BLS Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial

The BLS factory has built a solid reputation for crafting high-fidelity, and its Breitling Navitimer with a black dial and perpetual calendar stands out as one of the most sought-after collectibles in the aviation watch niche. This top-tier faithfully reproduces the iconic slide rule bezel, the intricate dial layout, and the complex perpetual calendar mechanism that genuine Navitimer aficionados admire. In this review, we examine the build quality, movement performance, and ideal user profile for this timepiece.

Key Features of the BLS Navitimer Super Clone

Dial & Design: The black dial showcases the classic Navitimer configuration with three sub-dials (30-minute, 12-hour, and seconds), a date window at 6 o'clock, and perpetual calendar sub-dials for day, month, and moonphase. Applied indices are sharp, and the hands feature the correct shape with a subtle polished finish. The slide rule bezel rotates smoothly and bears accurate engravings.

Movement & Perpetual Calendar: Powering the chronograph and full perpetual calendar is a modified automatic movement based on the Asian 7750 or a similar platform. This movement correctly tracks months and leap years—a rare feature in collectibles. It is decorated to mimic the genuine Breitling caliber B01, though close inspection reveals differences in finishing.

Chronograph Function: All chronograph pushers operate as expected—start, stop, and reset. The central chronograph seconds hand sweeps smoothly, and sub-dials reset to zero accurately. This is a fully functional chronograph, not a decorative piece.

Build Quality & Materials

The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel with brushed and polished surfaces. The bezel is engraved and coated to resist fading. The sapphire crystal features a slight AR coating, though less effective than the genuine. The leather strap (or optional bracelet) is soft and displays the correct embossed pattern. Weight and feel closely approximate the original.

Genuine vs. Replica: Quick Checks

Slide rule bezel: On the replica, numbers are slightly thinner; the genuine has deeper engravings.
Perpetual calendar correctors: The replica uses recessed pushers on the case side, but operation is identical.
Movement decoration: The genuine caliber B01 features Geneva stripes and blued screws; the BLS movement has a darker finish with less detail.
Crown logo: The Breitling wings logo on the crown is slightly less crisp on the replica.

Who Is This Replica For?

This BLS Navitimer is ideal for collectors who appreciate complex complications without the hefty price tag. It suits pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the vintage Navitimer look but wants a reliable daily wearer, avoiding the risk of a $10,000 original. It is not recommended for those seeking a decade-accurate vintage reissue—this is a modern interpretation.

Styling Tips

Pair the black dial Navitimer with a brown leather strap for a classic pilot look, or with a stainless steel bracelet for a dressier feel. It complements casual blazers, flight jackets, or a simple white shirt. The 43mm case size fits medium to large wrists best; for smaller wrists, consider the 41mm version if available.

Buying Guide & Price

The BLS Navitimer typically ranges from $350 to $450 depending on the strap option. Always purchase from trusted dealers who provide QC photos and movement guarantees. Avoid any listing claiming a 'Swiss ETA' movement—this uses an Asian movement. The perpetual calendar function requires careful setting; follow the included instructions.

Final Verdict

The BLS factory Breitling Navitimer with black dial and perpetual calendar is one of the top available. It delivers impressive functionality, a very close appearance to the genuine, and solid build quality. While no is flawless, this one comes remarkably close for its price range.