I can confirm this as well. Having spoken with Kurt B on the topic, it does not seem like there are any Navis predating 1954. At least he hasn’t found any.

 

What an amazing watch!

 

This is why I love this forum, the knowledge here of real core pieces stands out.
So it seems anything pre 1954 is conceptual? Or open to the notion that a 1952-54 serial might still surface? .
It's quite confusing for people who read up on this stuff because loads of places site first Navis as 1952....I take it this is because of those mis-stamped 84xxx 60s versions.
Also you'd think auction houses etc would get their facts right....
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-...-navitimer-806-with-aopa-black-gilt-dial-1953
Is there something else going on with this one. Or is this a reference of one of those examples of a 60s piece being misrepresented?

 

I am not a collector Breitling, I only have two three pieces in my collection.
I have this one of which I do not know much.
if you can tell me something.

 

IMO one of the misstamped eraly 60s, pretty nice condition.
The main bridge is signed "WOG". The early V72/V178 are stamped "BOW". That´s another point to identify the misstamped batch.
Best

 

Oh wow, awesome "Raquel Welch" 765 AVI, huge congrats

 

Thanks for posting. it is a Ref. 806 from the late 60s. There should be a serial number on the caseback, if not polished off.

 

Thanks @chronoboy64 . I'm new to these but I think the Raquel Welsh is the later version with the white subdials. Either way, love em both!

 

In addition to the points about the import code you make, a Navi that early (if they existed) wouldn’t have a case back stamped with 806, it would have a V72 movement, Mark 1 hands, and more beads on the bezel.

 

So John Glenn‘s Cosmonaute 809 fetched a very strong result at Phillips Auctions

 

,

I was wondering how this ranks among the highest priced Breitling sales.

 

1956 black AOPA

 

Very good question but hard to judge IMHO.
There was one at Sotheby´s in the UK on auction on 17.04.2018 (lot 23). It had an estimate of GBP 2.000 - 3.000 (lol).
It sold für GBP 18.750. I also remember one from Australia offered ca. two years ago. it was a very original one with a strong tropical look. They asked for USD 25.000. I don´t know whether it was sold. Rene Kesting (vintage-breitling.com) also offered one on behalf of a friend on IG some time ago. I contacted him and he asked for EUR 25.000 for it. It was a very nice looking piece but might have been polished a bit. I also don´t know whether this one was sold or at what price.

In conclusion IMHO there should be a range from USD 15-30 k for an original early 809 all black depending on the condition. Now it is pure speculation to judge whether the premium of Glenn´s 809 was only caused from the provenence of that particular watch or whether the early 809 are increasing in value in general.

I think the early all black 809 are very diserable and collectable watches because of their rarity and historical imortance. So they might be undervalued in the past because there is a lack of availability. The future will tell ...

Best

 

Sadly, I think many would overlook an all black 809 simply because they aren’t familiar with its rarity or significance.

I’d say you’re pretty fortunate to have one in your collection.

 

Thanks, yes it was a lucky buy but I was looking for that watch over years, so maybe passion payed out also

 

I would say so, yes. I was of the same perception like you with the pre 1954 pieces, but found myself corrected.

By the looks of it, that specific specimen is described wrongly. Had it been an early iteration, it would not have been described as an 806, neither would it be poweres by the venus 178 but a Valjoux 72. The watch you are linking to there looks to be an early 1960s iteration with a Venus 178 movement.

 

I agree with you here. It is mere speculation at this point in time, but I do believe the same, that black/black dial 809’s in good condition are bound to see some value appreciation. Same with good condition 806s by the way.

 

I wonder if Scott Carpenters watch was to resurface, how it would be priced compared to this one.

 

Hi budgewink,

you could also add the 1810 Navi Chrono-matic Yachting to the list. It is a 48 mm fried egg with a Caliber 11i S (15 min small dial instead of the usual 30 min) according to my watchmaker. It was made either late -69 or early -70 according to my info. The glassback was added a few years ago and is offcourse not original .

 

I'm a complete Breitling novice but I picked up a 1959 Re-edition Navitimer last month for $7,300. Enjoying the vintage look and the care they took in getting the look right. And modern COSC column wheel movement and five year warranty are nice features.