Dubois-Depraz to develop one of the first automatic chronographs. For more information on it’s development see How Heuer, Breitling, And Hamilton Brought The Automatic Chronograph To The World.
Chronograph Details
The heart of Caliber 11 movement is a precision 17 jewel power train beating at 19,800 BPH. This is mated with a micro-rotor automatic section and a chronograph module mounted on top. It is easily recognizable from the outside as the crown is located at the 9 o-clock position.
