Breitling AOPA 'Small-Bead' Navitimer

We’ve been referring to the Navitimer as a watch, but that’s not quite right. This is a wrist-worn navigation computer. The Navitimer’s most distinctive feature, the slide rule bezel, is used by pilots to calculate airspeed, ascent and decent rates, flight time, distance traveled, fuel consumption and even imperial to metric unit conversions. The Navitimer truly is a computer, and also happens to be one of the best damn looking watches out there. How cool is that?

Breitling has been selling Navitimers consistently since the 1950s, so we can’t say that vintage 806s are a rare find. Yet while there are a lot of them out there, finding one in good condition is not an easy task. For whatever reason, most were not treated very well by their original owners and are now in a sad shape, which is an unfortunate fate for any watch, let alone one of the most iconic pieces ever made. Refinished dials run rampant, and calling the wear to dials “patina” is often a generous use of the term.

Lucky for you, we’ve sourced a lovely, all-original example of the ref. 806 that is worthy of our clients’ collections. This is the Navitimer for Navitimer geeks.

Featuring an early AOPA signed dial (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association), this 806 dates to the 1950s, sporting all of the most desirable Navitimer features. Besides the AOPA logo on a beautifully patinated matte black dial, the bezel features an early small-bead ring to boot! If you’re a Breitling guy, you’re probably drooling right now.

Whether you’re looking for a pilot's watch or just a cool vintage chronograph, the Navitimer is a worthy consideration. It’s as iconic as any watch can be, and there’s a reason why Breitling has been making them for five decades (answer: they’re awesome). This example just happens to be one of the best on the market, so if you’ve ever had any inclination to pick up a Navitimer, this is the one to get.

For a look at this history of this important chronograph, check out this great article by our friend Ed Estlow over at Gear Patrol HERE.