The Navitimer story is nearly unparalleled in its historic depth. But even the most arduous journeys begin with a single step and the Navitimer’s baby steps into the world of aviation chronographs began here. There is, to this very day, fierce debate surrounding the precise year the Navitimer was borne. Most cite the public debut of the pre-806 in 1954, but evidence suggests earlier watches exist. Whatever the case, these very earliest Navitimers all share one thing: the dependable heartbeat of a Valjoux 72.
Roughly a year after prototypes and early production, Breitling shifted all 806 Navitimers to a Venus calibre 178. Which means there's about a half year of actual V72 806 production. The pusher spacing differences meant an entirely new case design was required for the Venus, the change was massive so early on in production. No one seems quite certain why the sudden change after the first few months. Some speculate the V72 was not available in great enough volume to meet demand. Others have said that Breitling intended to use the Venus all along but accidentally produced cases which only fit a Valjoux calibre. There is mystery, intrigue, rarity, and a beloved calibre all coalescing here . . .which is to say these early V72 806s and pre-806s (some had ref. 806 on the caseback and some did not, the only distinction) are highly collected as the genesis of arguably the ultimate aviator's chronograph. This is all not even to mention the space connection, a Breitling Navitimer was the first Swiss wristwatch in space on the wrist of Scott Carpenter in 1962. The Speedmaster is the young buck in this rivalry.
These earliest Navitimers were developed for and in collaboration with the AOPA, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, and bear that organization’s signature rather than Breitling’s at 12. Interestingly (and we use that word advisedly with this audience only), one can spot a Valjoux 72 Navitimer by the shape of this AOPA signature alone. Compared to later AOPA signatures, the wingtips point downward and have a more voluptuous overall wing profile. These also featured a greater number of beads in the textured bezel, which Breitling later reduced to aid grip. The bevel on these lugs is also wider than what came later, with a totally distinct profile. While hard numbers remain unknown, many have estimated total production of these early V72 Navitimers at fewer than 1200 examples, a mere fraction of all 806s. This is the start of a really rather significant history that's often overlooked.
