What We Know
In honor of the centennial of legendary musician Miles Davis’ birth, Breitling has just announced a limited edition collection at Geneva Watch Days. I say collection because it’s more than just one watch, if you want it to be. At the core, Breitling has launched a 500-piece limited-edition model, the steel Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Miles Davis, which is inspired by the ref. 806 Mk 5 Navitimer that was worn by the famous jazz musician. If a single steel option isn’t enough for you Davis heads out there, Breitling is also producing 50 three-piece sets that offer a trio of executions of the watch, spanning steel, yellow gold, and even platinum with a blue dial.
We can start with the core model, reference AB09501A1B1X1 or AB09501A1B1A1, depending on whether you want a leather strap or the bracelet (you want the bracelet). Measuring 41mm wide (the same as the reference worn by Davis), 13mm thick, and 47.1 mm lug-to-lug, the Navitimer Miles Davis uses a Breitling B09 hand-wound movement that is COSC-certified, ticks at 4 Hz, and employs both a column wheel and a vertical clutch. Water resistance is 30 meters, and this special edition sports both cream-colored lume and Breitling’s (very cool) Twin Jet logo.
And then there is the bracelet, a modern interpretation of the Air Racer bracelet that uses a cuff design with large holes. For this execution, Breitling has added hinged links near the clasp to help with comfort. But that’s not all; aside from a gorgeous Navitimer and an exceptionally cool (and hopefully quite comfortable) bracelet, the Miles Davis LEs are also connected with the forthcoming launch of the Breitling Social Club.
Currently slated to launch in late 2027 in Williamsburg (a part of Brooklyn in New York City), here is how Breitling describes the club: “More than a private members’ club, it is the physical embodiment of the brand. A place where Breitling is not only worn, but lived. Bringing together collectors, entrepreneurs, creatives, artists, and Breitling enthusiasts from around the world, the club will offer a year-round program of hospitality, culture, and exclusive experiences that celebrate the spirit of a Breitling life of optimism, purpose, and camaraderie.” Owners of the Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Miles Davis will also get two years’ membership to the club.
Pricing for the Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Miles Davis starts at $8,900 on a leather strap or $9,600 on the Air Racer bracelet. You can compare that against the standard price of a 41mm steel B01 Navitimer at $10,300 or $9,950 for a Premiere B09 (which uses the same movement) on a strap.
The Box Set
Starting off strong with the steel model, sure, but what if you’re a huge Miles Davis fan and Breitling collector? What if you want lifetime access to the Breitling Social Club? In addition to the 500-piece LE described above, Breitling is also offering a box set that houses a steel example, an 18k yellow gold version, and a platinum version with a blue dial, all in a Davis-themed display case meant to evoke a trumpet case.
All three models in the box set come on calf-leather straps with matching fold-over clasps. Pricing for the full trio (including the lifetime membership to the Breitling Social Club) is $96,400.
What We Think
Leaving the appeal of the club membership aside and focusing on the product at hand, I don’t feel I need three of them, but it’s possible I am just not a big enough fan of Miles Davis. That said, despite the fact that I don’t believe I have ever actively listened to any of Davis’ music, I think the standard steel model looks excellent. Even more so on the bracelet.
Over the past few years, Breitling has released a handful of vintage-inspired Navitimers (the Ref 806 1959 Tribute, for example) to great success, as the design is beloved and has aged quite well. To my eyes, whether the Davis element speaks to you specifically (or not), Breitling has done a lovely job of recreating what made this watch cool and beautiful while avoiding any direct reference to the famed jazz man on the dial.
A nice bit of subtlety, and man, is that bracelet cool. And no, I don’t know if they will sell the bracelet separately.
The Basics
Brand: Breitling
Model: Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Miles Davis
Reference Number: AB09501A1B1X1 (strap), AB09501A1B1A1 (bracelet)
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug-to-lug: 47.1mm
Case Material: Steel (or 18k yellow gold and platinum in the box set)
Dial Color: Black or blue
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap or steel
The Movement
Caliber: Breitling Calibre 09
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 12-hour chronograph
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Chronometer Certified: COSC-certified
Additional Details: Column wheel and vertical clutch
Pricing & Availability
Price: $8,900 (steel/strap), $9,600 (steel/bracelet), $96,400 (50-piece limited edition box set).
Limited Edition: 500 pieces in steel, 50 of the box set.
For more, click here.
