Said classic being the Breitling Navitimer. The Montbrillant Datora has the same features as the Navitimer (slide rule and chronograph), and adds in big day and month windows, a 24 hour sub-dial, and a date chapter ring (I’m glad they didn’t go for the moon phase). All this is courtesy of the “Breitlingized” Valjoux 7751 contained within the 42mm case (which the toothed bi-directional bezel pushes to 43mm).
There’s a lot happening on the dial – slide rule, tachymeter, date, and three sub-dials. I’m not entirely sure the navigator of an aircraft would really want to use the thing as a tool, but he could. Everything he needs is there.
I picked mine up at a trade show in 2006. it’s got a Havana brown dial – which drew my eye to the thing in the first place and (true confessions) was 95% of my motivation to buy it. The strap is matching brown crocodile with contrasting white stitching (though darkened through nine years of wear), buckled in place with a signed deployant clasp.
The honest truth is stainless hands and hour markers against the Havana coloring don’t offer the best contrast in all lighting conditions. But I love this piece. It’s a great dress casual sport watch, perfect for Friday or the weekend.
Good thing I have both Friday and a weekend coming up.