Details
CIRCA: 1964
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE SIZE: 40 mm. diam.
BRACELET SIZE: approx. 190 mm. overall length
DIAL: Black with white subsidiary dials
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph
CALIBER: Venus 178
Brought to you by

Lot Essay

According to the Archives of Breitling, the present wristwatch was manufactured 1964.

This Navitimer is a very well preserved example of this iconic tool watch, distinguished by its improved dial with white subsidiary dials to increase contrast and make the watch perfectly readable compared to the first versions in all black. Furthermore the model stands out for its typical bezel with internal rotating slide bezel on a silver-plated chapter ring, named "beads of rice" because of its shape.

Based on the success of the "Chronomat", Breitling and the AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association) decided to develop a revolutionary watch featuring a chronograph and navigation tool, the slide rule, allowing pilots and navigators the easy calculation of remaining distances, fuel consumption etc. The name was a combination of the words Navigation & Timer and the model was available as of 1954 when the "Navitimer" became the official watch of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association) and the "wing" logo of the association was added to the dial instead of the Breitling "B". The first models did not have a reference number but only the engraved inscription "Breitling" and logo "B" engraved on the back. In 1955, reference number 806 was assigned and the Valjoux calibre 72 was exchanged against the Venus 178. The "Navitimer" remained in production with this configuration until the early 1960s.

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Watches Online: The Geneva Edit
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report