Limited Re-Edition of the 1959 Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806

Breitling has launched a re-edition of the 1959 Navitimer Ref. 806. Get the story behind the iconic aviator chronograph and see the limited re-edition below.

Re-Edition of the 1959 Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806

The Re-Edition pays tribute to the original 1959 Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 which is a well-known aviator chronograph and a beloved classic timepiece. For the new edition, Breitling has replicated a number of the design features and stayed true to the look and purpose of the original watch.

One example is the rotating beaded bezel which is made of precisely 94 beads which were also found on the original 1959 model. Later models have had between 93 beads in 1960 up to 125 beads in the early ‘50s and it’s one of the distinct features connecting the re-edition to the vintage model.

The stainless-steel case has the exact measurements as its inspiration plus the all-black tone-on-tone small second, 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters. As a signature element, the dial with highly-domed Plexiglas is highlighted with a Breitling inscription in capital letters and an unsigned winged logo.

Modernized with a vintage feel

Two invisible modern improvements have been added to the re-edition: the water resistance increased to 3 bar (30 meters) and a Super-LumiNova coating. However, the color has of course been adjusted to be aligned with the luminescent material on earlier watches. The hand-finished application gives the dial an additional touch of vintage allure and adds to the character. The in-house Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09 has been chosen as the movement since it is based on the renowned Breitling Caliber 01 which has been developed specifically for historical re-editions.

Limited edition with engraved case back

The Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition is available in Stainless Steel with a black leather strap and is limited to 1959 pieces. Each watch is individually numbered and engraved on the case back.

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The original 1959 Breitling Navitimer

Breitling first introduced the Navitimer in 1952 and it was officially recommended as pilot’s watch by the “Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association” (AOPA). The complex bezel with logarithmic and double rotating slide rule scale can be used for quickly calculating fuel consumption, rate of climbing or sinking – something that was quite handy in a time before personal electronic devices! What made the 1959 version so special was the all-black dial with tone-on-tone subdials and the beaded edge on the side rule bezel. The design is said to be practical and ensure easy grip even for pilots wearing gloves.

Specifications of the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-edition in Steel – Black:

Movement:

• Caliber: Breitling B09 (Manufacture) – hand-wound COSC-certified caliber based on the renowned Breitling Caliber 01
• Movement: Mechanical hand-wound
• Power reserve: approx. 70 hrs
• Chronograph: 1/5th second, 30 minutes, 12 hours
• Vibration: 28,800 v.p.h
• Jewel: 39 jewels (Learn why do watches need jewels)

Case:

• Case: Stainless steel
• Glass: Highly-domed Plexiglas
• Water resistance: 3 bars
• Coating: Super-LumiNova
• Bezel: Bidirectional, Slide rule.
• Crown: non-screw-locked, two gaskets

Dimensions:

• Diameter: 42.00 mm
• Weight: (without strap): 75.00 g.

Strap:

• Lug: 22/18 mm, available with black leather strap

More information:

The Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-edition in Steel – Black costs $8,600 USD and is limited to 1959 pieces, all individually numbered and engraved on the case back.

Learn more

If you still have a free spot in your watch roll – Breitling also made, in addition to the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, two limited editions of the Navitimer:

• 18k Red gold – Black ($22,850 USD)
• Platinum – Blue ($39,900 USD)