Breitling Navitimer

Many of the major watch brands have a model in their lineup which can be seen to be iconic. A model that is so universally well known that even without the brand's logo, people would still recognise it. For example, the classic Speedmaster 'Moon' watch by Omega. There is also the Carrera chronograph by TAG Heuer or the Reverso by Jaegar-LeCoultre. Some brands are fortunate enough to have a few models that can be seen as iconic. Rolex has the Submariner, GMT and the Datejust that have been in their lineup for decades and are instantly recognisable.

History of The Breitling Navitimer

For Breitling, they have the Navitimer. A watch that was introduced back in 1952 and designed for pilots. Its slide-rule bezel and large size (41mm was a large watch back then) make it easy to read. It was only available to members of the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to start with. However, it was such a success it was introduced to the general public in 1956, as the famous 806 reference. This resulted in it becoming the go-to watch for those in the aviation industry and could be seen on the wrist of almost every pilot flying overseas.

The Breitling Navitimer was a watch that evolved with the customer's demands. The beaded bezel edge became serrated for ease of use, as well as a change of logo. Additionally, an automatic version was released in 1969 alongside the manual winding model to further the appeal of the watch. As well as those working in aviation, the watch broadened its appeal. It was seen on the wrist of jazz musician Miles Davis and Formula 1 champions Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jo Siffert.

Now the Breitling Navitimer can be found in a variety of different sizes, straps, dial colours, movements and features. For example, the Navitimer Montbrillant is ideal for smaller wrists and a non-chronograph model that offers a cleaner aesthetic to the dial. Also, a classic styled Navitimer with a silver dial, which breaks from the more normally seen black. 

Breitling Navitimer at Auction

Lot 8
Breitling - a Navitimer World watch, 44mm.
Price Realised: £2,730.00

Lot 10
Breitling - a Navitimer chronograph watch, 41mm.
Price Realised: £2,275.00

Lot 14
Breitling - a Navitimer Montbrilliant chronograph watch, 37mm.
Price Realised: £2,015.00

Lot 17
Breitling - a Navitimer wrist watch, 41mm.
Price Realised: £1,560.00

Watches | Thursday 3rd October 2024

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London

Wednesday 25th September 10:00 - 19:00

Birmingham

Wednesday 2nd September 10:00 – 16:00

Thursday 3rd October 08:30-10:00

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Steven Yambo BA (Hons) | Watch Specialist