NAVIA, the new waterproof 8-day clock from Heuer

The requirements for the construction of the NAVIA were supplied by a 2 year long ground-up analysis of the European and American markets. Its design meets a genuine need and fills an existing gap amongst precision timepieces. The most important criteria of the NAVIA are:

1. Precision movement with central seconds
2. Vibration-proof construction
3. A new type of synchronisation mechanism
4. Optimal legibility by day and night
5. Waterproof case
6. Corrosion-resistant coating
7. Large winding crown
8. Space-saving installation

Through its combination of precision and robustness, the NAVIA is best suited where precise time recording is required in tough conditions, e.g. for motor boats, yachts (both with motors and under sail), passenger vehicles, lorries, buses, mobile homes, ambulances, sending- and receiving radio stations, control rooms, field stations, aeroplanes etc.

1. Precision movement with central seconds
Heuer’s 8-day precision movement is only 10.4 mm high, with an unbreakable winding spring, thermally-compensating hairspring and Incabloc shock protection for the balance. An exclusive micrometer regulator allows precise regulation. With these, even the highest official standards and the toughest industrial requirements can be met perfectly.

2. Vibration-proof construction
The robust build of movement and case, Incabloc shock protection at both ends of the balance wheel arbour, tangleproof hairspring and oversized retaining screws for the dial and movement ensure trouble-free running, even when the NAVIA is screwed directly into a dashboard.

3. A new type of synchronisation mechanism
A new type of mechanism allows precise synchronisation of the NAVIA with the time signal from an observatory or other official time source. It works by allowing the second hand to be stopped in any desired position when the crown is pulled out.

4. Optimal legibility by day and night
The dial has been newly designed according to the results of the most modern research. Major and minor markings are clearly differentiated and are also clearly recognisable at night.

5. Waterproof case
For the first time, an 8-day clock gets a compact, waterproof case that copes with all expected conditions safely.

6. Corrosion-resistant coating
The so-called PROFECTUS coating has a hardness of 650 Vickers and is free from any intermetallic stresses with no risk of peeling or tearing. The new PROFECTUS alloy is applied by galvanising and is resistant to corrosion from sea water.

7. Large winding crown
The coarsely ribbed crown can be used easily even when wearing gloves. The built-in O-ring prevents any water ingress along the winding stem.

8. Space-saving installation
The compact dimensions of the NAVIA allow for it to be installed flat against a dashboard, without this having to be broken during installation. The NAVIA is securely installed by 4 screws of 3mm diameter.

Instructions for use

The NAVIA as a clock
Before setting the hands, the clock should be wound fully. The clock will then run for between 6 and 8 days, although accurate timekeeping should only be expected during the first 6 days. To set the time, the crown should be pulled out; the clock will stop running at this time. It should be noted that the clock stops running at the point where the second hand is at the 12 o’clock position.

The NAVIA as a stopwatch
The NAVIA can also be used as a stopwatch. In this case, you should do the following: when the second hand is at 12, pull out the crown and set the hour and minutes hands to 12 exactly. The NAVIA is now ready for use as a stopwatch. To start timing, push in the crown and the NAVIA begins running; to stop timing, pull out the crown again. The elapsed time can be read in hours (from 0-12), minutes and seconds. To pause and later resume timing, the crown can be used to stop and restart the NAVIA.

Some practical possibilities for using the NAVIA

Motor yacht: Not only will the NAVIA survive a heavy sea undamaged, but also scrubbing and spray cleaning. The NAVIA allows the helmsman to constantly check the tides and observe any dead time or delays.

Bus: The bus driver no longer needs to hang his pocket watch up opposite his seat. The securely mounted NAVIA clearly shows him the exact time and helps him keep to his timetable.

Field kit: The NAVIA enhances either a military or civilian field kit in practical fashion, as it runs for a long time and doesn’t require a power supply.

Plane or car: The NAVIA completes the instrumentation of an aeroplane and is just as at home on the dashboard of a well-equipped car.