The Breitling Navitimer Chronomatic, specifically the reference 1806 powered by the legendary Caliber 11, stands as a testament to horological innovation and enduring design. This article delves deep into the history, mechanics, and desirability of this iconic timepiece, exploring its unique features and the reasons behind its continued appeal amongst collectors and enthusiasts. We will also examine the market for these vintage pieces, referencing the examples provided – a Navitimer Chrono-matic ref 1806 cal 11 listed at $2,327 and a 48mm Navitimer Chrono-Matic 1806 Caliber 11 with a steel bracelet and tritium markers undergoing a revision for $3,799 – to illustrate the price variations and factors that influence value.
The Genesis of a Legend: The Breitling Caliber 11 and the Navitimer 1806
The story of the Breitling Navitimer 1806 Chronomatic begins not with Breitling alone, but with a collaborative effort that significantly impacted the landscape of automatic chronograph movements. In the late 1960s, the quest for a reliable and accurate automatic chronograph was a significant challenge for watchmakers. Mechanical chronographs, while aesthetically pleasing and mechanically fascinating, were largely manually wound, requiring frequent attention. The development of a robust automatic chronograph movement was a holy grail, and Breitling, along with a consortium of brands including Heuer (now TAG Heuer), Buren, and Dubois Dépraz, embarked on a groundbreaking project.
This collaborative effort culminated in the creation of the Caliber 11, a revolutionary automatic chronograph movement. The Caliber 11 wasn't merely a modification of existing automatic movements; it represented a completely new architecture designed specifically for chronograph functionality. This innovative movement significantly reduced the complexity of manufacturing automatic chronographs, paving the way for mass production and wider adoption.
Breitling's integration of the Caliber 11 into its iconic Navitimer line resulted in the Navitimer Chronomatic reference 1806. This marriage of cutting-edge technology and timeless design created a watch that instantly became a classic. The Navitimer, already renowned for its slide-rule bezel perfect for aviation calculations, now boasted the added convenience of an automatic winding mechanism for the chronograph functions.
The Design and Features of the Navitimer 1806 Chronomatic:
The Navitimer 1806 retained the core aesthetic elements that defined the Navitimer's identity: the instantly recognizable circular slide-rule bezel, the three sub-dials for chronograph functions (running seconds, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter), and the overall elegant and functional design. However, the addition of the automatic Caliber 11 brought about subtle yet significant changes.
The case size varied slightly depending on the specific production run, but typically fell within a range that felt substantial on the wrist without being overly bulky. The dial, typically featuring contrasting sub-dials and clear, legible numerals and indices, is a masterpiece of legibility. The use of tritium for luminous markers, as seen in the example listed at $3,799, is a characteristic feature of vintage Breitling watches from this era, adding to their unique charm and historical significance. The steel bracelet, also present in this higher-priced example, further enhances the watch's overall appeal and wearability.
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