vintage breitling chomo matic navitimer | Breitling chrono matic

The Breitling Navitimer. The very name conjures images of intrepid pilots, complex slide rules, and a golden era of aviation. A watch as iconic as the planes it was designed to serve, the Navitimer has cemented its place in horological history. But beyond the modern iterations and re-editions, lies a treasure trove of vintage models, each with its own unique story and character. Among these, the Breitling Chrono-Matic Navitimer stands out as a pivotal piece, a testament to innovation and a bold step into the burgeoning world of automatic chronographs.

This article delves into the fascinating realm of the vintage Breitling Chrono-Matic Navitimer, exploring its history, design, variations, and the factors that influence its collectibility. We'll pay particular attention to the legendary 1969 Breitling Chrono-Matic 1806, a defining model within the Chrono-Matic lineage, and touch upon the broader landscape of Breitling watches from the 1960s, highlighting the context in which the Chrono-Matic Navitimer emerged.

The Race for Automatic Chronography: A Brief History

The late 1960s witnessed a fierce competition among watchmakers to develop the first automatic chronograph. This was a technological arms race, fueled by innovation and the desire to be the first to market with a self-winding chronograph movement. While many companies were involved, the most notable contenders were Zenith (with the El Primero), Seiko (with the 6139), and a consortium known as the Chronomatic Group.

The Chronomatic Group, comprised of Breitling, Heuer (now TAG Heuer), Hamilton, and Dubois-Dépraz, pooled their resources and expertise to develop the Caliber 11 (and later, Caliber 12, 14, and 15) automatic chronograph movement. This collaborative effort proved successful, and the Caliber 11 debuted in 1969, marking a significant milestone in watchmaking history. While Zenith ultimately beat the Chronomatic Group to the market by a few months, the Caliber 11 remains a groundbreaking achievement, notable for its modular construction and distinctive left-side crown placement.

Enter the Breitling Chrono-Matic Navitimer: A Revolution in the Air

The Breitling Chrono-Matic Navitimer was Breitling's contribution to this automatic chronograph revolution. It represented a bold departure from the manually wound Navitimer models that had preceded it, embracing the convenience and technological advancements of the automatic movement. The Chrono-Matic Navitimer retained the iconic features of the Navitimer – the circular slide rule bezel for complex calculations, the distinctive bead-blasted stainless steel case, and the aviation-inspired design – but it housed the revolutionary Caliber 11 movement, propelling it into a new era.

The introduction of the Chrono-Matic Navitimer was not merely about adding an automatic movement to an existing model. It signified a fundamental shift in the way Breitling approached watchmaking, embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of horological technology. The Chrono-Matic Navitimer was a symbol of progress, a testament to the relentless pursuit of precision and functionality.

The 1969 Breitling Chrono-Matic 1806: A Defining Model

Within the Chrono-Matic Navitimer family, the 1969 Breitling Chrono-Matic 1806 holds a special place. This model is considered by many collectors to be the quintessential Chrono-Matic Navitimer, embodying the design and spirit of the era. The 1806 is easily identifiable by its distinctive features, including:

* Caliber 11 or 12 Movement: The 1806 was equipped with either the Caliber 11 or the Caliber 12 movement. The Caliber 12 was a refined version of the Caliber 11, offering improved reliability and accuracy. Distinguishing between the two requires examination of the movement itself.

* "Reverse Panda" Dial: The most common dial configuration for the 1806 is the "reverse panda" dial, featuring a black dial with white subdials. This contrasting color scheme provides excellent legibility and a visually appealing aesthetic. Other dial variations exist, though they are significantly rarer.

* Rotating Slide Rule Bezel: The iconic slide rule bezel, a hallmark of the Navitimer, is prominently featured on the 1806. This complex bezel allows pilots to perform a wide range of calculations, including fuel consumption, airspeed, and distance.

* Bead-Blasted Stainless Steel Case: The 1806 features a robust stainless steel case with a bead-blasted finish. This finish provides a matte, non-reflective surface, enhancing the watch's utilitarian appeal.

* Left-Side Crown and Right-Side Pushers: A defining characteristic of the Caliber 11 and 12 movements is the placement of the crown on the left side of the case and the chronograph pushers on the right. This configuration distinguishes the Chrono-Matic Navitimer from other chronograph models.

The 1806 is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance, distinctive design, and relative rarity. Finding an example in good original condition can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor.

Other Chrono-Matic Navitimer Variations