The Breitling Navitimer. The name conjures images of aviation history, intricate design, and a hefty price tag. For many watch enthusiasts, owning a Navitimer represents the pinnacle of achievement, a grail watch signifying years of dedicated collecting or a significant financial milestone. But what if you crave that iconic aesthetic, the thrill of the slide rule bezel, the satisfying click of the chronograph pushers, without the crippling cost? This is where the search for the "poor man's Breitling Navitimer" begins, a quest often leading to fascinating discoveries and unexpected treasures. My journey, which I've documented sporadically across various online forums (yes, I'm *that* guy who posted about the CA0390 three times!), culminated in the acquisition of a truly unique timepiece: the Citizen CA0390.
My fascination with the Navitimer started innocently enough. I'd always been drawn to its clean lines, its functional beauty, and the inherent story it told – a story of precision, adventure, and aviation's golden age. But the reality of the Navitimer's price point – often exceeding several thousand dollars, even for pre-owned models – quickly grounded my aspirations. I needed to find a way to satisfy my desire for a slide-rule chronograph without emptying my bank account.
Fast forward two years, and the desire hadn't faded. Instead, it had intensified. My watch collection had grown, but the void remained. I was determined to find a watch that captured the essence of the Navitimer, its spirit and functionality, at a fraction of the price. This wasn't about finding a cheap imitation; it was about finding a worthy alternative, a watch that respected the design principles of the Navitimer while forging its own identity.
My search led me down many rabbit holes, exploring various brands and models. I considered numerous quartz chronographs with slide rule bezels, but many felt too flimsy, lacking the robust build and sophisticated feel I craved. Others were aesthetically pleasing but fell short in terms of functionality or reliability. The hunt was proving more challenging than anticipated. The market was flooded with blatant copies and cheaply made imitations, none of which came close to satisfying my desire for a quality timepiece that channeled the Navitimer's spirit.
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