The Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition is the fist time that the brand has brought back a reference from the past and do a reissue to the smallest detail possible. In 1952, Breitling developed the Navitimer for air pilots to be able to do flight calculations with an innovative slide rule positioned around the dial. The new Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, celebrates one of the most iconic Navitimers released exactly 60 years ago. A flawless execution that that replicates the early Navitimer ref. 806 to the smallest detail including its plastic plexiglas crystal.

Things to Know About the Watch

Available in a limited edition of 1,959 pieces celebrating the year that the Navitimer ref. 806 was released, all watches are individually numbered and engraved on the case back. The black glossy dial features the unsigned winged logo that was used for the European market. The circular slide rule enabling the wearer to make all critical flight calculations has been perfectly recreated to the finest details. Even the vintage-colored superluminova that was chosen was hand applied to give the dial an additional touch of vintage allure.

The Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition sports a stainless steel case measuring 40.9 mm in diameter and 13.43 mm in thickness. Honoring the original ref. 806, the watch is fitted with a convex acrylic crystal —plexiglas— and a black vintage-inspired leather strap with pin buckle. The new Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition has a rotating beaded bezel made of precisely 94 notches, exactly the number found on the 1959 model.

Even the stainless steel case has been developed specifically for the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition mirroring the same lugs profile and finish as the original Ref. 806. The watch is delivered on a black calf strap with pin buckle resembling the original strap that the Navitimer ref. 806 was equipped with.

The Movement & Case Back

A completely new manual wound movement has been developed to replicate the original movement powering the Navitimer ref. 806. The new in-house Breitling Manufacture Calibre B09 is based off of the brand’s renowned in-house Manufacture Calibre 01. This movement with a power reserve of 70 hours is equipped with a vertical clutch and a column-wheel mechanism and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The new Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition is available in a limited edition of 1,959 pieces and every case back replicates the look of the original Navitimer from 1959 and is individually numbered according to the watch limitation.

On the Wrist & Price

The Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition wears true to its size and with incredible vintage look and feel. Perhaps the best thing about vintage-inspired reissue timepieces is that you don’t have to deal with the potential issues and headaches that come with buying an actual vintage watch. Additionally, it’s great to have the functionality of fresh superluminova as most vintage timepieces —if equipped with tritium— won’t glow in the dark anymore. Kudos to Breitling for this great release. Available in a limited edition of 1,959 pieces.

Sticker Price $8,600 USD. For more info on Breitling click here.