Lot 206

Breitling

Navitimer

An early vintage aviation wrist chronograph with slide rule function via bidirectional rotating bezel and gold-coloured "AOPA" (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) logo

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Reference 806 was introduced to the market in 1956 and produced until 1962. This model dates back to the early days of the Navitimer era and was made in 1956; it still features the early pearled revolving bezel. The movement is engraved "WOG", an US American import mark of the Wakmann Watch Co. Inc., the American importer of Breitling timepieces.

Originally developed for pilots, the Navitimer has long since reached cult status. Its circular slide rule enables the experienced pilot to calculate important data such as flight time, fuel supply etc., which is why the watch was chosen as the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in the United States. Its unique design, however, ensured that the watch became immensely popular amongst the civil population too. Even now 70 years after its original launch the appeal of this model is unrivalled and inspired Breitling to create a re-edition of the Navitimer reference 806.