Horological Meandering

I was at the bank recently and had my camera with me. Even though these two watches are very different, they are arguably iconic in their respective genres. They sit amongst some others in the vault, I rarely wear them but will never sell them. The first is a Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 from 1964 or so. The original dial is in excellent condition and has the less common AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) logo dial. I've had this about 10 years and recently had it restored by Breitling guru Mark Heist. Inside sits a Venus 178 column wheel movement. This is a classic chronograph from an era of classic chronographs. 

 

The other is a Rolex ref. 5513 with glossy dial. Rolex purists prefer the earlier matte dials, but this specimen is in incredible condition, never polished and complete with original warranty dated Christmas 1985. And it has important personal value to me.

When watched James Bond with Roger Moore wearing a 5513 I told myself I had to have one of these. Now I this, as well as the modern successor 14060M. The next one will have to be a matte dial 5513 or 5512, or if I am very optimistic the 5514 or 5517.  

There are collectors who will insist, with good reason, that watches are for wearing. But I rarely wear these or my other vintage watches, especially because these two in particular are in fairly good condition.  

- SJX

This message has been edited by SJX on 2011-04-16 06:20:20

Nice vintages and the rolex has linkage to your birthday?

Cheers

PAt

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sjx, which is the most treasured in your collection if you were to pick one for keeps and you have to let go the rest, hypothetically?

By virtue of being on this forum, there is no ONE watch. Most of them have a tale, a value or a reason behind them.

- SJX

i like it for more than just the fact that its 1964 ish. i've always liked Breitlings, owned several, but dont own any at the moment. they are superb looking tools, especially the earlier pieces. the slide rule bezel is very clever despite the fact that i've never managed to work out anything other than MPH/KPH comversion the movements are always good and you cant really go wrong if you buy one. i'm not such a fan of the V7750 chronomats. my favourite 'modern' Navi is the Montbrilliant Spatiographe. why oh why did i sell it, it was unique before Porsche produced the Indicator.

these both deserve to be worn though. they must be very sad living in a dark box in the bank

best

Graham

thought you would notice the 1964...LOL.  Offer to buy it and give it a good home out of the box

Hope your well my friend and hope to meet up in London sometime,

Andy.

I really like your 5513.  I often think about getting a vintage Rolex, as I'm a Bond aficionado also!  Both your watches are in remarkable shape!  Thanks for sharing your treasures!

Cheers,
Daos

just a pity they sit in a dark box for their lives...:o(

you have a lot of little surprises tucked away...what is your regular piece or pieces you wear the most..?

Yours,

Andy.

but recently these are some that have been getting a lot of wrist time.

- SJX

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..I am dying to see your collection of watches... would it be convenient if you share with us so that at least i am a happy man to see what a person your calibre keeps.... Pls.. I am dying... I have read much about you alongside Bernard Cheong and the rest of collectors.. Many thanks in advance, and also if not too much to ask, maybe give us a bit of your very enjoyable write-up to go with the pics of your collection..  Thank you.

and perhaps will do so in the future if I can get over the logistics of gathering everything. But for now this recent post shows a sub-collection.

home.watchprosite.com

- SJX

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..in that vault of SJX' .. I am so tired now, board early morning flight, flew for an hour, breakfast, another 2 hour drive, reached destination, discussions with clients, lunch, good fun, discussions, lots of smokes, drive 2 hours, dinner, waited an hour, board flight back another hour, half hour to reach home. Gonna zzzzzzz soon, power-packed day with my Sub to keep me companyy. Quite a fun and tiring day.. Talk to you guys tomorrow morning. Goodnite

and a rare dial with the gold AOPA logo on it.

I believe this means it was sold through the AOPA stores to members. I have one like this and it's my regular wearer.

Love the vintage Navitimer. You should wear them more often

Best,

Goh