Breitling Navitimer 1806 [actually an 0816]

So I’m a member here for close to five years. I see many posts from people asking for watch appraisals having not done any own of their own research! Well … I typically only buy Omega but I do have a penchant for early chronographs (mainly Speedys and Seamasters) and I’ve admired Breitling Navitimers and Top Times from afar.

I’ve been given an opportunity to buy a Navitimer 1806. The price is £1,800 but the photos are very poor and the description is minimal. The seller is also very unresponsive to questions. But I’m led to believe that this is in close to new old stock condition. Pictures included below. My offer/ opportunity expires in about 24 hours so I’d be so grateful if those with insights on this reference could share thoughts and opinions. I’ve really struggled to find comparables online and I don’t know any reference number from the case or the movement. If any glaring issues with the watch (not disclosed) I’m sure I could return the watch. Thanks in advance.

Wow. I thought my photography skills were bad, but this is so much worse.

Can you get a better dial/bezel pic? Movement?

The chrono hand resetting may need an adjustment. Hard to see what else. Price is probably in range.

Thanks - all the seller’s items have equally poor photography. He said he’s add clearer pictures but nothing to date. I noticed that the chronograph sweep hand isn’t at 12 but I can’t be sure whether the chrono was reset or simply stopped. I can’t see any major red flags - dial/ hands/ tritium all okay (from what I can see). Is the crown original (looks small but I may be mistaken)? The ad certainly implies that this is NOS condition - if genuinely unworn the price seems very reasonable to me but again I don’t know enough about the reference and pictures are shockingly bad!

Thanks for the input. I expect it would need a service which wouldn't be an issue assuming there are no hidden issues with the watch. But unless he engages and shares the information that I’ve requested I think i best to keep looking.

Thanks David, it’s really unusual - I want to buy the watch but the seller simply doesn’t respond to messages. There could be a genuine reason but maybe there’s a reason he won’t provide the information requested. The seller seems to mainly sell a range of low value items and certainly doesn’t specialise in vintage watches. This is priced at £3,200 accepting offers. If it is genuinely NOS condition but requiring a service I believe £1,800 would be great value and a keeper. I’m an advocate of the “speculate to accumulate” belief but there’s simply radio silence from the seller.

The one thing that looks off is the crown - it doesn’t look original - but again the pictures are poor.

Gents, that’s really helpful. Based on that auction the £1,800 may be relatively close to market value and there is the risk that I don’t know what I’m burying. If a bit cheaper it would be worth a punt. Will see what happens.

Hi all, I decided to buy the Navitimer 0816. @Davidt, your comment really resonated with me and you are absolutely right - “buying the seller” should not override personal judgement and experience when evaluating a good deal.

In this instance I had an opportunity to buy what was described as a NOS Breitling Navitimer 1806. The seller couldn’t provide clear pictures and couldn’t offer much information on the watch other than it being from her father’s jewellers. While the pictures were poor, if not as described, I always had the backstop provided by eBay’s authentication programme.

I agreed a price and bought the watch. Please see pictures attached - the watch has arrived 😌.

The sales pictures suggested the chronograph function wasn’t working as intended (sub dials and sweep hand not reset). Well, the watch and chronograph are running perfectly - timed to within 5 seconds/ 24 hours. Granted the movement should be serviced as the watch dates to circa 1970 but it’s reassuring that it’s running well.

Also, it transpires that the watch is a 0816 - which explains why i struggled to find comparables online. For a NOS watch it’s a shame that it doesn’t have a Breitling leather strap or buckle - but this is next on the list.

Anyway, I really like the watch - I think it’s 45mm but it’s relatively slim and sits well on the wrist and I personally think it has better presence that my many 145.022s - or maybe it’s simply nice to have a change as I only wear Omega and Garmin!!!!

Just hope I don’t end up going down the Navitimer rabbit hole…

Its cousin says hi.

Thanks and that looks stunning - fast forward two years I hope I don’t regret this “first” purchase! Can I ask if there’s a specific source of info on Navitimers that you would recommend?

Not really in the know on good resources. But lots of variants at seemingly reasonable price points.

Another smaller cousin.

Never opened the case so don't have the S/N handy. Sorry. Enjoy!

Guys, thanks a million for the eye candy. I did read a good Fratello article a few weeks back - will have to do a bit more research. I also really like the “all black” model. I’ll post the serial number when I’m back home tomorrow.

I should amend the title if that’s an option.