The Art of Restoration: Breitling Navitimer
This article was researched and written by Superlative Time
Restoration: The act of restoring or state of being restored, as to a former or original condition
The above definition is all very well but in my opinion it is impossible to restore a watch to it’s original factory condition. The exception may be if the watch is returned to the factory of origin where they fit new old stock parts including dials and not modern replacement parts, such as the restoration of the existing dial.
Superlative Times’s perspective is that we try and sell watches as close to original as possible, which is what all reputable dealers want to do and all collectors want to buy. The most important part of the watch is the dial and there the value lies, therefore on rare and high value items it is best to leave well alone and do as little refurbishment work as possible.
Whether we undertake work for a customer or our own stock, we have to take into consideration how far to go with the restoration so as not to de-value it yet still make it pleasant to wear.
I have chosen this early Breitling AOPA/ Navitimer 806 as an example of the work we can do. This watch was purchased on Ebay from the USA with the intention of bringing it back to life so that someone else could enjoy wearing the watch for another 50 years. The seller had inherited the watch from a relative who actually used the watch when navigating in B52’s during the 1950’s. He had decided to cash in rather than having it restored.
I have owned one of these before and knew that the dial configuration was rare (small B). I took a chance that underneath the grime and scratched glass was a good dial .
For those not familiar with the process of Selling/Restoration or Refurbishment the following photos will give you an insight into the process.
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![]() condition with all the luminous intact, though not entirely happy with the hands. |
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LEFT: The first time I had seen the movement was in the workshop, pleased to see no rust and generally in good condition for it’s age. It appeared to have very few services the screw heads and adjustment plugs were in good condition. |
RIGHT: These early AOPA/Breitling cases had a movement ring that was secured to the middle section by 3 screws. The Rice bezel snapped onto a thin ring that slotted between the middle section and movement ring. Photo shows all components in good condition, though require cleaning. Notice in this photo the small indentation on the lug. | ![]() |
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![]() before fitting in the movement. |
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LEFT: Rear photo of movement fitted into case, you can see the 3 movement ring screws and also the 2 screws that retain the movement onto the movement ring. |
The restored hands are fitted.
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Breitling Navitimer 806
Serial Number 868765
Approx year of Manufacture 1955
This article was researched and published by Superlative Time
Graham Simmonds, Rolex Accredited, Superlative Time – London
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