First released in 1952 and based on Breitling’s 1942 Chronomat, the Breitling Navitimer was the pilot’s watch to end all pilot’s watches. Following Breitling’s collaboration with the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) to make the slide rule of its Chronomat even more relevant to pilots, the Navitimer was born as the ultimate pilot’s watch. Basically, a hand-held computer, the Navitimer enabled pilots to quickly figure out fuel consumption rates, average speeds, convert between various scales, and much more. Offered as the AOPA’s official watch from 1954 onwards, Breitling would design and sell two AOPA-specific variants. First is the AOPA logo variant and the Double Plane variant, which followed after. Released in 1956, the ref. 806 variant was designed to capitalize on the Navitimer’s popularity with an upgraded movement, Venus cal. 178 instead of the Valjoux cal. 72 and larger beads on the bezel for greater friction. An iconic watch on its own merit and through its link to the AOPA, the group that brought it about, the Navitimer stands as a tangible piece of horological history that deserves to be celebrated. Offered here we have the Navitimer 806 1959 Re-Edition ref. AB0910371B1X1, launched in 2019. Designed just like the AOPA variant, this limited edition 41mm timepiece of just 1959 pieces features a dial that is an exact replica of the original’s with the AOPA’s logo at 12 o’clock, and patinated Arabic hour markers. A stunning stainless steel celebration of Breitling’s heritage, this timepiece is a wonderful reminder of the brand’s history, and their pioneering efforts as a watchmaker who catered their watches to the needs of pilot’s.

The watch is in overall near-mint condition. The case still has a number of stickers intact, and appears to have been worn sparingly. The dial and hands are pristine. The watch is fitted with a black leather strap in excellent condition with a near-mint steel buckle. Comes complete with boxes, paperwork, and hangtag.

Inarguably one of the most iconic watches ever, the Navitimer simply would not exist if not for the AOPA. Moreover, the AOPA-specific variants prove Breitling was well aware of that fact back in the late 1950s, and so it has become a classic within Breitling's historic catalog that deserved to be re-issued and celebrated.