Why This Watch Matters One of Breitling's most recognizable models in a funky "pizza" case. The Full Story The Navitimer came out around 1954; it was developed in collaboration with the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). The first Navitimers had black dials, simple cases with an external "beaded" bezel, and a Valjoux 72 movement. Many dials were branded with the AOPA logo. Through the 1950s and 60s, the Navitimer became the brand's flagship model. In a case shape that was developed with the automatic caliber 11 in mind, the ref. 0816 we have here mixes a bit of classic details with a futuristic, forward-looking footprint. The manual Venus caliber 178 inside is the second movement to be used in the Navitimer and offers that classic winding chronograph feeling. That being said, the "pizza" case shape and modern dial design are thoroughly 1970s inventions and the mix works so well. When looking at the case from the nine o'clock side, the center has a black "plug" in the center. This would have been used for the crown on an automatic version, like this. We paired with Navitimer with our Reid strap in black to add a bit of pebbled texture while sticking with a matching tone. The Fine Print Maker: BreitlingModel: NavitimerReference: 0816Year: 1970sCase No: 1249162Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 48mm width x 46mm height; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Breitling signed Venus, manually-wound, caliber 178Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Reid Goatskin Watch Strap In BlackLug Width: 22mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Large "pizza case"- Twin jet logo- Clean overall condition Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Navitimer is in honest vintage condition. The case is strong and has some scratches overall. The case appears to have been lightly polished. The outer caseback is crisp and the engravings are clearly legible. The caseback has some scratches from opening. The black dial has developed patina and is in overall very nice condition. The dial shows some patina around certain luminous numerals. The "14" on the internal bezel is partially worn. The luminous numerals have aged to a beige/yellow color. The orange painted hands show some slight patina but remain very vibrant. The lume on the hands has developed patina and matches the dial well. The edge of the bezel is well preserved with some light wear to the paint and it rotates freely at this time. The crystal has some light scratches. The dial, case, crown, and movement are signed by Breitilng. This watch was photographed on a 180mm/7inch wrist.
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