using sliderule in navitimer breitling | Breitling Navitimer instructions

The Breitling Navitimer. It's more than just a watch; it's a legend strapped to your wrist. A symbol of aviation history, precision engineering, and, most importantly, a fully functional analog computer capable of complex calculations right there on your arm. For many, the Navitimer's iconic circular slide rule bezel is a mesmerizing, yet often intimidating, feature. It's a powerful tool, but one that requires understanding and practice to truly master. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to unlocking the potential of your Navitimer's slide rule, exploring its applications and providing a practical understanding of its function.

A Legacy of Calculation: The Breitling Navitimer and its Slide Rule

The Navitimer, launched in 1952, was designed specifically for pilots. Before the advent of electronic calculators and GPS systems, pilots relied on mechanical instruments to perform crucial calculations related to speed, distance, fuel consumption, and more. The Navitimer's circular slide rule, based on the E6B flight computer, provided a compact and reliable solution. It allowed pilots to perform these calculations quickly and accurately, directly on their wrist.

The slide rule works on the principle of logarithms. By aligning two logarithmic scales – one on the fixed dial and one on the rotating bezel – you can perform multiplication and division with ease. These basic functions form the foundation for a wide range of calculations relevant to aviation and beyond.

Understanding the Anatomy of Your Navitimer's Slide Rule

Before diving into specific calculations, it's crucial to understand the components of your Navitimer's slide rule:

* The Fixed Scale (Outer Ring): This scale is printed on the watch face itself. It's usually marked with numbers from 10 to 95, and sometimes includes additional markings for specific calculations. The '10' on this scale is often referred to as the "index."

* The Rotating Scale (Inner Ring/Bezel): This scale is printed on the rotating bezel. It mirrors the fixed scale, typically ranging from 10 to 95. This rotating bezel is the key to performing calculations.

* The Index Mark: This is a fixed marker, often a triangle or arrow, typically located at the 12 o'clock position. This mark serves as a reference point for many calculations.

* Specialized Markings: Some Navitimer models include specialized markings on the scales, such as:

* STAT: (Statute Miles) Used for converting nautical miles to statute miles.

* NAUT: (Nautical Miles) Used for converting statute miles to nautical miles.

* KM: (Kilometers) Used for converting nautical miles to kilometers.

The Foundation: Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division are the bedrock of all slide rule calculations. Let's start with multiplication:

Multiplication:

1. Align: Locate the number you want to multiply on the rotating bezel. Align this number with the '10' (index) on the fixed scale.

2. Find: Locate the second number you want to multiply on the fixed scale.

3. Read: Read the corresponding number on the rotating bezel. This number is the product of your two original numbers.

Example: 12 x 15

1. Align '12' on the rotating bezel with the '10' (index) on the fixed scale.

2. Locate '15' on the fixed scale.

3. Read the corresponding number on the rotating bezel, which will be '18'. Since slide rules don't inherently indicate decimal places, you need to determine the correct order of magnitude. In this case, 12 x 15 is clearly 180, not 18 or 1.8.

Division:

1. Align: Locate the dividend (the number being divided) on the fixed scale. Align this number with the divisor (the number you're dividing by) on the rotating bezel.

2. Find: Locate the '10' (index) on the fixed scale.

3. Read: Read the corresponding number on the rotating bezel. This number is the quotient (the result of the division).

Example: 240 / 16

1. Align '24' on the fixed scale with '16' on the rotating bezel.

2. Locate the '10' (index) on the fixed scale.

3. Read the corresponding number on the rotating bezel, which will be '15'. Therefore, 240 / 16 = 15.

The Rule of Three (Proportions): A Powerful Tool for Various Calculations

The "Rule of Three," also known as the proportion method, is a fundamental technique for using the slide rule. It allows you to solve problems where you have three known values and need to find a fourth, where the values are related proportionally.

The Principle:

If A/B = C/X, then X = (B * C) / A

The slide rule simplifies this calculation by allowing you to set up the initial ratio (A/B) and then directly read the value of X corresponding to C.using sliderule in navitimer breitling

Example 1: Converting Nautical Miles to Statute Miles