The Breitling Navitimer reference 806 was introduced in the early 1950s and quickly became one of the most recognizable aviation watches ever produced. Designed specifically for pilots, the Navitimer combined a chronograph with a circular slide rule, allowing pilots to perform essential flight calculations such as fuel consumption, airspeed, distance, and rate of climb directly on the wrist.
The “Twin Jet” configuration refers to a later dial variation where the early winged AOPA logo was replaced by Breitling’s twin-jet emblem. This change marked the transition from the original AOPA-issued pilot watches to models sold more broadly to the public and commercial aviation professionals.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Navitimer became closely associated with the golden age of aviation. Pilots valued it as a functional cockpit instrument, while its complex dial and technical appearance turned it into one of the most distinctive chronographs of the era.
Today, the Navitimer 806 remains one of the most iconic vintage chronographs ever produced, representing Breitling’s deep roots in aviation and the practical tool watches developed for professional pilots.
