Every single piece of the Breitling Navitimer Luxembourg edition has been snapped up, with all 100 models selling within around ten days of launch.
Cédric Colchen, manager of the Breitling boutique in Luxembourg City, described a "rush" following the announcement that the special edition, complete with the famous red lion, was hitting the market. "They have all been sold", Colchen confirmed in an interview.
This enthusiastic response was no surprise as the Navitimer remains one of Breitling's signature models, and a touch of Luxembourg flair made this edition particularly appealing to collectors.
Priced at €9,520, several hundred euros more than the standard Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43, the limited run offered a reasonable premium for what one customer described as "a tribute to the Grand Duchy."
Although the concept and design were developed in Luxembourg, the inspiration for this special edition originated in Belgium.
"It all started when I was in Antwerp for training", Colchen explained. "They had released a Navitimer with the Antwerp hand on the sapphire glass, limited to fifty pieces. It was such a success that, together with my then-CEO Bernard Hertoghe, we thought: 'Why not do the same in Luxembourg?'"
After the idea took shape, discussions began with the Swiss headquarters to determine what customisations would be possible on the Navitimer. The next step was to find an artist who could create a design that would appeal to both Breitling and the Luxembourg market.
The boutique manager turned to Taw, a local artist renowned for his custom creations, who also exhibits on the Grand Rue. "He helped us come up with this beautiful red lion that adorns the back of the watch," Colchen recounted, emphasising that the project was very much a team effort, with the entire boutique staff contributing to the result.
The artist, Taw, said he was "very proud" to have been selected for the project. "When a brand like Breitling takes an interest in your work, it confirms that what you are creating is being recognised." He added that while the design is immediately identifiable as the "Rout Léiw" or red lion, it is not a straightforward reproduction of Luxembourg's traditional symbol.
Instead, he created a personalised version of the familiar national emblem. On closer inspection, the lion features several subtle differences, including a tail that ends with the initial of the Breitling brand, that has clearly resonated with buyers.
There is still a waiting list of around forty people, according to Colchen, should Breitling decide to produce a few more select pieces. However, he admitted that another run is unlikely. Looking ahead, he already has ideas for future editions, suggesting that a women’s version based on a different model could be a real success.
For now, though, the Luxembourg edition Navitimer is completely sold out. With no plans currently in the pipeline for a reissue, Breitling's tribute to the Grand Duchy has proven to be a resounding success.
