Breitling - Navitimer - 806 - Mænd - 1950-1959

Brand: Breitling
Model: Navitimer Chronograph – Rare All Black Dial
Reference: 806
Movement: Manual winding mechanical chronograph
Calibre: Venus 178
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: Approximately 40 mm, excluding crown
Dial: Rare early-style All Black dial with three black chronograph registers, gilt Arabic numerals and winged emblem
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter and aviation slide rule
Crystal: Acrylic crystal
Bezel: Bidirectional rotating slide-rule bezel with beaded edge
Strap: Beige leather strap with contrasting stitching

Year: Circa late 1950s – early 1960s (exact year to be confirmed)
Condition: Vintage condition with visible signs of age, patina and previous use

Description:

An exceptional example of the legendary Breitling Navitimer Reference 806, featuring the highly desirable early “All Black” dial configuration, one of the most distinctive and historically significant designs in vintage aviation chronographs.

The Navitimer was originally developed in the 1950s in connection with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), combining a mechanical chronograph with a circular slide-rule calculator designed for aviation-related calculations. The model became one of the most recognizable pilot's watches in horological history.

The All Black dial is particularly significant in the evolution of the Navitimer. Unlike later examples featuring contrasting white chronograph subdials, the early versions were characterized by an entirely black dial with three matching black registers. This distinctive configuration represents the original aesthetic of the Navitimer and is especially appreciated by collectors of early Breitling chronographs.

The present watch features a black dial with warm gilt-tone Arabic numerals, three recessed chronograph registers and the characteristic winged emblem beneath the Breitling signature. The detailed outer scales, together with the traditional slide-rule bezel, create the unmistakable appearance of an early aviation instrument.

One of the most attractive characteristics of this example is its naturally aged appearance. The dial displays visible patina, with warm aging to the numerals and luminous elements, while the outer calculation scale shows discoloration consistent with decades of use. These details give the watch a distinctive vintage character and reflect its age and history.

The stainless-steel case retains the recognizable Navitimer design, including its prominent chronograph pushers and characteristic beaded rotating bezel. The bezel is an important design feature associated with early Navitimer production, preceding the more conventional serrated bezels introduced on later models.

The reference 806 is historically associated with the renowned hand-wound Venus 178 chronograph movement, a column-wheel calibre widely recognized for its important role in mid-century Swiss chronograph production.

The watch is fitted with a beige leather strap with contrasting stitching, providing an elegant complement to the aged black dial and stainless-steel case.

The Breitling Navitimer 806 All Black remains one of the most sought-after early configurations of the Navitimer family, appreciated for its historical importance, distinctive appearance and connection to the golden age of aviation.

The watch has been serviced and checked before sale and is functioning properly.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. The dial, hands, crystal, bezel and case show visible signs of age and previous use. The patina and discoloration are clearly visible in the photographs and should be considered part of the watch's vintage condition.

The watch will be carefully packed for safe shipment.