Breilting Navitimer AOPA Vintage Ref. 806 40mm Manual Wind 1961

BRAND:                           Breitling

MODEL:                           Navitimer

CASE MATERIAL:            Stainless steel

CASE MEASURES:          40 x 47 mm

MOVEMENT:                   Manual        

FUNCTIONS:                   Chronograph

CONDITION:                    Very nice

A well-preserved Breitling Navitimer reference 806 in stainless steel dating to 1961. The earliest production Navitimers created for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in the 1950s featured all-black dials and were powered by the Valjoux 72 manual wind movement for a short period, while this example is fitted with the Venus caliber 178 that succeeded it. The AOPA wings on the dial appear without the acronym, marking it as an early iteration later replaced by the twin-jet logo. Its beautifully beaded bezel would eventually transition into the fluted grooves seen on modern Navitimers. The lugs retain their chamfers and the crisp engravings on the case back suggest an unpolished condition. Early AOPA Navitimers went on to become one of the most iconic vintage chronographs, and this example preserves its original gilt dial with restored hands, fitted with a robust suede leather strap.

Some wear shown consistent with age. Case appears to be unpolished.

Lume partially missing on hour markers.

Relumed hands.

13.5 mm thick case.

Breitling Venus caliber 178, 17 jewels manual wind movement.

Serial 9400xx

Acrylic crystal.

Brown suede strap, non-Breitling.

22 mm lug width.

Modelled on 7 3/4 inch wrist.

ID 357663182289