It's not very often to come cross a vintage watch that has built up strong patina over many decades..

That's especially true when it comes to the tool watch category for their function-forward purpose. This Breitling Navitimer ref. 806, however, is exactly that.

This underrated time piece has been recently fully overhauled by a master horologist with no issues to report in superb running order with all register’s and pushers performing perfectly. Ready to enjoy for many years to come!

The Navitimer was first introduced in 1954 as a collaboration between Breitling and AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) to serve as a practical aviation watch for pilots with its slide rule-equipped bezel. The design of the Navitimer has evolved slightly over the years with functional improvements, but not much has changed aesthetically as you can see in this example.

This watch is the variant with the Twin Jet logo, instead of the earlier AOPA wing logo. The round, beaded bezel was replaced by more rectangular serrated edges to allow for better grip by pilots when operating with gloves. The level of patina on the dial is heavy, which makes the watch appear with vintage charm to the eyes. The warm yellow lume on the hour markers is especially inviting.

Breitling didn't produce their own chronograph movements from the 30’s up to the late 60’s, most of their watches are found with Landeron, Venus, or Valjoux movements inside, which were high grade chronograph movements and hold up well by today's standards. Rolex watch company were in a similar situation as the £300,000 plus Rolex Daytona 6263 Paul Newman was powered by a similar movement the ‘Valjoux’.

The stylised round pushers control the start-stop and flyback function, there is also a slide rule scale around the outer edge of the dial which enables the user to compute the speed of a travelling object over a set distance.

Most underrated and undervalued collectors chronograph. A bargain compared to rivals of the era such as the ‘Daytona Cosmograph’ which are starting in excess of £50K. Albeit a mystery why the comparative ‘Breitling’s’ are going for a song, clearly sleepers waiting to explode!

The Original Dial: Signed Breitling Navitimer T Swiss Made T. Black dial with heavy patina and foxing, pointed white baton hands, matching chronograph stop watch seconds sweep hand. Engine turned stepped sub dial at ‘9’ with further registers at ‘3’ and ‘6’ o clock. Applied lume baton indexes which have partially perished with age, slide rule scale with signs of wear and fading. The dial is in vintage condition and has marks and imperfections all over in particular a small indentation between 10 and 11 commensurate with age and everyday wear. The lume inserts on the hands have partially perished over time. Please observe photographs.

The Original Case/Bezel: Steel case measuring 40mm width x 13mm depth with out crown. Case is in solid condition for the age - Has surface scratches associated with stainless steel commensurate with everyday wear and age. Lugs are in good condition for age. Rotating steel serrated edge bezel has some scratches, however in good functioning order - Please observe photographs carefully.

The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Breitling Watch Ltd Swiss. Case cover is in good overall condition.

The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Snap back case has a polished finish marked Breitling stainless steel 806 serial number 134**** dating the watch to 1970 on the Breitling date register. Cover fits flush without any issues. Has surface scratches associated with Stainless steel commensurate with age and wear. In solid condition with plenty of depth.

The Crystal: Semi dome Perspex crystal is in good condition.

The Crown/Winder/Pushers: Tooth crown, unsigned and later service replacement, in excellent working order. Pushers are in good functioning order. Signs of general wear.

Original Movement: High grade Venus 178 (manual) 17 Jewelled Breitling signed movement. This movement featuring complications was used by many high end watch houses of the era including Breitling. In excellent condition. Recently benefited from an overhaul by a marque specialist watchmaker keeping perfect time with all registers and pushers functioning correctly. Please note: Photos were taken before overhaul.

Strap/Buckle: Fitted with a new good quality vintage style leather strap and steel pin buckle.

*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*

Please note this Breitling is over 55 years old. Shipping with DHL fully insured registered post - World wide. Buyer responsible for any International taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.

Additional information;

Maker: Breitling

Model: Navitimer

Reference: 806

Year: 1970

Case No: 1342***

Material: Stainless steel

Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 13mm thickness

Crystal: Plexiglass

Lume: Yes, tritium

Caliber: Manually wound Venus 178

Strap: Aftermarket leather strap band and buckle

Lug Width: 22mm

Box/Papers: No