If you’re reading this listing my guess is this one needs little introduction. For those drawn to vintage Breitlings as I am, this is as good (and rare) as it gets. Correct vintage Navitimers are rare in and of themselves – early AOPA examples are yet harder to find – the first examples with the Valjoux 72 movement, produced for a grand total of one year, are rarer still. The example for sale here is, quite simply, the rarest and most sought-after version of what is likely one of only a handful of true tool watch icons of the past 75 years.
As you can see from the scans, mine is correct both outside and, possibly more importantly, inside. I had the movement serviced by my watchmaker less than 1 year ago, and the watch is running quite well on my wrist (including all chrono functions).
The dial, which is in wonderful condition compared to most of the early Navitimers I’ve seen, is the original dial from 1954 – no re-lume, re-painting or touching up. There is a wonderful depth and patina to the dial which is not easily captured in digital photographs.
The 40mm case is correct and in good shape, and, as is appropriate for the first iteration Navitimers, lacks the “806” marking on the case back (the inclusion of which is typically a tell-tale sign of a re-casing for the Valjoux 72 Navitimers).
A bit of cursory research on the Web reveals plenty of information regarding this iconic timepiece, but for those looking for the “Cliff Notes” version, here goes. The Navitimer – derived from the words Navigation and Timer – first came into being in the early 1950s. Many believe it all started in 1952 when Breitling partnered with the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) and the AOPA made the Breitling Navitimer it’s official watch. In any event, the Valjoux 72 version is generally acknowledged to be the first Navitimer. The Valjoux 72 movement powered the Navitimer during its first year of production, but was quickly replaced by the much more commonly-found Venus 178. As suggested above, these early models did not have a reference number printed on the case back (in 1955 that the reference number officially became 806). These first examples bear the logo of the AOPA on the dial. The Navitimer has evolved in various ways over the past 60 years, but has remained true to its roots and design sensibilities as a pilot’s chronograph throughout.
Price is a well-below-market $7,100 shipped to your door. I accept wire transfer, money order or certified checks. Plenty of references available upon request.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thanks.
Darren
United States
