Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41vsRolex Explorer II

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 at true scale

Navitimer Automatic GMT 41

Rolex Explorer II at true scale

Explorer II

Diameter

41mm

42mm

Thickness

11.7mm

n/a

Water Resistance

30m

100m

highest

Power Reserve

42h

70h

highest

MSRP

$6,450

lowest

$10,600

Movement

Breitling 32

3285

Case

7 specs
Diameter
41mm
42mm
Thickness
11.65mm
n/a
Lug Width
n/a
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
Oystersteel
Finish
Stainless steel
n/a
Water Resistance
30m
100m
Caseback
n/a
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
n/a
Flat
Dial Color
n/a
Black
Indices
n/a
Index
Lume
None
Chromalight

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Breitling 32
3285
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
42h
70h
Jewels
0
34
Complications
GMT
GMT, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$6,450
$10,600
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41

Owners widely praise the Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 for its refined and elegant design, iconic Navitimer aesthetic with a beaded bezel and slide rule, and a less busy dial in a smaller 41mm case. Many appreciate its quality, with one owner comparing it favorably to Omega. The watch is considered a good daily wear due to its slimmer profile and polished case and bracelet. Some owners find the clasp difficult to undo initially, though it reportedly breaks in. While some find the 30m water resistance limiting for a daily watch, others are thrilled with their purchase years later, noting the significant price difference compared to higher-end models. Overall, owners rate the Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 highly for its iconic design and refined daily wearability at its price point.

Rolex Explorer II

Owners widely praise the Rolex Explorer II for its high-contrast, legible polar dial with matte, textured finishing and its understated, classic, toolish aesthetic. Its clean lume, legibility, and ease of reading are also frequently noted. Some owners find the bracelet incredibly comfortable. Accuracy is reported as excellent, with one owner noting +/- 1 second per day. The 42mm case size is a point of contention, with some finding it too large and others appreciating its "big boy watch" suitability for everyday wear. The bezel is noted as easily scratched, and some criticize the lack of a Glidelock clasp. One owner dislikes the magnified date window for being difficult to read at angles. Overall, owners rate the Rolex Explorer II highly for its legible dial and comfortable bracelet, despite some debate over its 42mm size.

From video reviewers

The fixed 24-hour bezel and independent GMT hand provide practical dual-time functionality. The 42mm Oystersteel case is noted for versatile wearability. Reviewers disagree on the watch's sizing, with some finding it awkward and others stating it wears well.

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