The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Good morning. Hoping you guys can offer me some guidance on the purchase of a vintage piece. I've been collecting watches for many years, (including a number of Breitlings) rotating my collection several times over, more recently starting to move towards those pieces which are considered timeless which have remained in production for many years. Still I've been purchasing new or like new models. However, recently the older Navitimers (1960's models) have caught my attention and I'm hoping you can offer some suggestions. In particular I like the 806 model with its reverse panda dial and at 41 mm a bit larger than most vintage watches that I've seen of this era. Anything in particular I should be looking for in terms of the model (809 vs. 806), are certain years more desirable, should I be looking at the AOPA models, are there ones which are considered more rare, collectible, or likely to maintain their value over time, are there some I should not consider for any reason, etc. I'm ballparking a purchase somewhere $5k or less which based on some early research would seem to put most of these models within reach but Ill defer to the experts here.....Thank you in advance.

@ 5 k, you have no choice but to go for a black / white.

It doesn't seem like there's much price difference in-between an AOAP and one with Breitlings own logo, but I would definitely go for an AOAP, nicer logo, and closer to the real deal.

Obviously the earlier the better, but that reflects the price as well.

I like the Cosmonautes a lot, but that is of course a personal choice.

My advice will always be to buy one in the best possible condition, and of course 100% unrestored / unpolished, as they are the ones that forever will go up in price.

Read my article here, that might help you http://www.kurt-b.com

/ Kurt B http://www.kurt-b.com

Kurt, Thank you for your post. Very informative. Haven't had a chance to read through all the information on your site but looks as though it will be very helpful in the process of selecting a Navitimer. Much appreciated.

Whatever you will chose, it will be a good choice
More seriously, it is my beleve that almost every good to top quality vintage pièce is, at least, keeping value.
Production is finished, demande is increasing...
Like Kurt, i would search for the earliest model possible in my price range and would prefer the AOPA dial.
Some pièces you will see on Kurt's site are very rare but a "standard" if i may say standard, AOPA version is a wonderful piece.
And you have here ones of the most knowledgable vintage Breitling collectors