Property of the Watch Museum VOGA collection
55
Breitling
Ref. 806
Navitimer
A rare and early stainless steel pilot’s chronograph wristwatch with black dial and “beads of rice” slide rule bezel, part of the Watch Museum VOGA collection in Japan
- Estimate
- HK$32,000 - 64,000•€3,700 - 7,400$4,100 - 8,200
HK$203,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breitling
- Year
- 1955
- Reference No
- 806
- Case No
- 864'508
- Model Name
- Navitimer
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. valjoux 72, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Breitling pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by an associated Breitling certificate and a copy of the Watch Museum VOGA Antique Collection.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present execution part of the Watch Museum VOGA collection is from a very small early batch considered by collectors as a ‘transitional’ model. Featuring a rare non branded dial, it is powered by the early valjoux 72 calibre stamped with BOW import code. It is notable that BOW was used by watches imported into the USA by Breitling themselves and later examples were imported by Wakmann instead with a WOG stamp.
A rare Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 “AOPA” collected by Toshio Masio, this is a beautiful specimen that boast another early batch feature, the small beaded slide ruler with 124 beads. A well-preserved dial with superbly aged luminous numerals and hands, it reacts strongly under the Geiger counter. According to Breitling's archive, the present timepiece dates back to October 1955.
A rare Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 “AOPA” collected by Toshio Masio, this is a beautiful specimen that boast another early batch feature, the small beaded slide ruler with 124 beads. A well-preserved dial with superbly aged luminous numerals and hands, it reacts strongly under the Geiger counter. According to Breitling's archive, the present timepiece dates back to October 1955.
Literature
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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