Comparing the Breitling Navitimer B01 42 ($9k–$10k, 30m WR, 42mm) against the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original ($8k–$9k, 100m WR, 38mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original is the more affordable option by $1k.

Our Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both the Breitling Navitimer B01 42 and Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original are excellent choices — the winner depends on your priorities, budget, and style preference.

Breitling Navitimer B01 42vsZenith El Primero Chronomaster Original

Complete head-to-head comparison

👁️Better legibility
Breitling Navitimer B01 42 official product image

Breitling

Navitimer B01 42

Ref. AB0138241C1P1

New Price

$9k–$10k

Pre-owned: $7k–$9k

Case42mm Stainless Steel
Thickness14.25mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance30m
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Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original official product image

Zenith

El Primero Chronomaster Original

Ref. 03.3200.3600/69.M3200

New Price

$8k–$9k

Pre-owned: $7k–$8k

Case38mm Stainless Steel
Thickness12.75mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance100m
No reviews yet
View Full Specs →
Price:El Primero Chronomaster Original is $1k–$1k cheaper
H2O:El Primero Chronomaster Original (100m)
Score:El Primero Chronomaster Original (8/10)
Repurchase:El Primero Chronomaster Original (80%)

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Quick Verdict

Both sit in a similar price range: Breitling Navitimer B01 42 at $9k–$10k vs Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original at $8k–$9k — choose based on use case and style preference. Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original edges ahead on water resistance: 100m vs 30m. Case size: Breitling Navitimer B01 42 at 42mm suits larger wrists; Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original at 38mm is the more compact option.

Navitimer B01 42Internet Community RatingEl Primero Chronomaster Original
50%50%
🗳️WatchVsWatch Community Vote
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Pros & Cons

Breitling Navitimer B01 42

Pros

  • 70-hour power reserve
  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Durable stainless steel case

Cons

  • Limited water resistance

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original

Pros

  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Durable stainless steel case

Specifications Compared

Specification
Breitling Navitimer B01 42
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original
Case Diameter
Navitimer B01 42
42mm
El Primero Chronomaster Original
38mm
Case Thickness
Navitimer B01 42
14.25mm
El Primero Chronomaster Original
12.75mm
Lug Width
Navitimer B01 42
22mm
El Primero Chronomaster Original
18mm
Lug-to-Lug
Navitimer B01 42
50mm
El Primero Chronomaster Original
45mm
Movement
Navitimer B01 42
automatic
El Primero Chronomaster Original
automatic
Caliber
Navitimer B01 42
Breitling 01
El Primero Chronomaster Original
El Primero 3600
Power Reserve
Navitimer B01 42
70h
El Primero Chronomaster Original
50h
Water Resistance
Navitimer B01 42
30m
El Primero Chronomaster Original
100m
Crystal
Navitimer B01 42
sapphire
El Primero Chronomaster Original
sapphire
Case Material
Navitimer B01 42
Stainless Steel
El Primero Chronomaster Original
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
Navitimer B01 42
Stainless Steel
El Primero Chronomaster Original
Stainless Steel
Price (New)
Navitimer B01 42
$9k–$10k
El Primero Chronomaster Original
$8k–$9k
Price (Pre-owned)
Navitimer B01 42
$7k–$9k
El Primero Chronomaster Original
$7k–$8k
Style
Navitimer B01 42
sport, casual
El Primero Chronomaster Original
sport, casual

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Breitling Navitimer B01 42 or Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Breitling Navitimer B01 42 offers a larger case and costs more new. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original excels in water resistance. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The Breitling Navitimer B01 42 retails for $9k–$10k, while the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original is priced at $8k–$9k. Pre-owned, expect $7k–$9k and $7k–$8k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The Breitling Navitimer B01 42 has a 42mm case diameter with 14.25mm thickness, while the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original measures 38mm × 12.75mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 50mm and 45mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The Breitling Navitimer B01 42 is water-resistant to 30m, while the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original offers 100m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.

How do the movements compare?

The Breitling Navitimer B01 42 uses a automatic Breitling 01 with 70 hours power reserve. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original features a automatic El Primero 3600 with 50 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

Breitling and Zenith both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $7k–$9k for the Navitimer B01 42 and $7k–$8k for the El Primero Chronomaster Original. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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