The Breitling Navitimer, a watch synonymous with aviation history and sophisticated design, boasts a rich tapestry of movements throughout its long and storied existence. Among the most sought-after and celebrated is the caliber 1806, a movement that powered a significant portion of Navitimer chronographs produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This article will delve deep into the intricacies of the Breitling 1806 movement, exploring its technical specifications, historical context, and the considerations involved in acquiring a vintage Navitimer equipped with this iconic mechanism. We'll also address specific questions related to the 1806, using the provided context of a comparison with a modern Chronomat and the nuances of assessing the condition of a vintage piece.
The Breitling Navitimer Chrono and the 1969 Breitling Navitimer Chrono: Setting the Stage
Before focusing specifically on the 1806, it's crucial to establish its place within the broader history of the Navitimer. The Navitimer, first introduced in 1952, quickly became a favorite among pilots and aviation enthusiasts for its unique slide-rule bezel, allowing for complex flight calculations. The evolution of the Navitimer involved several iterations, including variations in case size, dial designs, and, most significantly for this discussion, movements. The 1969 Navitimer, in particular, represents a pivotal year, marking a transition towards automatic movements and the introduction of the Chronomatic line, often featuring the caliber 1806. This period represents a fascinating intersection of traditional watchmaking and the burgeoning world of automatic chronograph technology.
The 1969 models, and those that followed closely utilizing the 1806, are frequently considered a sweet spot by many collectors. They bridge the gap between the earlier hand-wound Navitimers and the later quartz-dominated era. The automatic functionality offered by the 1806 provided a level of convenience previously unavailable in the earlier, purely mechanical Navitimers, while retaining the classic design elements that defined the model's enduring appeal. This blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal has made the 1969 Navitimer and its subsequent iterations, powered by the 1806, highly sought-after by collectors today.
Understanding the Breitling 1806 Movement: A Technical Perspective
The Breitling caliber 1806 is an automatic chronograph movement, a significant departure from the earlier hand-wound movements used in the Navitimer. This automatic winding mechanism, powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist, eliminates the need for manual winding, offering increased convenience. While the precise technical specifications can vary slightly depending on the specific production run, the 1806 is generally characterized by:
* Automatic Winding: The movement utilizes an automatic rotor to wind the mainspring, eliminating the need for manual winding. This contributes to the watch's convenience and ease of use.
* Chronograph Functionality: The 1806 offers a complete chronograph function, enabling the measurement of elapsed time with central seconds, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter. These counters are typically arranged in sub-dials on the watch face.
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