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vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
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Author:  Danny Dub [ Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:23 pm ]
Post subject:  vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Hi, I am new to this forum and would love to get some feedback. I have a Navitimer 806 (pictured below)... I dont know how to get to the serial #, so I dont know what year it is? I believe late 50's early 60's. It is in working condition... I wound it up and it is running. It has some pretty good scratches on the face and case, and the band is broken (i believe it is original lizard). I was thinking about getting it restored (cleaned or polished, new crystal??) What should I do? And finally does anyone know a good place for me to take it in Orange County CA??? Thank you so much for your help, greatly appreciated!!!



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Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 4:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
I'd agree with late 50s / early 60s - there were so many transition years that it's hard to say for sure without a serial, counting beads can be helpful, but it's not an exact science.

Not sure on Orange County, the Breitling approved vintage restorer for the US is Mark Heist at Horological Services in PA. We also have a member here - chronodeco (Craig), who may be able to assist. I wouldn't run it now, if it hasn't been serviced in the last few years then it's running without lubrication which may well cause additional wear and result in more extensive and expensive servicing needs.
Author:  jlee5050 [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Very nice!

I'm from LA and I second the recommendation for Craig... I ship out my pieces from here to Oregon and I haven't had one problem... He'll take good care of you~

I've used some local people here in the beginning when I first started collecting and needless to say it was an expensive (and at times not so great) lesson...

I probably would say if all the pieces are intact and it's just a matter of service, then you will not regret it sending it to Craig~

Take good care of that piece!
Author:  Danny Dub [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
OK... I will absolutely not wind it, until I get it serviced! What about new crystal? It has some scratches on the face... I really want it to look brand new,(is it expensive?). I also want to get a new band that is as close to the original as possible. Any Suggestions? thanks for all the info... My grandpa left me this watch and it has sat in the back of my desk for most of my college years, I was truly amazed when I pulled it out and started doing research on it.... I am now a Breitling fan for life! cant wait to learn how to use it... Speaking of which anyone know where I may be able to see a manual for basic operation?
Author:  jlee5050 [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 12:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Danny Dub wrote:
OK... I will absolutely not wind it, until I get it serviced! What about new crystal? It has some scratches on the face... I really want it to look brand new,(is it expensive?). I also want to get a new band that is as close to the original as possible. Any Suggestions? thanks for all the info... My grandpa left me this watch and it has sat in the back of my desk for most of my college years, I was truly amazed when I pulled it out and started doing research on it.... I am now a Breitling fan for life! cant wait to learn how to use it... Speaking of which anyone know where I may be able to see a manual for basic operation?


New crystals are a bit difficult to come by, but if I recall nowadays pocket watch crystals will suffice. A proper watchmaker will source one for you. Same for the lizard bands...

As far as using it, when you get it serviced, all you have to do is wind the watch until you feel resistance... top pusher is to activate and stop the chronograph and the bottom button is to reset the chrono hand.

As far as the markings on the dial... they look cool~ :lol: (not sure how to measure stuff on there)
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
jlee5050 wrote:
As far as the markings on the dial... they look cool~ :lol: (not sure how to measure stuff on there)


:roll:

http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles ... rule.shtml

:wink:
Author:  jlee5050 [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Thanks Roff... :oops:
Author:  Danny Dub [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Perfect Document! Thanks for the link. Cant wait until the day that I can put this piece to practical use every day! I just want to make this thing look sharp, for a good deal..:lingsrock: I just want to get in touch with someone who can help me out. Definitely going to get in touch with craig.. Orgonians are cool :mrgreen: but, what should I do with this thing? Make it look brand new or keep the patina??? I dont want to disrespect the instrument 8)
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon Sep 13, 2010 4:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Danny Dub wrote:
Perfect Document! Thanks for the link. Cant wait until the day that I can put this piece to practical use every day! I just want to make this thing look sharp, for a good deal..:lingsrock: I just want to get in touch with someone who can help me out. Definitely going to get in touch with craig.. Orgonians are cool :mrgreen: but, what should I do with this thing? Make it look brand new or keep the patina??? I dont want to disrespect the instrument 8)


It's your watch, do what you want. Personally I don't think that a sympathetic clean / restoration is going to hurt it at all.
Author:  Danny Dub [ Mon Sep 13, 2010 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
I got a peek at the serial #: 930282

It appears that it is a 1959 Navitimer! I am really pumped! Anybody have any info on this model?
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: vintage navitimer 806 ???!!!!
Danny Dub wrote:
I got a peek at the serial #: 930282

It appears that it is a 1959 Navitimer! I am really pumped! Anybody have any info on this model?


930282 = 1960.

There are a huge number of threads on here about the 806 where you can learn a lot (although you have to trawl through some 'interesting' theories).

There is also www.navitimer.net and Alan Trott's excellent article - http://forums.watchuseek.com/f39/breitl ... 25057.html. Finally, a member here has written an article - http://www.watchlife.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=144
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