In the early 1950s, Breitling released their first pilot’s watch, the ref. 806. Featuring a slide rule chronograph, the model was called the “Navitimer." The slide rule was an important innovation for pilots, because it equipped them with the means to make important calculations mid-flight. While the Chronomat was the first Breitling model to feature a slide rule, the Navitimer--with its long association with the Aircraft Owners & Pilot's Association or AOPA--established Breitling's reputation as a watch company for pilots. The AOPA declared the Navitimer as their official timepiece.
Until the late 1950s, the Navitimer's dial was black-on-black. Later, in the early 70s, Breitling increased the size of the chronograph registers. At around the same time, some Navitimers were equipped with the Valjoux 7736, which powers the present watch. There are luminous applied markers in lieu of numerals, and the case is 18k yellow gold, with the trademark "beads of rice" bezel that typifies the model.
