The present model, reference 806, is an all-black Navitimer produced in 1960.
With its serial number 825.xxx, it is part of the famous batch with an error on the engraving of the number. Indeed, the first Navitimers, starting in 83x.xxx, have more ancestral features (Valjoux 72, bezel with smaller beads, etc), than these models in 825.xxx, which share common characteristics with later models in 9xx.xxx.
It is now recognized that this batch should have a 9 instead of an 8 as the first digit.
Its bezel has large beads (93) and the dial bears the AOPA wings logo and lacks the Breitling name, meaning that it was sold exclusively to AOPA members.
#825.xxx is in good condition, only the border of the caseback is slightly damaged.
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The present model, reference 806, is an all-black Navitimer produced in 1960.
With its serial number 825.xxx, it is part of the famous batch with an error on the engraving of the number. Indeed, the first Navitimers, starting in 83x.xxx, have more ancestral features (Valjoux 72, bezel with smaller beads, etc), than these models in 825.xxx, which share common characteristics with later models in 9xx.xxx.
It is now recognized that this batch should have a 9 instead of an 8 as the first digit.
Its bezel has large beads (93) and the dial bears the AOPA wings logo and lacks the Breitling name, meaning that it was sold exclusively to AOPA members.
#825.xxx is in good condition, only the border of the caseback is slightly damaged.
In 1952, Breitling designed for the influential US AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) a revolutionary watch combining a chronograph and an E6B type flight computer that would allow its members to perform all kinds of calculations necessary in flight: average speed, fuel consumption, distance, conversion kilometers in miles. These challenging features were made possible by a logarithmic slide rule integrated into a rotating bezel. The Navitimer was born, with the first examples produced in 1954.
The very first Navitimers were fitted with a Valjoux 72 calibre, quickly replaced by the Venus 178 (reference 806). The dials were completely black and there were several variations of the inscriptions, some without the name BREITLING, but all had the applied gilt AOPA wings. In 1963, readability was improved with contrasting silver counters and the replacement of Arabic numerals by indexes (only the 12 was retained). The beaded bezel was replaced about a year later with a milled edge bezel.
Early 1965, Breitling introduced its “Twin Jet” logo. At the end of the 1960s, the diameter of the counters was increased and this version was nicknamed “Big Eyes”.
The story of Breitling started in 1884 with Léon Breitling who founded a workshop in St-Imier. With a particular focus on chronographs, the brand’s history is paved with many innovations, leading to iconic collections such as the Chronomat, Navitimer, Premier, Co-Pilot, Top-time and SuperOcean. These collections have often led to historic milestones in the history of the watch industry.
The purpose of this document is to determine whether the constituent parts of the watch are conform to the model reference /period or not, and to value their condition and importance.
All the watches are provided with a digital certificate (the Watchfid-ID), that will be uploaded on your protected and anonymous digital wallet.
This document presents each watch in the most objective and detailed manner possible, thanks to a substantiated analysis, high-resolution photos designed to highlight all elements of the watch and an innovative rating system. Available in printed and digital versions.
On request and when available, an extract of the archives from the manufacturer can be obtained.
