Breitling Navitimer 41MM Big Eyes 806.36 | 1970

By the early 20th century, aviation was emerging as a dominant field, and pilots needed reliable instruments to aid in navigation. Breitling capitalised on this demand, introducing the Chronomat in 1942, featuring a slide rule bezel—a tool designed for performing mathematical calculations essential for flight planning. Building on this success, Breitling introduced the Navitimer in 1952, merging a chronograph with a circular slide rule, making it a portable flight computer. The name “Navitimer” combined “navigation” and “timer,” emphasising its role in aeronautics. It quickly became the watch of choice for pilots and aviation organisations, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), which adopted it as its official timepiece.

The Breitling Navitimer 806, launched in the 1950s, defined the collection’s aesthetic. It featured a black dial, tri-compax layout (three subdials), and a beaded bezel for grip during operation. Its intricate slide rule bezel allowed calculations like fuel consumption, airspeed, and distance—critical for aviators. One of the most famous iterations of this model was the Navitimer 806 “Big Eyes,” which debuted in the 1960s. It earned its nickname due to the large, oversized subdials that dominated the dial. These subdials enhanced legibility, reflecting Breitling’s commitment to functionality.

Powered by the Venus 178 manual-wind movement, the “Big Eyes” offered precision timing and reliability. Its 41mm case size, considered large for the era, appealed to professionals who needed easy readability. The caseback often bore markings indicating its aviation heritage, further cementing its identity as a tool watch for pilots.

The Navitimer’s popularity transcended aviation circles, capturing the imagination of celebrities and enthusiasts alike. Famous wearers included Miles Davis and Scott Carpenter, one of NASA’s Mercury 7 astronauts. Carpenter even wore a modified Navitimer, the Cosmonaute, in space in 1962 (reference 809 – we’ll write a blog article about that watch shortly). Breitling has continuously updated the Navitimer over the decades, introducing automatic movements, sapphire crystals, and modern materials while preserving its classic aesthetic. In 2019, Breitling released the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, a faithful reproduction of the original model, including the “Big Eyes” design and the hand-wound movement. We at Crown Vintage believe that the original is still the best.

The Breitling Navitimer 806 “Big Eyes” remains an enduring symbol of precision engineering and aviation heritage. Its combination of functionality, style, and historical significance has cemented its status as one of the most recognisable and coveted pilot’s watches ever made. For collectors and aviation aficionados, the “Big Eyes” is a tribute to the golden age of aviation. Whether worn in the cockpit or as a statement piece, the Navitimer proves that true icons never go out of style!

The case and strap are in very good condition, featuring sharp lugs that highlight the watch's defined contours. The watch was serviced in 2020.

The dial and hands are in flawless condition, with service hands that have been relumed.