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Post by carl on Jun 5, 2021 0:22:46 GMT -6
For a long time, I have had strong thoughts of getting a Navitimer. I have looked at the new models and also attempted to get an 806 Revival pre owned. But I really didn't want to get one online. Realizing that what is missing in the new models is the gold wings logo. It really does make a difference, at least to me, on the Navi. Somehow the Wings logo just "pops" where the "B" just seems to be hidden behind the chrono hand. Deciding to be patient until I found the right one, this popped up on my AD's website in the Preowned section this morning. They have an excellent selection of preowned watches, and the best ones usually go really quick. So I picked up the phone, gave them a call, and was told that they just put this one in the display case. Within the hour, I had the watch on my wrist. Many thanks to the previous owner who managed to wear it for 7 years without leaving even a scratch on it. And I know it must have been worn quite a bit, because they replaced the original strap with a new calf leather one. It's big at 46mm, but I did want a watch with wrist presence, but it doesn't look out-of-place on my wrist. And a B01 movement with 70hrs power reserve as well. I knew this was the one. A few obligatory pics: Here's to many happy years with this beautiful Navitimer. Carl
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Post by o2afac67 on Jun 5, 2021 7:41:37 GMT -6
LOVE it!!!! Congratulations, Carl and wear it in good health!!! Kind Regards, Ron
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Baco Noir
WWF Advisor
WWF Admin
Posts: 31,415
Name: Roger
Since: Mar 14, 2011 13:09:50 GMT -6
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Post by Baco Noir on Jun 5, 2021 7:47:20 GMT -6
Congrats Butter! LOL
Now that I know someone with a Navitimer, I’m hoping you’ll explain to me what all the scales are for and how they work. I’ve always been perplexed, but never taken the initiative to look it up.
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Post by carl on Jun 5, 2021 7:55:34 GMT -6
Baco Noir Well, it's going to be a learning curve for me as well. So far, I have learned to use the slide rule, which I kind of remembered from school. I am just waiting to get the papers, which includes a manual on all the functions. I don't want to just wear the watch without learning all about it. At my age, that might take some time! This is an excellent video I found on YouTube that is kind of getting me started:
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Post by carl on Jun 5, 2021 7:57:35 GMT -6
Thanks o2afac67 I feel so comfortable with this watch. Just like I owned it for a long time. Soon as I put it on my wrist. Now, I have to start learning all the functions!
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Baco Noir
WWF Advisor
WWF Admin
Posts: 31,415
Name: Roger
Since: Mar 14, 2011 13:09:50 GMT -6
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Post by Baco Noir on Jun 5, 2021 13:18:20 GMT -6
That helps carl. I never used a slide rule in school, but I see how it works.
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Post by carl on Jun 7, 2021 12:50:51 GMT -6
o2afac67 here's an interesting story. The bezel on my Navitimer was really tight. So I decided to Google "Navitimer bezel tight", and it led me to a number of results, one of which was a 2008 post of yours on WUS "Navitimer bezel tight? This WORKS!!!": "Cut a long (10-12") length of dental floss, pushed the center of the strand under the bezel at one position and wrapped the strand around almost to where I started it. Pulled it around a couple of times and voila'! Worked great!" Well, I can tell you it really did work! I honestly don't know if it is now as loose as it was originally, but certainly a vast improvement!! Thought you might enjoy hearing this!
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Post by rw16610 on Jun 7, 2021 19:02:15 GMT -6
Wow, wow, wow! carl , a HUGE congrats to you on this lovely piece! It suits you so very well and is an absolute classic! Hope you enjoy in the best of health! Another excellent choice, can't wait to hear more about your experience as it progresses with this piece! Truly the ultimate aviators Chronograph with such a rich history. Nicely done and I can't think of a more deserving owner. So many different strap choices would suit this should you choose to go the Panerai route and alternate straps.
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Post by rw16610 on Jun 7, 2021 19:04:55 GMT -6
carl That's a neat trick with the bezel tightness. Also forgot to add I'm a HUGE fan of the fact it's got the correct logo for this watch. Given the history etc, it just never seemed right to me with the logo your Norton has. This is the beauty of both, there's something to suit all styles.
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Post by carl on Jun 7, 2021 20:21:19 GMT -6
rw16610 It just feels right to have the winged logo on this one. I did look for the 806 Revival edition as well, but I could only go pre owned. And from a couple of very reputable dealers in the US. Somehow that didn't work for me. So I decided to give the Navitimer hunt a rest for a while. And my second choice, or so I thought, was to be the new Premier Heritage Pistachio 40mm with B09 manual wind and no date. First thing Friday morning, I looked on Time & Gold website, pre owned section, and there it was! If I hadn't tried on the 46mm previously, and was surprised how well it worked, I would have passed on this one. So I happily ended up with this 2014, all boxes and papers, 2 year Time & Gold warranty, and it was also an original Time & Gold purchase. So I was able to get the B01 with applied winged logo, and saved a considerable amount as well over the cost of a new one. Win-win for me on this one! I was at Time & Gold this afternoon. For curiosity's sake, I tried out the bezel on a brand new one. The bezel cleaning thing really worked! Mine operates now exactly the same as the new one, same degree of stiffness.
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Post by rw16610 on Jun 7, 2021 23:15:07 GMT -6
carl That's quite the story! Pretty much a new watch as far as the experience goes! I feel as if things worked out exactly as they should have here. The watch is in such excellent condition! The edges of those subdials look superb! The design elements of this piece speaks volumes as to why it's so sought after and popular. The history certainly helps a bit too, of course. This watch will go very nicely with your leather jacket too. Such a shame Breitling has changed the logo on these (or even some of them) but it only makes me appreciate this era that much more. Is the applied logo 18K Gold? Maybe I missed that but wasn't sure. Either way the contrast is perfect with the black dial and light coloured subdials.
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Post by carl on Jun 7, 2021 23:45:32 GMT -6
rw16610 Thanks. Yes, the logo is 18k gold. Here's to this one being a keeper!
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Post by rw16610 on Jun 8, 2021 14:02:53 GMT -6
carl I do feel as if a stable of keepers is closer than ever for you. Either way, what matters most is that you're happy! If that means getting other watches which you never had the pleasure of owning yet or being sold on new releases, it's all in good fun. You bought this one the right way for sure so either way you're well positioned. You've truly got an exceptional collection of Chronograph watches now, wow! Any shots of the case back?
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Post by carl on Jun 8, 2021 15:34:50 GMT -6
rw16610 thought you'd never ask! Pictures of case back. I'm not sure when Breitling changed to the sapphire case back. I do know there are some models with the B01 movement with solid case backs. Anyway, I think this open case back looks really good, not to mention the amazing movement! The engravings are very well done as well. Fortunately, the movement is not too small, so it still looks in good proportion to the 46mm case. Thought I would include a closer look at the column wheel as well.
And speaking of excellent movement: has not gained or lost even 1 second over the past 24 hours. So, even after 7 years, which is not a lot, still going strong!
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Post by rw16610 on Jun 9, 2021 6:34:19 GMT -6
carl That looks amazing! I much rather have the movement displayed personally. Despite not having the additional information for calculations on the back this works perfectly with the overall look. My biggest issue is when companies do a clear case back and have a huge watch with a movement that looks way too small or as if it was an afterthought from a parts bin. Definitely not the case here! This is my ideal spec for any watch. Many years ago it was a lot less common to get this and I always thought that was such a shame. Being able to remove the watch and admire what's inside adds another level of appreciation and enjoyment. Also a nice conversation piece for people viewing a movement like this in person for the first time.
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