Breitling Navitimer 'Mille Miglia'

Breitling first started manufacturing chronographs as early as the 1930s. Perhaps the most iconic of these is the Breitling Navitimer, ref. 806. First and foremost a pilot's watch, designed for pilots and with pilots' needs in mind, it remains near the top of virtually every vintage watch collector's wish list.

In classic "form follows function" style, the Navitimer was designed to be a tool watch, with a slide-rule navigation computer operated by an internally-rotatable bezel. Breitling first used this feature on the Chronomat, which debuted in the early 50s. Though the Chronomat was the first watch Breitling released with a slide rule, it was preceded by a watch designed by Mimo: the Loga. However, the Loga only ran for a short time and did not enjoy the success of the Chronomat, which in turn inspired Breitling to develop yet another watch with this feature. This would of course be the Navitimer, which would go on to inspire countless imitations and set the standard for pilot's watches to follow.

This particular Navitimer isn't your conventional piece though. One of only about 100 made in solid 18K gold, this piece dates to 1966 and was owned by a legendary car and watch enthusiast who belonged to the Royal Vintage Car Club Belgium. He participated in the Mille Miglia, and had the caseback of this piece engraved with all the details. Powering this piece is the Venus Calibre 178 in brilliant shape.

This is a truly noteworthy collector's example of one of the most important watches in history. Snatch it up before someone else does!