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Item: BRI2 Breitling NavitimerModel: 809 Year Made: 1966 Case: Gold Plate/Stainless Steel Dial: Black with white inner dials, gold markers Movement: Venus 178, 17 Jewel High Grade Swiss Dimensions: 47mm lug to lug, 43mm crown |
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I should not sell this. It should go in the safe. In 41 years, I've never seen better than this one. The watch is mint. Built in 1966, this watch is just unbelievable. Overall, pushers and crown do not look used. The back of the case shows the factory brush marks. Only a limited production had the cursive "B" and "Breitling" on the center back of the case, and this one's got them. The most rare: no military 24 hours, no AOPA logo on the dial. When the second generation went into production, that was when the limited number of Navitimers sported "B" on the back and "Breitling Geneve" on the dial. Also the 3 subdials became white to make it easier to read for a pilot. (I am a pilot.) John Travolta wears one of these, and one can calculate fuel, time in the air, 12 hours, 60 minutes and seconds. The bezel is known as the slide rule bezel. On a true Navitimer crystal, you can feel a slight curve. This watch has the right NOS crystal. Why the Venus 178? Well, at the time it was one of the best. First generation had Valjour 72. The Venus 178 is a strong lever movement, stem wind, column wheel chronograph with carrying arm, 1/5 second, 30 minute register and 12 hour counter. Movement is huge at 31mm, 18,000 BPH, 17 jewels, and Incabloc shock protection. High grade Swiss. The case is gold plate and solid stainless steel. The back has all the right symbols (see photo). The rarest of the 809 model. Case with bead edge is just breathtaking. The watch is huge at 47mm lug to lug. Lugs look unused. It is just amazing. The hands, just everything. Remember, the ones you pass up for the cheaper watch. I don't care if this one does not sell. |
