978
Breitling
Ref. 809
Navitimer "AOPA"
A very fine and attractive stainless steel pilot’s chronograph wristwatch with black gilt dial
- Estimate
- HK$40,000 - 60,000€4,600 - 6,800$5,100 - 7,700
HK$52,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breitling
- Year
- Circa 1965
- Reference No
- 809
- Case No
- 1’023’050
- Model Name
- Navitimer "AOPA"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 178, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 40mm Diameter
- Signed
- Dial, case and movement
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
In 1961, a Navitimer with a 24-Hour dial was introduced and still bears the reference 806 with the same cal. 178. Within six months of the initial launch, the “Cosmonaute” signature was registered and the production of the reference 809 soon commenced. Futhermore, ref. 809’s was also produced with examples bearing a gilt pair of wings with “AOPA” indicated on the shield.
“AOPA” short for Aircraf Owners and Pilots Association was the largest independent pilot’s association which was established in 1932. Furthermore, only made for the American market, the rare trait is also confirmed by the “WOG” engraved on the bridge on the movement, which stands for Wakmann Watch Co, the official Breitling authorized agent in the United States of America.
The present example is a very nice and rare variant of the Cosmonaute ref. 809, featuring and AOPA signature on the dial with the correct “WOG” stamp on the bridge of the movement and is enhanced by the 24-hour luminous numerals on the dial. Presented in attractive and nice overall condition, this is a fantastic opportunity for collectors of pilot watches to acquire an iconic part of aviation history.
“AOPA” short for Aircraf Owners and Pilots Association was the largest independent pilot’s association which was established in 1932. Furthermore, only made for the American market, the rare trait is also confirmed by the “WOG” engraved on the bridge on the movement, which stands for Wakmann Watch Co, the official Breitling authorized agent in the United States of America.
The present example is a very nice and rare variant of the Cosmonaute ref. 809, featuring and AOPA signature on the dial with the correct “WOG” stamp on the bridge of the movement and is enhanced by the 24-hour luminous numerals on the dial. Presented in attractive and nice overall condition, this is a fantastic opportunity for collectors of pilot watches to acquire an iconic part of aviation history.
Breitling
Swiss | 1884The firm started by Leon Breitling in 1884 is best known for its technical aviation and oceanic watches. Today, all models are outfitted with certified chronometer movements, used for accurate timing. Early aviation pioneers in specialized chronograph timepieces, Breitling introduced the circular slide rule to watches in the 1940s for use by pilots. The firm’s most iconic chronograph, the Navitimer, was introduced in 1954 and continues to be manufactured today. Another key model is the Duograph, a split-seconds chronograph that was Breitling's most prestigious wristwatch during the 1940s through '60s. Their watches are built on their reputation for precision and sturdiness.
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