Breitling is celebrating the centennial of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis with a pair of timepieces inspired by his connection to the brand’s iconic Navitimer. At Geneva Watch Days 2026, the Swiss watchmaker introduces the Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Miles Davis, limited to 500 pieces, alongside a special Lifetime Club Member Set limited to 50 editions. The releases revisit details of the Navitimer ref. 806 Mk5 worn by Davis in the 1960s, including its reverse-panda dial, Twin Jet logo and the revived Air Racer bracelet.
Miles Davis's Favourite Watch
Few watches have crossed the boundaries between professional instrument and cultural icon as successfully as Breitling's Navitimer. Miles Davis played a part in that evolution. The legendary trumpeter and bandleader wore a Navitimer ref. 806 Mk5 from the mid-1960s, making the pilot’s chronograph an expression of his distinctive personal style. To mark the centennial of his birth, Breitling now brings that connection to the front with the Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Miles Davis, limited to 500 pieces.
Few watches have crossed the boundaries between professional instrument and cultural icon as successfully as Breitling's Navitimer. Miles Davis played a part in that evolution. The legendary trumpeter and bandleader wore a Navitimer ref. 806 Mk5 from the mid-1960s, making the pilot’s chronograph an expression of his distinctive personal style. To mark the centennial of his birth, Breitling now brings that connection to the front with the Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Miles Davis, limited to 500 pieces.
The new model takes its design cues directly from the watch Davis wore, while updating the case and mechanics for the present day. Its 41mm stainless-steel case houses the hand-wound Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09, a COSC-certified chronograph movement with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The B09 and its intricate details such as the column-wheel and vertical clutch can be admired through the sapphire-crystal case back, which is engraved with “One of 500” and “Miles Davis Centennial.”
The Return of the Twin Jet Emblem
Visually, the Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Miles Davis stays close to the character of the historical ref. 806 Mk5. Its black reverse-panda dial features white counters and a white rehaut, complemented by cream-colored “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova on the indexes and hour and minute hands. Particularly significant is the Breitling Twin Jet logo at 12 o’clock. While the original Navitimer was developed in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and carried the organization’s winged emblem, Breitling later introduced the Twin Jet logo on watches sold through its retail network to distinguish them from the AOPA versions. Davis’ ref. 806 Mk5 was notable for being the first to combine the Twin Jet logo with the reverse-panda dial configuration. The new edition faithfully recreates this distinctive combination, alongside the characteristic bidirectional bezel with circular slide rule.
The Air Racer Bracelet Makes a Comeback
One of the most distinctive elements of the new Navitimer is the return of the Air Racer bracelet. First introduced in the 1960s, the rally-inspired stainless-steel bracelet is instantly recognizable by its perforated, vented construction. Breitling has revived the design for the Miles Davis tribute while adding hinged links near the clasp to improve flexibility and comfort. The Navitimer is also available on a hand-colored gradient brown calf-leather strap with a folding clasp, echoing the warm tones of the vintage-inspired design. The watch is priced at $9,600 on the Air Racer and $8,900 on the leather strap.
Breitling Social Club
The launch also introduces a new chapter for Breitling with the planned opening of its first Breitling Social Club in Williamsburg, New York, in late 2027. Conceived as a physical extension of the brand, the members’ club will bring together collectors, entrepreneurs, creatives, artists and Breitling enthusiasts for a year-round program of hospitality, culture and exclusive experiences. Owners of one of the 500 Miles Davis tribute watches will receive two years of membership.
Breitling is also offering a separate Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Miles Davis Lifetime Club Member Set, limited to 50 numbered editions. The presentation brings together three versions of the watch in stainless steel, 18-karat yellow gold and platinum. The platinum model stands apart with a blue dial and contrasting white sub dials. All three watches are presented in a case inspired by a traditional trumpet case, complete with a handle and reinforced corners. Inside, a blue lining references Davis’ landmark album Kind of Blue, while a miniature red trumpet accompanies the watches. Buyers of the set receive lifetime membership in the Breitling Social Club. Pricing is set at $96,400.
Images: Courtesy Brand
This story first appeared on watchtime.com and is edited before publishing here
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