Vintage
Cruvon shares his journey to acquire a rare 1955 first-generation Breitling Navitimer, an iconic timepiece that solidified the model's legendary status. His detailed account highlights the unique characteristics and historical context of these early AOPA-exclusive Navitimers, offering valuable insights for collectors.
I had my sights on this earliest Navitimer reference for quite a while since it was the one that made the Navitimer an icon, but couldn't find one in good condition if at all. I almost gave up just before I found this unrestored beauty from a reputed collector with a original box and manual.
A bit about them, these are the rarest of Navitimers sporting radium lume and made between 1954 and 1955 exclusively for AOPA members as a flying instrument/computer to be used by member pilots(AOPA are still around today, see their website ). These were distributed to AOPA by their US distributor Wakmann, who also had their own branded watches, after a US embargo on direct imports of Swiss watches and hence the Wakmann branded box with these.The AOPA emblem was embedded within the winged gilt logo and no "Breitling" written on the dial. These 1st navitimers are identified by their Valjoux 72 movement and no 806 reference number written on their caseback. They fall within a certain well documented serial number range(serial is on the inner caseback). They also have tell tale markings on their movements to ascertain originality. The later 1st generation all black dial Navitimers have Venus movements and 806 inscribed on their casebacks though there are a few transition period ones with 806 marked casebacks that have the Valjoux 72 movement. Also most of these have rusty looking hands and hand lume because the hands were made of uncoated steel. So the radium reacted with the steel to give a rusty appearance to the lume and hands. In a way, that's one of the cues while ascertaining originality of these but might not always be the case. The bracelet this came with is a Champion bracelet that was made in Japan and commonly supplied on some Breitlings back then.
While visually, many think the Navitimer dials seem crowded, not many possibly know that that's because it sports a slide rule that can be used for multiplication, division, calculating ground speed, miles per minute, rate of descent or climb, distance in climb or descent and for nautical and statute mile conversion all in one, is a fabulous feat of engineering complications!
Here are a few pics I took over the few months I have had it for, it's rich lume gives it a pirates gold feel
, love how the lume looks different under various lighting condition, hope you enjoy the pics!
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.
from where did Hublot got idea of naming their new models ;) Awesome catch ...piece of watchmaking history indeed and yes I like your Datora very much :) Best Damjan
You dont see many of these around in this condition. They are either knackered or over restored, this is just perfect, no polish to the case or cleaning of the dial. I'm lucky enough to have a 1964 first year of the second edition with silver/white subdials and the twin jet plane logo. They were great watches despite not using in house movement. G
I see those watches from time to time but not on the state as is yours. Normally they are over polished and/or have the movement butchered. Yours is in great shape. Congratulations, Nilo
You have an excellent example of the Breitling Navitimer and as many have note the condition is exquisite. Great catch and thank you for sharing with us. Bill
kind words Damjan. Btw don't know much about Hublot, which models naming you refering to? Thanks
kind words. Love that twin plane Navi of yours. As for the movement not many companies had inhouse chrono movements till recently, infact Rolex had the Valjoux 72 and Zenith movements in theirs as recently as 99-2000 before going inhouse. Wear yours in good health!
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