First introduced in 1954, the Breitling Navitimer was the direct successor to the 1942 Breitling Chronomat and is truly something special when it comes to high-powered functionality in aviation watches. The Navitimer took the original slide rule bezel from the Chronomat and evolved it into a navigational computer for Pilots. This groundbreaking bezel can be used to calculate flight times, distance traveled, airspeed, ascent and descent rates, fuel-burning rates, and even has a metric conversion tool.
The first Navitimers housed a Valjoux 72 movement and were only available through the AOPA (Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association). However, this changed in 1956 when Breitling transitioned to a Venus cal. 178 chronograph movement and opened the ref. 806 to the general public for purchase. Breitling differentiated the general public Navitimers with the now-classic Twin Jets logo, while preserving the AOPA logo for the Navitimers still sold through the Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association.
| Stock # | BRL806AOPA66 | |
| Brand | Breitling | |
| Style | Navitimer | |
| Model | 806 | |
| Serial | 12XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Black Gilt "AOPA" | |
| Millimeters | 41 | |
| Strap | NATO Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The robust Navitimer case exhibits only subtle signs of previous polishing while boasting strong angles and crisp finishing, there are some light signs of honest use present throughout. The rotating slide rule bezel retains deep grooves and strong milling on the outside, the inner slide rule portion of the bezel features only subtle aging. The case retains its original pump pushers and Breitling signed crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on an O.D. green NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The excellent glossy black gilt "AOPA" dial is very well preserved, showing only small spots and marks from age which is expected. The silver sub-dials remain very clean with only minimal age present. The tritium makers have aged to a dark grey coloration with only minor spots of degradation present when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands have aged lighter than the dial, under U.V. light inspection the minute hand shows some minor lume loss and remains stable, the hour hand remains fully intact.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch just received a complete service and is backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
