Breitling Navitimer Gold Plate

Why We Love It

Originally released in 1954, the Navitimer by Breitling has been in production longer than just about any other chronograph still in production today. Complex yet elegant, the Reference 806 has a dial that you're bound to get lost in...

...Probably not a good thing if you're a pilot using it to maneuver a plane, but we digress.. 

The richness of the gilt printing on the dial provides a vivid contrast from the glossy black background. Despite the overwhelming dark presence on the dial, its printed Arabic numerals lighten things up significantly. As an additional touch, an elegant small beaded finish surrounds the bezel. 

An absolutely stunning example, this particular gold plated 806 has been fully restored using Luminova paint for the indices and service handset, as well as featuring a genuine Breitling service sliderule bezel ring, but retaining the correct early bezel assembly. This is the way watches should be restored - it is as beautiful as the day it left the factory, but not nearly as fragile. Perfect for regular use and enjoyment!

So go ahead, get lost with it. When used properly, it can even help you find your way home.

The Story

When Breitling designed the Navitimer in the early 1950s, the concept of a civilian tool watch was a novel idea. Watch companies produced a few purpose-designed pieces for military use in the early 20th century, but most watches that were sold at retailers were designed with purely fashion in mind. In the 1950s and 1960s, the tool watch market exploded, fueled by the popularity of SCUBA diving and the growing interest in aviation.  Breitling was one of the earliest manufactures to respond to the trend when they released the Navitimer in 1954.

Most passers-by would refer to the Navitimer as a watch, but that’s not quite right. This is a wrist-worn navigational 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. 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.