Breitling
1960 Breitling Navitimer (Ref. 806) AOPA "Black Gilt Dial"
The Breitling Navitimer is an evolution of the 1942 Breitling Chronomat, with its typical slide rule bezel. Breitling decided to improve this highly practical bezel and in 1952, the Navitimer was born. This slide rule bezel was used to calculate complicated operations without any other tool. In 1952, the very first Navitimer adorned the “Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association” (AOPA) emblem on its dial (the typical double-wing logo) and by 1960, a real cooperation with the AOPA began. The “Navitimer” name is the contraction of “navigation” and “timer”.
The Breitling Navitimer was first introduced with a Valjoux cal. 72 manual wind chronograph movement and later changed to a Venus cal. 178 manual wind chronograph movement. Early AOPA Navitimers have an excellent history behind them and have become one of the most sought-after vintage timepiece models watch collectors look to get their hands on, especially in good condition. The case size of 41mm was very large for the specific time period and fits into the modern tool watch sizing category without looking obtrusive.
| Stock # |
BRLNAV806
|
|
| Brand | Breitling | |
| Style | Navitimer | |
| Model | 806 | |
| Serial | 930XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Black "Gilt" | |
| Millimeters | 41mm | |
| Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The unpolished case remains sharp, with strong factory finishing, angles, and dimensions throughout. The case retains its original and early beaded bezel. The case retains its original pump pushers and “Breitling” signed crown. The case back is in excellent condition as well and retains all of its factory markings in deep and crisp condition. The watch will come supplied on a NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The black gilt dial is in overall impressively preserved vintage condition, retaining its glossy finish with appropriate signs of age. The outer slide rule bezel functions flawlessly and possessed a wonderful creamy patina with all numbers and markings intact and visible. The dial is signed Breitling Geneve and features the AOPA wings just below the 12 o’clock position on the dial with Navitimer located above the 6 o'clock position on the dial. The radium lume Arabic numerals have aged to a handsome dark patina, which is common for this era, and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original syringe-style hands are a deep golden coloration, when inspected under U.V. light the luminous material in the hands appears to have received a color match restoration early in the watch's life.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time and functioning perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.