Breitling Navitimer 806 AOPA Steel Tropical Brown Dial Yellow Patina Bead Bezel (Unpolished/Serviced)

Vintage Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 AOPA

Founded in 1884, Breitling has built its reputation on producing highly functional precision instruments for aviation, earning a loyal following among pilots and professionals who rely on accuracy and legibility. The brand became especially influential in the mid-20th century with its focus on chronographs designed for flight, cementing its place as one of the most important names in aviation watchmaking.

The Navitimer Ref. 806 stands as Breitling’s most iconic creation and one of the defining pilot’s watches of its era. Introduced in the early 1950s, it was equipped with a slide-rule bezel developed in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), allowing pilots to perform essential in-flight calculations directly from the wrist. Highly legible and purpose-built, the AOPA-signed Navitimer represents the purest expression of Breitling’s tool-watch philosophy and remains one of the most collectible and historically significant chronographs ever produced.

Key Details To Consider

This exceptional vintage Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 AOPA is presented in all-original, never polished condition, making it a highly desirable example of one of Breitling’s most celebrated aviation chronographs. The case remains in beautiful shape, highlighted by razor-sharp lugs that clearly reflect careful preservation and minimal wear over time.

The watch features a stunning period-correct AOPA dial that has developed a rare and attractive tropical brown tone, complemented by warm, evenly aged lume on the numerals and matching hands. The luminous material remains reactive under UV light, underscoring its originality. These tropical AOPA dials are extremely scarce and widely sought after, adding significant collector appeal to this example. The original period beads bezel rotates smoothly and securely, further reinforcing the integrity of the watch.

The movement was professionally serviced in October 2025 and is running properly, ensuring reliable operation while preserving its vintage character. The watch is paired with a 22/20mm vintage brown ammo strap, which suits the tool-watch aesthetic of the Navitimer and completes a truly outstanding and highly collectible package.

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