Breitling Navitimer 806 NOS Authenticity Check

THOMAS.C · 2016-12-28T13:06:14Z

THOMAS.C seeks expert opinion on a 1966 Breitling Navitimer 806, claimed NOS. Discusses dial, case, movement, and authenticity for this vintage pilot's watch.

THOMAS.C

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

28 replies6049 views4 photos

THOMAS.C seeks community expertise on a Breitling Navitimer 806 from 1966, presented as 'New Old Stock' (NOS). This post highlights the critical importance of scrutinizing vintage watch details, such as dial condition, case originality, and movement authenticity, when evaluating a potentially high-value acquisition.

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Hi enveryone,

I'm glad to post one of my first topic here since I read / learn so much on this forum.

Especially for the Navitimer 806 : one of my dream watch. . . The one i'm about to buy if everything goes well

My question :

-- i tried a superb Navitimer 806 rcecently here in Paris. This watch is said to be from 1966 in a very good condition.

The seller (a well known antique watch seller) told me that the watch was indeed in mint condition because it's a NOS watch.

I would like to have your opinion on this "assumption" based on those photos (basically : does everything matches ... ?) :

I'm asking for your support for the price too. Don't cheap to my opinion but i'm willing to buy it if it's a "real NOS".

Last info : no box, no paper but apparently the original leather strap !

Thanks so much in advance for your advices..

Thomas.

Edit: took out the price - see my response (KMII).

This message has been edited by KMII on 2016-12-28 13:19:32

About the Breitling Navitimer 806 Ref. 806

The Navitimer reference 806 is a notable early iteration of Breitling's slide rule chronograph, distinguished by its comprehensive circular slide rule bezel. This reference established many of the visual and functional characteristics that would define the Navitimer line for decades. It represents a foundational piece in the development of the brand's instrument watches, designed for calculations relevant to navigation.

The watch features a 40 mm stainless steel case, housing a manual-wind Venus 178 column-wheel chronograph caliber. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. The dial is black, protected by an acrylic crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters. The bi-directional rotating bezel is integral to the slide rule function.

For collectors, the reference 806 is significant as an early example of the Navitimer, appealing to those interested in the historical progression of aviation-related timepieces. Its production span saw variations in dial printing and sub-dial configurations, which are points of interest for specialized collectors. The model's enduring design has influenced subsequent generations of the Navitimer.

Specifications

Caliber: Venus 178

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

To verify the 'NOS' claim, it is crucial to obtain daylight pictures of the dial lume and lug edges, and to compare the watch's features with period-correct variations documented by experts like Kurt Broedum.
A truly NOS watch should have verifiable provenance, as very few vintage watches genuinely meet this condition, and collectors should carefully examine the outer white ring for potential replica replacements.
While the case appears unpolished and the dial is in top condition, confirming NOS status requires more than just visual inspection, necessitating a detailed examination of the movement and case-back serial numbers.
The serial number is critical for dating the watch, and discrepancies between the seller's stated year (1966) and the serial number's indication (1965) raise questions about its originality or the seller's information.
The presence of lume on the second hand and a 'glossy' dial are specific features that require verification against known variations of the Navitimer 806, as these could indicate servicing or different production batches.

The Discussion

KMII

Dec 28, 2016

Looks exciting...

Just one thing, Thomas - we do not discuss pricing on PuristSPro, apart from the official list prices. I hope you understand. If you wish to discuss this aspect, it is best done via PM with individual members. In case you do pull the trigger, I\'d be delighted to see more of this watch here - looks very cool!

THOMAS.C

Dec 28, 2016

thanks for the edit.

Thanks KMII, you are right. Rookie move... forgotten about basic rules. Thanks for the edit. Let s do not discuss about the exact price but let s say that this watch has a price in accordance with its NOS status (meaning almost twice the price of a classic 806). Hence my question about the matching (real dial ... accordance dial, case, bezel and the date etc.)

amanico

Dec 28, 2016

I am not a Navitimer expert, but this one looks in great shape.

The case doesn't look polished. The dial is in top condition. NOS I don't know, but in top condition, obviously. Best, Nicolas

vitalsigns

Dec 28, 2016

To be honest, talk of NOS condition is rather meaningless

...without pictures of the movement.

THOMAS.C

Dec 28, 2016

pictures of the movement

you are right. If asked for it. Will be available soon. I have to search for serial numbers (ie. serial number expected for a Navi 806 from 66)