Hand up, the UK Swiss made replica Breitling Navitimer watches I had never really been drawn towards as a collector. It wasn’t until working here at Hodinkee on our vintage team and handling a few great examples that I was hooked. My mistake previously was thinking that the Navitimer was just another mid-century sport chronograph. While that statement has a hint of truth, the Navitimer is so charming in the metal because it was designed so purposefully for pilots, with that touch of everyday wearability that watch designers seemed to have a knack for in the 1950s. The build quality is really insane as well, from the stout 40mm case to the glossy dials. Dare I say this is a more compelling site fake watches than vintage Omega Speedmaster?
That debate aside, here we have what is known as a “Pre-806” top best fake Breitling Navitimer watches. Produced in 1954 and 1955, this is the first run of Navitimer production, and it predates the model with a reference number. As you may be able to guess, that eventual reference number is 806. The Navitimer was originally developed for the AOPA, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, hence the golden wing logo on the dial instead of Breitling’s branding.
You can find later examples with a mix of AOPA and Breitling branding, but the prevailing theory is that these earliest Navitimer UK high quality copy watches were intended to be used only by the AOPA, with Breitling seeing little need to include its branding on the dial. Movement-wise, these earlier Pre-806s utilize a Valjoux 72, an upgrade from the Venus 178s used thereafter.
Condition-wise, this is about as good as you’re going to find. The dial retains a very original gloss finish, which is quite uncommon, especially considering the presence of radium lume, and the seller describes the case as unpolished. Speaking of that radium lume, it has aged to a pleasing tone in my view. The seller also notes the presence of an at least period-correct but possibly original to the watch strap and buckle, completing the time capsule appeal. All around, this is the ultimate version of vintage 1:1 perfect replica Breitling watches.
The seller, Justin of Watch Steez, is offering this vintage Navtimer cheap super clone watches.