Breitling Navitimer 806 All Black - NOS

The condition of this all black Breitling Navitimer 806 from the late 1950s only needs three letters: NOS (New Old Stock). Unworn, unrestored, untouched - a dream of every "condition fetishist".

The first Breitling Navitimer was introduced in 1954 and was not a usual chronograph but a useful tool for pilots. Kilometers, miles and nautical miles were calculated using the slide rule bezel.

The reference 806 with a black dial was the very first execution of the legendary pilot's chronograph. Even the three sub-registers are black, hence the nickname "All Black". The later versions had white sub-registers.

The Navitimer presented here dates from around 1959. Its mint condition is an indication that the vintage chronograph was stored almost forever in a safe.

The manual-wound caliber Venus 178 is the heart of the Breitling Navitimer. As you can see from the pictures, the movement bridge is signed "WOG". These three letters stand for the then official Breitling retailer "Wakmann Watch Co. Inc., Breitling".

Condition report
Dial: flawless - original radium lume verified with a Geiger counter - evenly aged lume with a slightly greenish patina - correct set of hands - perfect AOPA emblem (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) - perfect Navitimer logo at 6 o'clock.

Case: (arguably) unworn - unpolished - sharp lugs - slight signs of storage on the case back - razor-sharp engravings on the back - original Breitling winding crown.

Bezel: rotating slide rule bezel in perfect condition.

Movement: manual-wound caliber Venus 178 provides precise timekeeping. Chronograph starts, stops and resets perfectly to 12.

Summing-Up
Even the most discerning collector will be amazed by the condition of this Breitling Navitimer 806. The only downside: this watch is too good for everyday wear. But one thing is clear: the Safe-Queen will enhance the quality of any vintage watch collection.

Serial number: 824xxx (1959)

Int.Exe.: 23677