Breitling Navitimer

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. 

The Navitimer has undoubtedly entered the pantheon of classic pilot's watches, distinctive from all of them due to the slide rule. While the true functionality of the Navitimer is lost on most of us, there's no question that serious pilots (and astronauts) depended on their Navitimers as serious navigation tool. It's been said that the 806 spawned an entirely new category of timepieces--wrist instruments--and it would be hard to deny that.

This particular Navitimer is a Reference AB0139, a tasteful recreation of many of the classic Navitimer models. White dial, white subdisplays, red chrono hand, classic multi-scale dial, and more, this piece is a perfect representation of the classic Breitling chronograph aesthetic. 

This example comes complete with its box, card, book, hangtag, and beautiful brown strap.

Breitling, one of the most illustrious names in the annals of the “tool watch,” was founded by Léon Breitling in 1892. And though the firm is no longer operated by its namesake family, it still produces some of the world’s best pilot’s watches, many of which now feature in-house movements.

The company first started manufacturing wrist chronographs as early as the 1930s. In 1936 they became an official supplier to military forces of the United Kingdom and Canada. While perhaps best known for the Navitimer and Chronomat lines — which were used heavily by pilots of many nations — Breitling also produced scores of other chronograph models that merit consideration, such as the more affordable Top Time and Premier. Dive watches, such as the Super Ocean, are also part of the company’s offerings.

The late 1970s was a turbulent time for the Swiss watch industry, and many storied houses were swept away by the Quartz Crisis. By 1978, Breitling was in trouble due to the illness of its leader, Willy Breitling, and the steep decline in sales that had cut through the entire industry. Unable to keep operations going, the company was liquidated, and parts, toolings and naming rights were sold off.
Between 1979 and 2017, Breitling continued under the ownership of the Schneider family. In 2017 an 80% stake in the firm was sold to a British private equity firm, with the remaining 20% sold in 2018. In 2019, the company released the caliber B01, an in-house, automatic chronograph movement that’s since found its way into the Chronomat and Navitimer collections, bringing the tale of this famed manufacturer full circle.

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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

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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.