No Reserve
8068
Breitling
Ref. 7806
Navitimer
A very well-preserved stainless steel pilot’s chronograph wristwatch with slide rule bezel, date, guarantee and presentation box
Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000•︎
€3,300 - 5,500
$3,800 - 6,400
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Breitling
Year
Circa 1974
Reference No
7806
Case No
1’405’220
Model Name
Navitimer
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, Valjoux cal. 7740, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Twin Jet Breitling pin buckle
Dimensions
41mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Breitling guarantee signed COPA dated 22nd August 1974, instruction manual and fitted presentation box. Delivered with Breitling Extract from the Archives confirming production of the case of the present watch in September 1972.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- The Breitling Navitimer is one of the most recognizable aviator toolwatch series. The legendary ref. 806 had become a classic, beloved by the aviation industry and watch collectors. From the 1960s, the release of the ref. 7806 brought an update to the renowned model.
- The ref. 7806 features a “twin-jet” logo instead of the US Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association badge with wings logo or just simply the public-released badge logo. It also features contrasting white subdials, and most notably, it was the first Navitimer to bear a date window at the 4:30 position. Another updated feature of the ref. 7806 includes a serrated bezel, replacing the beaded dial that could be found in older references, providing easier manipulation of the logarithmic slide rule.
- The present ref. 7806 houses the manual Valjoux cal. 7740, marking the first Navitimer reference to use a manual Valjoux movement, replacing Venus movements used in previous references. It was also the last manually winded Navitimer in the Willy Breitling era, before he sold his family’s watch company to Ernest Schneider, and his unfortunate passing in 1979.
- The luminous material of the present watch is still incredibly reactive, even the red luminous indicators are sharp and clear under UV light. Moreover, it is accompanied by original accessories for a tool watch in the 1970s, which is a rare find in the aviator watch category. Kept in excellent preserved condition, this Navitimer ref. 7806 is a desirable timepiece for aviation and horology lovers.
- The ref. 7806 features a “twin-jet” logo instead of the US Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association badge with wings logo or just simply the public-released badge logo. It also features contrasting white subdials, and most notably, it was the first Navitimer to bear a date window at the 4:30 position. Another updated feature of the ref. 7806 includes a serrated bezel, replacing the beaded dial that could be found in older references, providing easier manipulation of the logarithmic slide rule.
- The present ref. 7806 houses the manual Valjoux cal. 7740, marking the first Navitimer reference to use a manual Valjoux movement, replacing Venus movements used in previous references. It was also the last manually winded Navitimer in the Willy Breitling era, before he sold his family’s watch company to Ernest Schneider, and his unfortunate passing in 1979.
- The luminous material of the present watch is still incredibly reactive, even the red luminous indicators are sharp and clear under UV light. Moreover, it is accompanied by original accessories for a tool watch in the 1970s, which is a rare find in the aviator watch category. Kept in excellent preserved condition, this Navitimer ref. 7806 is a desirable timepiece for aviation and horology lovers.
Condition Report
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.