https://omegaforums.net/threads/on-...06-navitimer-w-beautiful-big-eyes-dial.57313/ I have been itching to get a Navitimer and had settled on a new 46mm, but this popped up on here and is kindof striking a chord. I know nothing about vintage Breitling and the only concern I have on this one is the polishing. Seems over polished, but not sure. Anything else to be concerned about? Or just some general enabling would be ok. Thanks, Tom
10 pages of search results for Navitimer and all I can come up with is FS or WTB stuff. One review of a 1960's one. So I have searched and not found.
Looks good, sir! You still have your plastic "whiz wheel" from AI/primary? If so, start practicing so you'll be up to speed if you get the Navitimer.
That looks in amazing condition . Also a bit rare with its date wheel. I think you should just get !! I have an older 816 which is in poor shape but with lots of character. I get a great deal of enjoyment from wearing my much more beat up example.
I really like the dials of these old Navitimers: maximalist but not cluttered, respect for symmetry and tasteful colors etc etc. Did dial design die in the 80s?
They had some discussion on this watch over at the MWR Post Exchange Forum as it's for sale over there as well. Might be worth the read. Cheers! http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/show...-ref-7806-Navitimer-w-Beautiful-Twin-Jet-Dial
They kinda "died" in 1978 when Breitling closed and sold the rights and tooling to Sinn. A few more sold in the 80's under a different name by Sinn using left over Breitling parts. Today that dial lives on in the Sinn 903. Breitling sued in the 80's when they reopened for the watch and name and only got the name hence why current Navitimers have different dials. I agree the way they pulled off that much information on the dial and it remained uncluttered is a truly great example of industrial design for tool watches. Hence the reason I got one for my collection to go with my Seiko diver and 145.022. Someday I may track down the perfect Breitling vintage example. Shameful Sinn 903 shots of my Lemania (Omega 861) powered one. They are made today with a crown rotated inner bezel to increase water resistance. I believe the 903 dates to around 1988 and there are a few different movements and color variations. AFAIK the Lemania is the most uncommon movement in them.
Water resistance is the big issue with the early Navitimers so perhaps it wasn't a bad thing that they made some changes. Breitling's fortunes may have been very different if Scott Carpenter's 809 hadn't leaked on splashdown, perhaps they would have got the NASA contract and survived the 70s as an independent. Then again the quartz revolution was a difficult time for many so perhaps not.
Great looking Breitling, and some great advice here. My navimeter, although not as old still one of my favorites!