As I wrote earlier this watch was bought by me more then fifty years ago. I had it returned to Breitling for a service in 1991. In 2007 I gave it to my son in recognition for the support he gave at the time of my wife's death. In 2016 he returned it to Breitling for another service and a new strap.
Last week I visited him, we don't meet up very often, he lives on the South Coast whilst I exist in Yorkshire. Anyway, we went down to the local for a pint. He produced the Breitling, still in the service pouch and fully stickered up. " Here Dad, hang on to this. " I remonstrated........very briefly, but as he explained, he would end up one day getting it back, and that he had never worn it for fear of causing any damage.
So here it is, stickers removed for picture. It might be slightly faded, but other then that I would describe it as new......wish I had worn as well. :) Anyway here it is. In my humble opinion the most iconic chronometer of them all, the early Breitling Navitimer 806 .
untitled (2 of 2)-3 by Brian Tompkins, on Flickr
Wow - that's fantastic, 50 years!
I've actually thought of giving my dad one of my watches instead of popping it away for that odd occasion I want to wear it. It would be sentimental for similar reasons to me too one day.
Lovely - one of the first watches I remember lusting over many years back
A wonderful watch and a wonderful story. Fantastic.
Do it, if it gives your Dad the same pleasure that my Son's gesture gave me it is a wonderful thing to do.Originally Posted by senwar
Actually I think I bought the watch in 1966, it cost £57.00 and I got on hire purchase from a catalogue, Empire stores or similar. They had two versions mine and a bi metal for about £3.00 more.
"
Last edited by BrianT; 6th September 2019 at 11:56.
I thought I was finally set on selling my navitimer and now you've rekindled all of my doubts again!
That looks cracking, also very slim - is that just the angle?
Must be the angle but here it is with my IWC Chrono, it does look very slim.
And don't is my advice, you will regret it.
thick by Brian Tompkins, on Flickr
Lovely! Truly an iconic watch.
What a great story.
That's a great story.
The watch looks superb and truly is an icon.
Now that’s a reason to love a watch, great story and thanks for sharing.
lovely story
don't suppose 50 years ago you thought to hold on to the box and papers !
No but for sentimental reasons I don't think that matters.....however if anyone happens to have an instruction book etc hanging around doing nothing?
I do have the original strap, it's bit smelly.
Last edited by BrianT; 6th September 2019 at 13:37.
Lovely story and a great watch Brian!
Cheers,
Neil.
Great story. Hats off to your son.
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Cracking watch. What a history to it!
Great story and an absolute gem of a watch.
That’s a wonderful story Brian. Like you, my father lives in Yorkshire whilst I’m down on the south coast so don’t get home vey often.
My new son in law borrowed and wore my polar explorer on his wedding day recently so that’s now earmarked for him at some time in the future (not that he knows it!).
It’s s comforting thought knowing that it’s going to be passed on to someone for whom it has some meaning.
My feather does tend to destroy watches; his sweat seems to eat stainless steel so I’m limited to buying him new rubber straps for his garmin these days!
Last edited by Dave+63; 7th September 2019 at 10:33.
You have a great son, but you know that, don't you :)
As for the watch... gorgeous!
Iconic and gorgeous watch and a great story. Watch looks absolutely awesome. I remember lusting after one back in the early 90’s when they were still reasonable.
Wear it well.
That’s a great story. Take care of it for him.
A lovely, heart-warming story :)
Fantastic story and watch!
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Great story and a great watch (my love is for the 809, but I sometimes toy with the idea of an 806 for a more regular wear).
Yours couldn't have looked much different when you bought it!
M
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Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - What's not to like?
It didn't. The main difference is that the original strap is a rather cheap plastic affair, Still got it but much prefer the rather smart later one.
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