1966 Breitling Navitimer Vintage Aviator's AOPA Chronograph Watch - 18K Gold Plated & Stainless Steel
The Navitimer is the most iconic model the brand ever made, and as such it is at the top of collector's wish list who have an interest in Breitling, aviation, or special chronographs.
When the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (A.O.P.A.) needed a timepiece that would better serve their pilot's needs in the cockpit, they called upon Breitling, the renowned manufacturer of technical watches, who rose to the occasion to accomplish this impressive feat through the Navitimer, the world's most advanced aviation timepiece at the time.
The Navitimer was special in a number of ways; what was especially useful for pilots was the navigational computer built into the watch. The rotating bezel functioned as a slide rule, giving pilots the ability to calculate remaining distances, fuel consumption, and other critical flight equations. Its rotating bezel functioned as a slide rule. Used as a navigational computer, it gave pilots the ability 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 scarce early examples were not offered for sale to the public like nearly all Navitimers then and now; to obtain one, the purchaser had to be an eligible member of the A.O.P.A. And then the watches were sold in a fairly limited quantities.
Today's offering showcases this honest, original AOPA Navitimer with angled edge bezel.
It is in honest original condition and presents nicely. Because these were "tool" watches they often show much wear and the complicated dials did not refinish well.
This one has a fantastic untouched original dial. The luminous has darkly toned giving the numbers a "ghosted" appearance.
Its case is in very honest condition still retaining its original factory satin finish on the back. Overall, it shows fairly light wear. The very tips of the lugs have the slightest bits of gold wear, but you need to magnification to see it. On the wrist, it presents very nicely.
Its Breitling Venus 178 movement is very clean. Photos of the inside available upon request.
One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive testing (a $995 value).
It is running and true, keeping very accurate time.
For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new high-end aftermarket crocodile strap with soft so-called "Cartier" lining making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
It can also be equipped with one of the brand new vintage style distressed leather straps shown in the photos of the watch on the wrist if you would like.
Like always, included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.
Manufacturer: Breitling
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,063,159
Year built: 1966
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph, Slide Rule, Subsidiary Seconds
Model: Ref. 806 Navitimer, early A.O.P.A. edition
Designed for: Men
Dimensions: 40mm wide (without crown), 47mm lugs tip-to-tip
Case material: 18K gold plated with stainless steel back
Case markings (inside): Breitling Watch Ltd., Swiss, 1,063,159
Case markings (outside): Breitling, stainless steel, 806
Case condition: Very honest condition still retaining its original factory satin finish on the back. Overall, it shows fairly light wear. On the wrist, it presents very nicely
Dial: Original finish, signed Breitling Navitimer with "AOPA" winged logo, black with luminous Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers, outer telemeter and slide-rule graduations, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging to the surface and darkening of the luminous
Dial condition: Original and untouched
Hands: Original, luminous 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
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Brand new high-end aftermarket crocodile strap with soft so-called "Cartier" lining making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It can also be equipped with one of the brand new vintage style distressed leather straps shown in the photos of the watch on the wrist if you would like.
Width between lugs: 21mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Service: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive testing (a $995 value).
Timing: It is running and true, keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
