| yenigla | | Nouveau membre | | 7 messages postés |
|  Posté le 05-01-2026 à 11:29:49   
| A Time Machine: Experiencing the Power of Gentle Evolution with the breitling replica watches Navitimer Ref. 806
Among collectors (and this phenomenon isn't limited to watch enthusiasts), there's a strong desire to find the original version of a particular design. One could argue that the first version of a particular watch model is the most refined and faithful to its original design philosophy, so why bother with subsequent improved versions released before a new generation? However, sometimes, refurbished versions of these classic timepieces can be just as captivating, or even more so, than their earlier counterparts. Take, for example, the classic vintage Navitimer – the Breitling Navitimer 806.
The Breitling Navitimer sold at Bob's Watches showcases its most distinctive feature – the slide rule bezel – which makes this watch stand out among many luxury timepieces. While this innovative function has been a hallmark of the Navitimer series since its introduction in 1952, the slide rule in early versions remains quite challenging for collectors today. However, the 806 Navitimer, launched in 1959, remained the representative of the series for over a decade, witnessing the golden age of chronographs in the eyes of many high quality replica watches enthusiasts. The release of the Chronomatic automatic chronograph movement in 1969, jointly developed by Breitling, Heuer, Hamilton-Buren, and Dubois-Dépraz, shifted attention from the manually wound 806 to the 1806, which featured the Chronomatic movement, though the 1806 retained its classic status. The 806 model continued to be sold in the mid-1970s, but sales gradually declined. During this production cycle, the 806 model was not static; changes were made to the case, dial, and various movements, all within the 806 Navitimer series. The watch shown here is a later production version, manufactured around 1970. While retaining many features of the earlier 806 models, this timepiece also incorporates numerous later design improvements that continue to influence the Navitimer collection today.
To explore why the later-produced 806 model remains a benchmark for the Breitling Navitimer series, one must begin with its stainless steel case. While its 41mm diameter isn't as large as some modern Navitimer models, it still exudes a composed and sophisticated presence on the wrist, showcasing a sporty style. The overall design is a classic mid-20th-century chronograph, featuring elongated tapered lugs, flared chamfered edges, and piston-like pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. However, like all Navitimer watches, the true essence of this timepiece lies in its bezel. Unlike the polished beaded bezel edge, which was relatively rare on earlier 806 models, this 1970 model features a newer gear-shaped bezel edge. This design is not only easier to grip and use in daily life, but this subtle evolution remains the default rotating bezel design for the Navitimer to this day (although some smaller ladies' models occasionally opt for a more decorative beaded appearance). replica luxury watches
The dial of this Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 best demonstrates the enduring nature of the changes made during the series' quiet evolution. While the Navitimer has always been synonymous with intricate dial designs, this later version showcases the brand's commitment to simplifying complex designs where appropriate, and many of these simplifications have become the cornerstone of modern Navitimer designs. The most striking element is the single Arabic numeral hour marker at 12 o'clock, complemented by clean printed line markings. Compared to the all-Arabic numeral dial of the earlier ref. 806 (or the distinctive 24-hour dial of the earlier Cosmonaute versions), this model from around 1970 presents a more open and simpler visual effect, contrasting sharply with the unchanging, exquisitely intricate sliding scale markings. However, Breitling didn't leave this newly created blank space empty. Starting in 1968, the brand gradually adjusted the dial design of ref. 806. The 806 adopted the "big eye" dial design concept, increasing the diameter of each of the three subdials by one millimeter. In the realm of watch design, where details matter, this mere millimeter change gave this later model a more functional, chronograph-oriented style, perfectly complementing the ultra-complication design philosophy of the Navitimer series. Furthermore, the brand logo itself is noteworthy. Unlike the AOPA winged shield logo used in most Navitimer models before 1965, this watch featured the only evolutionary feature of the later 806 models that hasn't been used to this day: the fleeting "twin jet" logo. Ironically, it is precisely this cessation of evolution that has become one of the most coveted features for Breitling vintage watch collectors, largely due to this lack of modern continuity in the design. fake swiss watches
While this Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 is powered by the manual-winding Venus 178 chronograph movement, the series has used a variety of movements throughout its production run. Early models—and some later, sporadic production models—were equipped with the renowned Valjoux 72 movement, while some later ref. 806 models used the Valjoux 7736. Although both Valjoux movements are legendary and have been used in some of the most coveted vintage chronographs, the Venus 178 made up the vast majority of ref. 806 production and boasts equally impressive vintage performance.
One of the most distinctive vintage elements of this Navitimer is its five-link bracelet. The middle links are square and slightly larger than the outer links, which are relatively thin and oval. This design exudes a strong 1970s vintage feel, perfectly matching the era of this watch. More importantly, this bracelet is the work of JB Champion, one of the most renowned bracelet manufacturers of its time. JB Champion bracelets were a staple of many classic mid-20th-century Swiss watches, and this particular bracelet adds a touch of lightness and dynamism to this already vintage-inspired timepiece. While Breitling is unlikely to reintroduce this bracelet design into the Navitimer collection, it is undeniably eye-catching. fake patek philippe watches
While the initial versions of any classic watch design always attract considerable attention, in many cases, it is these subsequent versions—carefully refined and redesigned—that ultimately have a more profound impact on the entire collection. This Breitling Navitimer ref. 806, produced around 1970, is a true testament to this principle. Its clearly visible age serves as a reminder to avid collectors that sometimes the most captivating pieces are not the first or the most expensive. fake Jacob and Co. Epic X |
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