Breitling - Navitimer - 806 - Men - 1963

Breitling Navitimer – Original Vintage Swiss Mechanical Chronograph – Black Panda Dial – Venus 178 Based Movement

Offered for auction is an exceptional vintage Breitling Navitimer, one of the most iconic pilot chronographs ever created and a true symbol of Swiss aviation watchmaking.

This beautiful example features a 41 mm stainless steel case, acrylic glass, a highly charismatic original black panda-style dial with attractive age patina, and the legendary manual-winding Breitling chronograph movement based on the Venus 178 calibre. The dial displays the unmistakable Navitimer identity, with its complex aviation scales, three-register chronograph layout, elegant applied indexes and beautifully aged luminous details.

A rare and highly desirable vintage Breitling, full of character, history and collector appeal.

Technical Details

Brand: Breitling
Model: Navitimer
Origin: Swiss Made
Case material: Stainless steel
Case diameter: 41 mm
Crystal: Acrylic glass
Dial: Original black panda-style dial with attractive vintage patina
Bezel: Rotating slide-rule aviation bezel
Movement: Swiss mechanical Breitling movement based on Venus 178
Winding: Manual winding
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds and chronograph
Strap: Generic leather strap
Wrist size: Fits wrists up to approximately 21 cm
Box: Generic watch box

Condition Report

Overall grade B – signs of use according to age.

The stainless steel case shows visible traces of wear, small marks and scratches consistent with its vintage nature. The rotating slide-rule bezel and outer scale show natural ageing and patina, adding strong authenticity and charm to the watch.

The original black dial is beautifully aged, with cream sub-dials and a warm vintage tone. The dial, hands and indexes show natural patina, creating the unmistakable look that collectors search for in vintage Navitimer examples.

The acrylic glass shows signs of use, normal for a watch of this age. The generic leather strap is in usable condition and fits wrists up to approximately 21 cm.

The mechanical chronograph movement is based on the respected Venus 178 calibre, a historic movement used in some of the most appreciated vintage Breitling chronographs. The movement is operating at the time of cataloguing. Chronograph functions are present. Water resistance has not been tested and cannot be guaranteed.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Story & Heritage

The Breitling Navitimer is one of the great legends of 20th-century watchmaking. Originally developed as a professional instrument for pilots, it combined a precision chronograph with a rotating slide-rule bezel, allowing aviation calculations directly from the wrist. More than a watch, it was a cockpit tool.

Throughout the golden age of aviation, the Navitimer became closely associated with pilots, navigators and aviation enthusiasts. Its complex dial was not designed only for beauty, but for function: speed, distance, fuel consumption, rate of climb and other calculations could be performed using the bezel and dial scales.

This vintage example perfectly captures that heritage. The black dial, cream chronograph registers, aged luminous details and mechanical Venus-based movement give it the presence of a true collector’s piece. It is the kind of watch that carries its decades with pride, showing honest patina rather than modern perfection.

For collectors, the charm of a vintage Navitimer lies in exactly these details: the aged dial, the historic movement, the large pilot’s case and the unmistakable aviation identity. This watch is a beautiful survivor from an era when chronographs were essential instruments, built for professionals and admired by enthusiasts.

A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic vintage Breitling Navitimer with strong character, historical importance and timeless pilot-watch appeal.

Internal Reference Number - Itm. 781