Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Breitling’s smaller Navitimer options are designed for women and men who prefer a more compact watch, but the 36 mm and 32 mm models are not simply the same design in two sizes. The 36 keeps the collection’s circular slide rule and beaded bezel; the 32 drops the slide rule for a simpler dial. Exact specifications vary by reference, and the available official product information does not establish a launch date or a complete specification set for the 32 mm range.
What is the difference between the Navitimer 36 and 32?
The defining difference is the dial and bezel design, not just the case diameter. Breitling says the 36 mm Navitimer retains the beaded bezel and circular slide rule, while the 32 mm version omits the slide rule and uses a simplified dial suited to its slimmer diameter. That distinction changes the watches’ visual character: the 36 preserves a signature Navitimer feature, while the 32 presents a less instrument-like face.
| Feature | Navitimer 36 | Navitimer 32 |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 36 mm | 32 mm |
| Circular slide rule | Present | Omitted |
| Dial design | Retains the collection’s circular slide rule and beaded bezel | Simplified dial |
| Movement and power reserve | Reference-dependent; the U.S. D173271A1A1D1 is automatic Breitling 17 with approximately 38 hours of reserve | Not stated in the cited official product information |
| Water resistance | Reference-dependent: 50 m for U.S. D173271A1A1D1; 30 m for UK R17327211A1P1 | Not stated in the cited official product information |
| Materials and strap | Reference-dependent; see the examples below | Not stated in the cited official product information |
| Price | USD 11,050 excluding sales tax for U.S. D173271A1A1D1, listed by Breitling when accessed on October 7, 2026 | Not stated in the cited official product information |
Breitling describes the design choice this way: “While the 36-mm Navitimer features the beaded bezel and iconic circular slide rule that gives the Navitimer its unmistakable appearance, the dazzling 32 mm variation forgoes the slide rule in favor of a simplified dial design suited to its slim diameter.” Breitling’s U.S. Navitimer 36 product page.
What do the published Navitimer 36 specifications show?
Specifications depend on the reference, so one Navitimer 36 should not be treated as representative of the whole range. Two official listings illustrate the variation:
#1 Best Overall
- Swiss Made. Blue Dial with Black Sub-Dials, Date Feature and Slide Rule Feature
- Chronograph Feature: Large Central Chronograph Seconds Hand, 30 Minute Counter Sub-Dial at 3 O'Clock, 12 Hour Counter Sub-Dial at 6 O'Clock and Small Seconds Sub-Dial at 9 O'Clock
- Breitling Caliber 01, Self-winding Automatic Chronometer Movement (COSC Chronometer Certified)
- Polished Stainless Steel Case and Pilot Bracelet, 43mm Case Diameter
- Cambered Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal Glareproofed on Both Sides
- U.S. reference D173271A1A1D1: Breitling lists a 36 mm case, 11.42 mm thickness, 18 mm lug width, stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, 50 m water resistance, and an automatic Breitling 17 movement with approximately 38 hours of power reserve. The U.S. product page listed it at USD 11,050 excluding sales tax when accessed on October 7, 2026. See Breitling’s U.S. listing.
- UK reference R17327211A1P1: Breitling lists a 36 mm red-gold case, 11.42 mm thickness, a leather strap, 30 m water resistance, and a Breitling 17 movement with approximately 38 hours of power reserve. See Breitling’s UK listing.
The different water-resistance ratings demonstrate why it is important to check the exact reference and market listing. These examples establish neither a single specification for all Navitimer 36 watches nor a like-for-like comparison with every 32 mm variant.
Does the Navitimer 32 have a slide rule?
No. Breitling’s product copy says the 32 mm variation forgoes the circular slide rule in favor of a simplified dial. The 36 mm model retains that feature, along with the beaded bezel. If the slide rule is central to what you want from a Navitimer, the 36 is the smaller option in this comparison that preserves it.
Rank #2
- Silver-tone watch featuring left-handed crown and black dial with 1/20-second chronograph function, slide-rotating inner bezel, and date window
- 45.5 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band featuring fold-over push-button clasp with safety
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
What movement is in the Navitimer 36?
It depends on the reference. Breitling identifies the movement in both cited 36 mm examples as Breitling 17, with an approximately 38-hour power reserve; the U.S. D173271A1A1D1 listing explicitly describes it as automatic. The cited official information does not establish movement specifications for the Navitimer 32, so check the product page for the particular 32 mm reference rather than assuming it shares the 36’s movement.
How should you choose between the 36 mm and 32 mm?
Breitling presents both sizes as options for women and men who prefer a smaller diameter, not as watches restricted to one gender. Diameter alone cannot determine how a watch will fit: wrist shape, lug span, strap, and personal preference all matter. There is no comparative wearing test behind this article, so use the stated case dimensions as a starting point and try the exact reference if fit is decisive.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Breitling Model: AB012721-C889-453A
- Self Winding Automatic Movement, COSC Chronometer Certified
- Polished Stainless Steel Case and Navitimer Bracelet
- Sapphire Crystal Exhibition Case Back
- Breitling Caliber 01, Date Feature, Chronograph Feature, 70 Hour Power Reserve, Bi-Directional Rotating Bezel
- Choose the 36 mm if you want the Navitimer’s circular slide rule and beaded bezel, and confirm the materials, water resistance, and movement against the specific reference.
- Consider the 32 mm if you prefer its smaller diameter and simplified dial; consult its individual listing for specifications beyond the design distinction.
What is established about the smaller Navitimer’s debut?
The available official product pages explain the current design and list selected model specifications, but they do not establish an exact launch date, original launch prices, or the complete range of 32 mm references. They also are not a substitute for a hands-on assessment: comfort, finishing, and legibility have not been independently evaluated here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Swiss Made. Blue Dial with Black Sub-Dials, Date Feature and Slide Rule Feature
- Chronograph Feature: Large Central Chronograph Seconds Hand, 30 Minute Counter Sub-Dial at 3 O'Clock, 12 Hour Counter Sub-Dial at 6 O'Clock and Small Seconds Sub-Dial at 9 O'Clock
- Breitling Caliber 01, Self-winding Automatic Chronometer Movement (COSC Chronometer Certified)
- Polished Stainless Steel Case on Brown Crocodile Leather Strap, 43mm Case Diameter
- Cambered Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal Glareproofed on Both Sides
Rank #4
- Model UB0121211F1A1
