Breitling
1959 Breitling Navitimer (Ref. 806) “AOPA” Venus 178
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 Breitling Navitimer was first introduced with a Venus manual wind chronograph movement and later changed to the more common Valjoux 72 manual wind chronograph movement. Early AOPA Navitimers have an excellent history behind them and have become one of the most sought after vintage timepiece models watch collectors look to get their hands on, especially in good condition. 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.
| Stock # |
BRL806AOPA59
|
|
| Brand | Breitling | |
| Style | Navitimer | |
| Model | 806 | |
| Serial | 912XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Black Glossy AOPA Dial | |
| Millimeters | 41mm | |
| Strap | 2pc Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The unpolished case shows sharp case geometry and factory finishing, showing very little wear from use. The original beaded bezel is in excellent condition. The "Large B" logo crown and pushers remain original to the watch. The case back remains clean showing little signs of wear with reference and logo clearly visible. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The glossy black silver gilt dial is in gorgeous vintage condition. The dial appears to be in the beginning stages of going "tropical" with a lovely brown speckled coloration beginning to form around the dial and Arabic numerals. The original radium lume markers have taken on a lovely sandy coloration and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original hands match the dial perfectly exhibiting no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The outer sliding bezel is in near flawless condition showing little to no wear and functions perfectly.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.