1966 Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 AOPA 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 first Navitimer 806 editions were sold with a Venus 178 manual chronograph movement such as the one that we are featuring here at Craft & Tailored. The glossy black silver gilt dial remains in untouched condition. The dial itself is rare due to the fact that is Signed AOPA which is only found in the early Ref. 806 reference and initially only sold to AOPA members. 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. The outer bezel is in wonderful condition and functions flawlessly.