Breitling
1963 Breitling Navitimer (Ref. 806) AOPA "Black Gilt Dial"
The Breitling Navitimer is an evolution of the 1942 Breitling Chronomat, with its typical slide rule bezel. Breitling decided to improve this highly practical bezel and in 1952, the Navitimer was born. This slide rule bezel was used to calculate complicated operations without any other tool. In 1952, the very first Navitimer adorned the “Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association” (AOPA) emblem on its dial (the typical double-wing logo) and by 1960, a real cooperation with the AOPA began. The “Navitimer” name is the contraction of “navigation” and “timer”.
The glossy black silver gilt dial remains in untouched condition. The dial itself is rare due to the fact that is Signed AOPA and Breitling which is only found in the early Ref. 806 reference and initially only sold to AOPA members. The case size of 41mm was very large for the specific time period and fits into the modern tool watch sizing category without looking obtrusive. The outer bezel is in wonderful condition and functions flawlessly.
| Stock # |
BRL806GLTAOPA
|
|
| Brand | Breitling | |
| Style | Pilots Chronograph | |
| Model | 806 Navitimer AOPA | |
| Serial | 825169 | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Black Gloss Silver Gilt | |
| Millimeters | 41mm | |
| Strap | Horween Leather Nato Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The unpolished case of this 1953 Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 remains in wonderful condition showing sharp factory finishing. The early beaded bezel, crown, and pushers are era correct and original to the piece. The watch will come supplied with a nato strap of your choice.
DIAL & HANDS
The glossy black silver gilt dial remains in untouched condition. The dial is signed with the AOPA wings and Breitling just below the 12:00 position of the dial with Navitimer located above the 6 o'clock position on the dial. The dial also possesses a sought-after silver gilting which is also rare and sought after for the 806 references. The radium lume on the dial and hands is matching and has taken on the wonderful patina, under U.V. light inspection the dial exhibits no degradation, the hands show some light degradation. The outer sliding bezel functions flawlessly and possessed a wonderful patina with all numbers and markings intact and visible.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.