The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Take a look at this - http://cgi.ebay.com/BREITLING-NAVITIMER ... dZViewItem

At first glance it's a wonderful example of an early Navitimer - the serial dates it to 1953, just one year after the Navitimer was launched. The price as I write this is $2,370 with still 5 days to go. It seems to have everything that the serious collector would want - first version, AOPA wings, rice bezel, mesh bracelet, box and papers.

But how well have you all been paying attention over the past few months?

This watch is wrong - anyone know why???

Stamping on the case back?

Nope.

Although the Breitling script was still more common in the early 50s the 806 had the script B and printed Breitling on the dial and the caseback from the start, and this looks original. the stamped 806 looks right and the interior finish of the caseback and serial number also look right - I'm happy that the caseback is completely right.

Crown?

Crown does look like it could be a replacement doesn't it. It is in very good condition, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's newer than 1953, although you can see it has some wear.

However, it is period correct, so if it's a replacement then likely service work and I can forgive a crown replacement on a 55 year old manual watch - that's not it either

Than it has to be something with the movement, but I don't know what.

Strike three - you're out!

Would I really be so cruel as to sneak a movement issue in? Well OK, yes I would, but I didn't this time.

If you want to know what an early Navitimer Venus 178 looks like - this is it. There are numeorus minor variations, but this has pretty much all of hte common features - the WOG identifying it as a Breitling movement, the correct (and period correct) Breitling Watch Ltd on the bridge. You can even see the Venus logo and 78 stamped on the movement.

I surrender.
Let's see if anybody else has knowledge or luck.

When I do reveal, or hopefully when someone gets it, I guarantee you'll remember it when next looking at a vintage Navitimer - and that's really what it's all about.

Hopefully my stupid boyish games will help someone avoid buying a wrong'un at some point.

you made me to very curious on what it is

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Super Avenger White, Steel & Diamond Bezel

I was going to say it shouldn't say "Breitling" on the AOPA version but I think it was only the very first ones from which it was missing so I'll say the numbers should not have luminous paint in them but should be just an outline of the digit.

The "Breitling Geneva" words on the dial look wrong to me.............. but then I know s*d all about vintage pieces, so I thoroughly expect to be shot down in flames on that one!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

You're a smart guy Sharky, but wrong this time I'm afraid. Lume is OK, AOPA / Breitling is OK.



That would be because it says Breitling Geneve

You are all going to kick yourselves - it's way more obvious, and it's something I have pointed out in the past.

I'm a rookie and expect to be shot down. However, here's my shot, the hand and pin on the second subdial seem to be a different color than the other two.

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Breitling - Avenger Seawolf (Ti, Yellow)
Breitling - Colt II Automatic (Black, Black Calf skin/deployment)
Breitling - Chrono Avenger (gray)
Breitling - Montbrillant Datora (Panamerican Bronze, Brown Croco/deployment)

black center pins where the the hands are attached..?

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Super Avenger White, Steel & Diamond Bezel