02-front_marked
03-back-no-sn_marked
04-side3_marked
05-side6_marked
06-side9_marked
07-side12_marked
08-caliber_marked
09-dial_marked
11-caseback-out-no-sn_marked
12-caseback-in_marked
13-buckle_marked

Watch
Score

8.3 / 10

Key features

  • “Big Eye” dial

Learn more about the WATCHFID Rating.

About this watch

In 1952, the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (abbreviated AOPA) contacted Breitling to develop a chronograph 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 requirements were made possible by a logarithmic slide rule integrated into a rotating bezel. The Navitimer was born, with presumably 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 inscriptions, some without the name BREITLING, but all had the applied gold AOPA wings. In 1963, readability was improved with contrasting silver subdials and the replacement of Arabic numerals by indexes (only the 12 was kept). The beaded bezel was replaced about a year later with a milled edge bezel. Around 1965, Breitling introduced its “Twin Jets” logo. At the end of the 1960s, the diameter of the subdials was increased and this version nicknamed “Big Eye”.

The present model, reference 806, is of the third generation, characterized by a “Big Eye” dial and a new bezel insert featuring the numbers 10 and 60 in red.

#1.395.xxx was produced at the beginning of the 1970s. It is in very good condition, with parts conforming to the original, earning a Watch Score of 8.3, plus an Extra Score of 0.5 for its overall aesthetic consistency.

Our WATCHFID Rating is 8.8.

Appraisal Report

This watch is provided with an exclusive 32-page book: the WATCHFID Expert Report.