The Breitling Navitimer is one of the great pilot’s watches — a 1952 chronograph defined by its circular slide-rule bezel and busy, purposeful dial. It is also a watch that rewards a strap change: leather leans into its vintage aviation roots, a bracelet makes it a polished daily, and rubber turns it modern and sporty. This guide covers every option for the Navitimer, the lug widths to check by case size, and how to fit and care for each.
A pilot’s watch that suits any band
The Navitimer was built as a working tool for pilots, and that heritage gives it a rare versatility. On leather it looks like the mid-century instrument it is; on a metal bracelet it becomes a sharp, everyday chronograph; on rubber it reads as a contemporary sports watch. Because the dial and bezel do so much visual work, the strap is free to change the mood completely — which is exactly why Navitimer owners tend to keep more than one.
Leather: the classic Navitimer look
Leather is the Navitimer’s natural home. A rich brown or black strap plays to the watch’s aviation history and dresses it for the office or evening, while alligator-pattern finishes add a touch of formality. Our genuine leather band for the Navitimer, Avenger and Superocean comes in 20mm, 22mm and 24mm with flat or alligator patterns and a folding buckle, so you can match your case size and dial. Keep leather away from prolonged water, and it will patina beautifully over time. Browse more in the Breitling leather straps collection.
Steel bracelet: the everyday chronograph
A steel bracelet turns the Navitimer into a versatile daily watch — smart, durable and nicely weighted against the chronograph case. Breitling’s own bracelet history runs from the beads-of-rice “rouleaux” style to modern solid-link designs, and a quality steel bracelet gives the watch that dense, planted feel. Our stainless steel bracelet for the Navitimer, Avenger and Superocean fits 20mm, 22mm and 24mm cases in silver, gold and two-tone. See the full range in the Breitling bracelets collection.
Rubber: the modern, sporty option
Rubber takes the Navitimer somewhere unexpected — lighter, more casual and fully water-friendly. Modern FKM rubber is supple and durable, shrugs off sweat and heat, and gives the classic chronograph a contemporary edge that works well on the larger 43mm and 46mm cases. It is also the easiest band to live with in summer. Explore options in the Breitling rubber straps collection.
Sizing: 20mm, 22mm and 24mm by case
Navitimer lug width depends on case size. As a general guide, the 41mm references use 20mm, the 43mm use 22mm, and the 46mm use 24mm — but this varies across the range, so confirm your reference before ordering. If you are unsure, measure the gap between the lugs or check our lug width guide to get the right size the first time.
How to change a Navitimer strap
All you need is a spring-bar tool. Rest the watch face-down on a soft cloth, slide the tool between the strap and the lug, compress the spring bar until one side releases, and lift the strap out. Fit the new band by seating one end of the bar, compressing the other and guiding it into place until it clicks, then tug both sides to confirm it is locked before wearing the watch. If your Navitimer has a bracelet with a folding clasp, set the length using the clasp’s micro-adjustment rather than forcing the fit.
Caring for your Navitimer strap
Rinse rubber and steel with warm water after salt, chlorine or sweat, and brush between steel links occasionally to keep them bright. Keep leather dry, wipe it with a slightly damp cloth when needed, and let it breathe between wears. A few minutes of care keeps any of these bands looking sharp for years.
Which should you choose?
Choose leather for the classic, vintage-aviation look, a steel bracelet for the versatile everyday chronograph, and rubber for a modern, sporty, water-friendly feel. Because swaps take only minutes, many Navitimer owners keep a couple and change to suit the day. Browse everything in the Breitling collection, or jump to leather, bracelets and rubber.
Frequently asked questions
What size strap does a Breitling Navitimer take?
It depends on case size. As a general guide, 41mm Navitimers use 20mm, 43mm use 22mm and 46mm use 24mm, though this varies across the range. Confirm your reference or measure between the lugs before ordering.
Can you put a rubber strap on a Navitimer?
Yes. A rubber strap in the correct lug width fits the Navitimer and gives the classic chronograph a lighter, sportier, water-friendly feel — a popular modern look on the larger cases.
What is the best strap for a Navitimer?
Leather is the classic, heritage-correct choice; a steel bracelet is the versatile daily option; rubber is the modern, sporty pick. There is no single best — many owners keep more than one and swap to suit the occasion.
Does a Navitimer come on a bracelet or a strap?
Both are available. The Navitimer has historically been offered on leather and on metal bracelets, from the vintage beads-of-rice style to modern solid-link designs. Aftermarket options let you switch between them easily.