| Brand | Breitling |
|---|---|
| Model | |
| Reference | 806 |
| Year of production (circa) | 1966 |
| Material | Steel |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Dial color | Black |
| Movement | Hand-wound |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Bracelet/strap: | Leather |
| Buckle/clasp | Generic steel |
| Lug Width | 22 mm |
| Set Content | Watch only |
A-Breitling
Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806
Breitling is a way of life, my way of life ”
In the early 1940s, Breitling introduced the Chronomat. This watch was the first model with a slide rule. This allowed businessmen and engineers to quickly read certain simple calculations. The Chromomat with the slide rule turned out to be a great success. Over time, more options were invented for this bezel. The result was the Navitimer, a pilot watch with an external slide rule, introduced in 1954. The first copies bear the AOPA logo: the “Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association”.
The Navitimer shown here is from 1966. Like the first type, this model has the beautiful caliber Venus 178, a hand-winding chronograph with column wheel. The dial features the double plane. This logo is of course very appropriate given the pilot connection. This 806 is in very good condition and has that typical vintage look.
The slogan says its all… a way of life… does this Navitimer suit your way of life
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Details
Backstory
Shipping
Brand
Breitling
Diameter
40 mm
Model
Navitimer
Bracelet/strap:
Leather
Reference
806
Buckle/clasp
Generic steel
Year of production (circa)
1966
Lug Width
22 mm
Material
Steel
Set Content
Watch only
Crystal
Acrylic
Warranty
2 year (AWCo)
Dial color
Black
Movement
Hand-wound
The Breitling Navitimer is arguably the most iconic pilot’s watch ever made. Although admirers of the Rolex GMT Master and the IWC Big Pilot might disagree. There is no arguing though, about the unique and game-changing aesthetic of the Navi, which can be traced back to the 1942 Chronomat.
The key distinguishing feature is the slide rule bezel. Breitling took the idea from its own Chronomat and improved it for the 1952 release of the Navitimer. It was a chronograph and a full-blown aviation computer, that could be used to calculate all sorts of relevant data for pilots. From distance traveled to speed and even fuel consumption.
The 1952 model featured the emblem of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the double wing logo, on its dial. This was the Ref. 806, powered by a Venus 178 manually wound chronograph caliber.
In 1969, the Navitimer was fitted with the important Caliber 11. One of three contestants for the very first ever integrated automatic chronograph movement. The others were Seiko and Zenith. While the Zenith El Primero was introduced to the public before the Cal. 11, it was the Breitling (in a conglomerate with Heuer, Hamilton-Buren and Dubois-Depraz) that was first to market. It is unknown whether Seiko may have beaten them to their Japanese home-market though, so it is generally accepted that it was a tie between the three parties.
The Navitimer was the watch of choice for the jazz legend Miles Davis. Breitling understood the power of role models and later contracted actor and avid pilot John Travolta as a Navitimer ambassador.
Whether it is the instantly recognizable design, advanced features or the celebrity endorsement, the Navitimer became a hit. Whenever you see a list of most iconic watch designs, you will surely find a Navitimer in there. It is one of those real classics, with a rich history, worthy of collecting.
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Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.