Each to their own! I just don't "get" the Navitimer; it's pretty much diametrically opposed to what I like in the first Carrera, and hence what I like in watches full stop. I like watches smaller rather than larger, and it's a large watch, and I like a sparseness to a watch dial and the Navitimer has (what I feel is) a busy dial. If someone set out to design a watch that didn't appeal to me, a Navitimer is pretty much what would result.

When they do exercise restraint, like on the new Transocean Limiteds:

I do like them, although a 43mm watch is still a bit big for my liking. And Jeff, looks like the steel one will bust your friend's budget by 50% so maybe not the best recommendation! Though I guess it might be cheaper if it makes series production.