I LOVE this... vintage incoming

[learningtofly]

I find the general love of all things Breitling a bit mystifying, if I’m honest. Whilst I don’t doubt their quality for a moment, I really haven’t seen many that I like and most are simply far too blingy for an old fart/traditionalist like me.

That said, there has always been one exception, or if not always then for the last few months at least, and that’s the Navitimer. Within the iconic watch hierarchy I believe it holds a place very near the top, and some time ago I posted a WTB in order to get my hands on a vintage 806 variant that would fill my Breitling void absolutely perfectly.

It has a genuinely interesting heritage and history. After the great success of Breitling’s first slide-rule watch (the Chronomat), the Navitimer was launched all the way back in 1952.

Whilst the Chronomat was focussed on the engineer and businessman market, the Navitimer was designed specifically for pilots; so much so that the "Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association" (AOPA) decided immediately to make it their official watch. This new Navitimer combined three essential tools for navigation – a watch, a chronograph and a slide-rule. It was, effectively, a navigation timer, hence the name it was given.

The Navitimer was designed with the Venus 178 movement (although some later models contained a Valjoux), a well-respected chronograph movement with crown wheel, and the first to be produced were fitted with a black dial Arabic dial and the famous AOPA logo. In fact, on the very first models "Breitling" was only seen on the case back. Shortly afterwards, the Breitling name was added over the AOPA logo, sometimes topped with the "B". The reference of this watch was 806, and remained so until the introduction of a completely new generation in the 1970's.

Over the following years, there were a number of dial variations, each termed a “Generation” (numbered 1-7); I won’t bore you all with the history, but should you be interested there are good sources of information here and here. Just to add to any confusion, the information on each of these sites is far from consistent, sadly.

On, then, to mine...

This is an absolute beauty – I'm fairly sure that it's a 2nd Generation 806 that I would date to 1966/7 (it's actually not that easy to pin it down, so any experts out there please chime in). It really is in lovely condition, with a white on black dial and incorporating the earlier/smaller subdials that I think are by far the nicer. Aside from the fact that the case is largely unmarked, the patina on dial and hands is even and creamy, and the slide-rule & subdials themselves are gorgeous, showing little or no signs of discolouration. This alone is unusual, and I’ve certainly seen photos of purportedly NOS examples that are in a lesser condition in this respect. Note the absence of red highlights too - seen on later/current models but unsubtle in comparison.

Just a little (more specific) information on the 2nd Gen, taken from the Net:

In approximately 1960 - after the watch had already become a huge success - the design was modified and thereafter became known as "2nd generation". The three subdials changed from black to white, the hands were remodelled and the Breitling name appeared in printing on the dial. During the 1960's the slide-rule bezel was also remodelled twice. Moreover, the AOPA wing was removed from the dial and the official Breitling Navitimer logo became two aircrafts flying in close formation. At the same time, however, Breitling continued to supply AOPA with Navitimers sporting the AOPA logo on the dial.

It was quite hard to glean much data on the Venus 178, but I did find this:

Lever movement, stem wind, seconds bit with second hand, column wheel chronograph with carrying arm, 1/5 second, 30-minute register and hour counter. Diameter 31mm, 18.000 BPH, 17 jewels, Incabloc shock protection.

So to the photos then. Please also forgive the quality of these - I was taking a few shots of Steve's watches (the guy who popped the Navitimer round for me) and knocked one of my lights over, so all of the subsequent shots had to be taken with a single halogen - far from satisfactory, but little choice in the circumstances!

[toph]

very very nice! , i find the same with some vintage heuer pieces too,. Just nice classic well proportioned designs.
wear in good health

[drockadam]

Gorgeous NaviTimer! Congrats!

[rokmc0]

fabulous.. Navi is one of my dream watch. Enjoy it

[Dan Pierce]

Beautiful Breitling, my friend.
dP

[RolexWatcher]

That is one NICE Breitling and a beautiful post!

[PanosI]

A beauty ! Congrats, Tony

[The Joker]

I love it, where can I get one?

[dysondiver]

thats really smart , good health to wear.

[Puffy]

great work tony! looks good mate!

[Z-Dweller]

You have a beautiful example of the Navitimer - looks pristine.

Made me bring out my vintage black dialed Navitimer for the weekend. Thanks for renewing my interest.

BTW, is that the original strap? Trying to decide which strap to use on my Navitimer.

[Art 1]

Good find.

[learningtofly]

Thanks very much, guys (and no, it's Breitling strap but not original).

[conrail]

Originally Posted by toph

very very nice! , i find the same with some vintage heuer pieces too,. Just nice classic well proportioned designs.
wear in good health

Love vintage Breitling and Heuer

[SWIMPRUF]

Very nice Breitling.

[vukotab]

What can be better than fantastic Navitimer with classic movement inside?
And it looks to be in awesome condition!
Congrats on that beauty!