Rare 1956 Breitling Navitimer 806 Cursive B Glossy Dial 114 Bead Venus 178 Watch
An exceptionally rare and historically important 1956 Breitling Navitimer Reference 806, featuring the highly prized early "Cursive B" Breitling signature, glossy black dial and distinctive 114 bead rotating slide rule bezel.
Produced during the formative years of the Navitimer, this scarce configuration represents the period when Breitling began placing its own branding alongside the AOPA wings. The Cursive B dial appeared for only a brief production window and is now considered one of the most desirable early Navitimer variations.
The original glossy black dial remains unrestored and has not been repainted or refinished. The original hands are also unrestored. The luminous material was removed from the dial numerals and hands during the watch's history, and this has been clearly disclosed. No modern luminous material has been applied.
The early 114 bead bezel is strongly associated with the transitional 1956 production period, sitting between the earlier approximately 124 bead bezels and subsequent configurations.
The watch is powered by Breitling's celebrated manual wind Venus 178 column wheel chronograph movement. The movement carries the BOW United States import code, associated with Breitling watches officially imported into the American market.
Features:
• Breitling Navitimer Reference 806
• Circa 1956
• Rare Cursive B dial configuration
• Original glossy black dial
• Original dial printing
• Original unrestored hands
• Original luminous material historically removed
• No repainting or refinishing
• AOPA winged emblem
• Breitling Genève signature
• 114 bead rotating slide rule bezel
• Manual wind Venus 178 chronograph movement, working well, serviced amp 287 loosing 5 secs a day when tested.
• BOW United States import code
• Stainless steel case
• Triple register chronograph
• Acrylic crystal
The dial displays honest vintage ageing, surface marks and reflections consistent with a nearly 70 year old professional aviation chronograph. Please carefully examine the photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.
This is not a standard 1960s Navitimer. It is a genuinely scarce early example from one of the most important periods in the development of the Reference 806. Comparable 1956 Cursive B examples are recognised by specialist collectors as exceptionally rare.
The absence of the original luminous material has been appropriately reflected in the condition assessment. Importantly, the valuable glossy dial surface, original printing and original hands have not been repainted or cosmetically restored.
A remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the most elusive and historically significant early Breitling Navitimers.
Every watch offered by Harrington & Co is carefully inspected for authenticity and condition. We have been trusted by collectors worldwide for over two decades and pride ourselves on offering quality timepieces backed by accurate descriptions, professional photography and secure worldwide shipping.
HNCO are not responsible for import duties, tariffs or customs charges. This is the buyers / importers responsibility.
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
