The Breitling Navitimer, a watch synonymous with aviation history and precision, boasts a complex yet fascinating feature: its circular slide rule. This intricate instrument, etched onto the bezel and dial, allows for quick calculations crucial for pilots and anyone needing rapid computation on the go. While seemingly daunting at first glance, mastering the Navitimer's slide rule unlocks a powerful tool for everyday use and a deeper appreciation for the watch's heritage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the fundamentals and various applications of this remarkable feature. We'll focus primarily on the "rule of three," the core calculation method facilitated by the slide rule, but will also touch upon other useful calculations. Remember, while this guide provides detailed instructions, referring to a Breitling Navitimer bezel chart, a Breitling Navitimer bezel diagram, or even a Breitling slide rule manual PDF (if you can find one for your specific model) can be extremely helpful for visual learners. You might also find a Breitling Navitimer bezel manual or Breitling Navitimer instructions helpful, especially for specific model variations. Finally, searching for "slide rule watch instructions" online can provide additional resources and tutorials.
Understanding the Components:
Before diving into calculations, let's familiarize ourselves with the Navitimer's slide rule components. The slide rule consists of three primary elements:
1. The Bezel: The rotating bezel is the outer ring, marked with various scales. These scales are crucial for performing calculations. The specific scales and their markings can vary slightly between Navitimer models, so always refer to your watch's specific manual or a relevant Breitling Navitimer slide rules resource.
2. The Slide Rule Scale on the Dial: This is the inner rotating scale, often marked with the letter "R" and other numerical markings. This scale interacts with the bezel scales to perform the calculations.
3. The Fixed Outer Scale on the Dial: This is the outermost scale on the main watch dial, often providing a reference point for readings.
The Rule of Three:
The "rule of three," or "proportion," is the fundamental calculation performed using the Navitimer's slide rule. It solves problems of the form: A/B = C/X (or A is to B as C is to X). This seemingly simple equation has vast applications, from fuel consumption calculations to currency conversions.
Example: Fuel Consumption
Let's illustrate with a common aviation example: calculating flight time based on fuel consumption.
* A: Your fuel consumption rate (e.g., 10 gallons per hour).
* B: The time you want to fly (e.g., 3 hours).
* C: The total amount of fuel you have (e.g., 25 gallons).
* X: The unknown: The maximum flight time possible with your fuel.
Steps using the Navitimer Slide Rule:
1. Align the starting point: Begin by aligning the index (usually "1") on the rotating bezel with the value of 'A' (10 gallons/hour) on the inner slide rule scale.
2. Set the known variable 'B': Rotate the bezel until the value of 'B' (3 hours) on the outer bezel scale aligns with the index on the inner slide rule scale.
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