Late in 1967, Breitling introduced a new bold design: The
Big Navitimer, model 816.
This stunning, modern-looking watch was a daring step
forward. Its 48mm case was very impressive - even for today's standard!
Ref 816 was in production for only ten years and today, it
is regarded as a sought-after model amongst watch collectors, particularly in
Japan.
Also known as the 816 triple register due to its 3 subdials
Case diameter: 48/49mm
Case including crown: 50mm
Case from lug to lug tip: 55mm
Lug spacing: 22mmThe dial diameter is 33mm.
It has a black dial with 3 white sundials and a unique
styled hour and minute 'split hands' and red square-shaped hour and minute
chrono counters.
The first edition of Ref. 816 had white markers on the dial
and a red alignment marker on the rotating bezel.
The turning bezel was flat with rectangular notches on the
octagonal stainless steel case. Despite its size, the overall appearance is
surpassingly 'low profile' – its overall thickness is just over 12mm. Also, the
winding crown with chrono pushers are finely integrated for comfortable wear.
The strap is Lizard type and the buckle is the twin aircraft
type Breitling design
The watch works well, and always keeps good time, it was
serviced before I bought it and is a pleasure to wear, I’ve always been careful
of it
The stainless steel case is free of dents and scratches,the
case back has fine marks and these cannot be erased for fear of losing the
serial number and other markings, unfortunately and on most of the pre 1980's
Breitlings the markings were not deep enough to withstand much polishing,all
the markings on this watch are still present, if a little faint. As this one
has had a name etched in the back, maybe for a pilots name, or an organisations
name ( which is a shame, as that could add to its history ) , it has been
partly polished out
Its also worth noting that the dial is original, and is all
the better for it, many watches have refinished dials, and they don't look
right.
Through an eye glass however, you can read the following
DDE BR 1525/67
"DDE. BR. + 11525/67" refers to the Swiss patent
for the case and bezel mechanism (Swiss patent number 11525 dated 1967)
The patent was granted for Breitling's design of inner
rotating bezel with ratched pinion.
0816
Which makes it a Navitimer 816
As mentioned, the serial number of the watch is barely
visible because it was only lightly etched, not engraved, but can be identified
as 1244336
Which according to this advert accredited watch specialist
Superlative Time, dates serial no 1244447 as 1967, and ours is a few watches
earlier… Either way, it’s a very early late 1967 / early 1968 Breitling
Navitimer 816 in super condition
I have owned this watch for 18 years, it has been carefully
and sparingly worn, and came from a collector.
It will come in a little Breitling ( non original ) travel
box and also a special tool for opening the back of the watch
Looking at the pricing on other websites, this is good
value, we have seen similar watches for up to £4500 and with a low of £2700,
but these watches are not as good cosmetically, and are typically not as early.
Please ask any questions, prior to the auction close
Only selling as I am looking for a nice Breitling Navitimer
806
Please see other items, I’m selling some other watches over
the next week or so, including a Harwood Autorist