Breitling Navitimer watch

AOPA BREITLING NAVITIMER Vintage 1966 Pilot’s Chronograph Watch – 18K Gold Plated & Stainless Steel Premium Genuine Dial – Genuine Parts The Navitimer is the most iconic model ever made by the brand and as such, it is at the top of the wish list for collectors interested in Breitling, aviation, or special chronographs. When the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (A.O.P.A.) needed a watch that would better meet the needs of their pilots in the cockpit, they turned to Breitling, the renowned manufacturer of technical watches, who rose to the occasion to accomplish this impressive feat with the Navitimer, the most advanced aviation watch in the world at the time. The Navitimer was special in several ways; what was particularly useful for pilots was the navigation computer built into the watch. The rotating bezel functioned like a slide rule, giving pilots the ability to calculate remaining distances, fuel consumption, and other critical flight equations. Its rotating bezel functioned like a slide rule. Used as a navigation computer, it allowed pilots to calculate remaining distances, fuel consumption, and other critical flight equations. Serious collectors will recognize the important wristwatch listed in this auction as a rare early AOPA Navitimer. These rare early examples were not offered for sale to the public like almost all Navitimers past and present; to obtain one, the buyer had to be an eligible member of the A.O.P.A. And then the watches were sold in fairly limited quantities. Today’s offering features this authentic and original AOPA Navitimer with a sloped edge bezel. It is in honest original condition and presents well. As these were “”tool”” watches, they often show a lot of wear and the intricate dials have not been well refinished. This model has a fantastic, undamaged original dial. The luminous dial has taken on a dark hue, giving the numerals a “”ghost”” appearance. Its case is in very honest condition, still retaining its original satin finish on the back. Overall, it shows fairly light wear. The lug tips have some light gold wear, but you have to magnify to see it. On the wrist, it presents very well. Its Breitling Venus 178 movement is very clean. Photos of the interior are available upon request. One of our master watchmakers has completely serviced the watch, which consists of completely disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing excessively worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and performing extensive testing (worth $995). It works and is true, it keeps very accurate time. For the final touch, we have fitted it with a brand new high-end crocodile strap with a soft lining called “”Cartier””, making it ready to be enjoyed immediately. It can also be fitted with one of the brand new vintage-style distressed leather straps shown in the photos of the watch on the wrist if you wish. Detailed assessment: Manufacturer: Breitling Country of origin: Switzerland Serial number: 1,063,159 Year of manufacture: 1966 Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph, slide rule, small seconds Model: Ref. 806 Navitimer, A.O.P.A. edition Designed for: Men Dimensions: 40mm wide (excluding crown), 47mm tip-to-tip lugs Case Material: 18k gold plated with stainless steel case back Case Markings (inside): Breitling Watch Ltd., Switzerland, 1,063,159 Case Markings (outside): Breitling, stainless steel, 806 Case Condition: Very honest condition, still retaining its original satin finish on the back. Overall, it has fairly light wear. On the wrist it presents very well Dial: Original finish, signed Breitling Navitimer with the winged “”AOPA”” logo, black with luminescent Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for seconds, 12-hour and 30-minute counters, outer graduations of the telemeter and slide rule, original and intact, excellent condition with only slight surface aging and light darkening Dial Condition: Original and intact Hands: Original, luminescent batons Movement Markings: Breitling Watch Co. Movement Type: Cal. 178, copper-colored, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring Jewelry: 17 jewels Strap: New high-end crocodile strap with soft “”Cartier”” lining for immediate pleasure. It can also be fitted with one of the brand new vintage style distressed leather straps shown in the photos of the watch on the wrist if desired. Lug Width: 21mm Glass Type: Acrylic, Excellent Condition Service: The watch has been fully serviced by one of our master watchmakers, which involves completely disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any excessively worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and performing extensive testing ($995 value). Timekeeping: It runs and is true, keeping very accurate time. SKU 9896SH