The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello All- I am new to the vintage watch game and I came upon a really interesting find. A lady I met had an old watch that came from her late husband. He purchased the watch New when he was a pilot for Trans World Airlines. She had no more use for it so I purchased it from her. No one in town would touch it because they did not have the tools to open it. It is a Vintage Navitimer AOPA from the 50’s or 60’s. It does not run. I was going to send it to Horological Services in PA but wanted to get your take on it. My knowledge is in modern Rolex watches. The condition looks good with a patina but I am sure it will be a mint to run through it. Is it a watch that is worth getting totally restored or just mechanically? Thanks in advance! - Chris

Definitely do nothing except service mechanically, it’s in lovely vintage contrition and you will decrease the value if you restore. Don’t even polish the case, just get it ultrasonically cleaned. Horological Services indeed can do that for you but be explicit you want no parts changed.

what Dave says.
though assume he means condition, not contrition

As my english is corrected, I wonder what "Vintage Contrition" looks like. Public flogging I suppose.

Nice find and great piece! Enjoy and keep that beauty in its wonderful original condition!!



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Thank you all for the advice. I am excited to get this this piece running. I appreciate the advice and I will only get it mechanically reconditioned and ultrasonically cleaned. It is such a beautiful piece and I was intrigued when she showed it to me. What brand of band would you recommend for this piece. Thanks again!!

You can find lots of nice straps on the net. My favorites for black navi’s are either nice quality Nato or a high end leather strap


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Original would have been a black lizard. I’m a fan of Bulang and Sons “Diablo” strap. Tan or honey tan straps look nice on this watch too.

I've used "Squinky" on ebay before. He gets in period 1950s lizard straps and buckles and his prices are reasonable (hundred dollar range) considering the watches they will be used on.