<h1>How to Get Your Breitling Navitimer 1806 Appraised</h1>
<p>The Breitling Navitimer 1806 stands as one of the most iconic and collectible timepieces ever created, with current market valuations between <strong>$12,000 and $18,000</strong> depending on condition, provenance, and specific configuration. If you own one of these legendary aviation watches or are considering acquiring one, understanding how to get a professional appraisal ensures you make informed decisions about buying, selling, or insuring this significant investment.</p>
<h2>Understanding Your Breitling Navitimer 1806's Market Value</h2>
<p>The Navitimer 1806 represents a pinnacle of horological engineering and design heritage. First introduced in 1959, this chronograph was specifically engineered for aviation professionals, featuring Breitling's signature circular slide rule bezel that enables complex navigation calculations in the cockpit. The combination of its historical significance, technical capabilities, and limited production numbers positions it as a highly sought-after collectible among serious watch enthusiasts and investors worldwide.</p>
<p>What makes this particular model so valuable? The Navitimer 1806 houses an automatic chronograph movement based on the renowned Valjoux 7750 caliber, delivering both reliability and precision. Its stainless steel construction paired with the iconic three-subdial dial layout and Breitling's winged logo creates immediate recognition among collectors. Do Breitling Navitimer watches hold value? The answer is unquestionably yes—these timepieces consistently demonstrate strong appreciation over time, making them attractive both as functional instruments and alternative investments.</p>
<div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Market Insight</strong></p>
<p>Navitimer 1806s with documented service records and complete original packaging can command premiums of 15-25% above comparable examples lacking full provenance documentation.</p></div>
<h2>Why Professional Appraisal Matters for Your Navitimer</h2>
<p>Getting an accurate appraisal of your Breitling Navitimer 1806 isn't simply about curiosity—it's essential for multiple practical purposes. Whether you're selling through a dealer, protecting your investment through insurance, settling an estate, or validating a purchase, a professional appraisal provides legally defensible documentation recognized by financial institutions, insurance companies, and courts.</p>
<p>The watch market involves nuanced factors that distinguish similar-looking pieces. A trained appraiser examining your specific Navitimer 1806 will evaluate details that dramatically affect value: the age of the movement, whether the case and dial are original, the condition of the chronograph pushers, and the presence of matching documentation. Is a Breitling Navitimer a luxury watch? Absolutely—but determining its precise worth requires expertise beyond casual observation.</p>
<p>AppraiseItNow specializes in connecting collectors with credentialed appraisers (AAA, ISA, ASA, CAGA, AMEA certified) who understand the intricacies of vintage timepiece valuation. Our experts provide USPAP-compliant appraisals suitable for insurance declarations, estate proceedings, or transaction purposes, ensuring your Navitimer receives the professional evaluation it deserves. For deeper insights into watch appraisal methodology, explore our comprehensive guide on <a href="/blog/appraising-luxury-watches-determining-the-value-of-timepiece-investments">appraising luxury watches and determining timepiece investment value</a>.</p>
<h2>Key Factors That Influence Your Navitimer 1806's Appraisal Value</h2>
<h3>Authenticity and Original Components</h3>
<p>The first critical assessment involves verifying authenticity and identifying original components. Counterfeit Breitling watches exist in the market, making this verification essential before significant investment or sale. How to spot a fake Breitling Navitimer requires examining specific markers: the quality of the dial printing, the precision of chronograph subdial alignment, and the Valjoux movement's construction details.</p>
<p>Appraisers scrutinize several authentication elements. The caseback engraving should display consistent depth and font characteristics matching Breitling's manufacturing standards from your watch's production year. The movement itself tells a story—genuine Valjoux 7750 calibers show specific construction characteristics, including particular jeweling patterns and finish quality. Original hands, dial, and bezel should display appropriate aging consistent with the claimed production era. Professional examination often involves magnification and knowledge of Breitling's specific manufacturing variations across production years.</p>
<h3>Condition and Service History</h3>
<p>Your Navitimer 1806's condition directly impacts its appraisal value, with wear patterns telling the story of its use history. Surface scratches on the case and crystal represent normal aging, but deep gouges or polished cases that have lost original dimensions reduce value significantly. The dial should display original finish without fading, though light patina from age is expected and often valued by collectors seeking authenticity.</p>
<p>Movement condition proves equally important. Does your Navitimer keep accurate time? Does the chronograph return to zero properly when the pushers are engaged? Service records documenting professional maintenance enhance value considerably, as they demonstrate responsible ownership and proper care. Collectors often ask whether they should restore or preserve watches as-is. Generally, documented service by authorized Breitling facilities increases value more than amateur restoration work, which can diminish worth if it introduces non-original components.</p>
<table class='appraisal-table'>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Component</th>
<th>Value Impact</th>
<th>Assessment Focus</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Case condition</td>
<td>Critical</td>
<td>Scratches, polishing, metal thickness</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dial originality</td>
<td>Critical</td>
<td>Printing quality, patina, subdial alignment</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Movement</td>
<td>High</td>
<td>Functionality, service records, caliber variation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Crystal</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
<td>Scratches, gasket condition, replacement type</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Documentation</td>
<td>High</td>
<td>Box, papers, receipts, service records</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Provenance and Ownership History</h3>
<p>The question "Which is the most sought after Breitling?" often depends on provenance as much as the watch itself. A Navitimer 1806 with documented celebrity ownership, prominent collector history, or significant cultural associations commands premium valuations. Your appraisal should include documentation of your acquisition—purchase receipts, inheritance documentation, or prior appraisals all strengthen the valuation narrative.</p>
<p>International ownership adds interesting dimensions to value. Navitimer 1806s from specific regions or with particular military or commercial documentation may appeal to specialized collector communities. European examples with European service history sometimes command different prices than U.S. market watches, reflecting regional collector preferences and parts availability.</p>
<h2>Is a Breitling Navitimer a Good Investment?</h2>
<p>Collectors frequently ask whether investing in Breitling watches makes financial sense. The answer requires context. The Navitimer 1806 has demonstrated consistent appreciation over decades, particularly when well-maintained and properly documented. Which Breitling will go up in value? Generally, earlier production Navitimer 1806s with original components, complete documentation, and clean service records show the strongest appreciation potential.</p>
<p>However, watch investment differs from pure financial instruments. Your Navitimer can serve as a functional timepiece while appreciating, unlike real estate or securities. The watch market experiences cyclical trends influenced by collector sentiment, availability of comparable pieces, and broader economic conditions. Professional appraisals help you understand where your specific Navitimer sits within these market dynamics, enabling better decisions about holding, selling, or acquiring additional pieces.</p>
<div class="callout note"><p><strong>Investment Perspective</strong></p>
<p>While no investment guarantees future appreciation, the Navitimer 1806's combination of historical significance, limited production, and technical excellence has supported steady value growth—making professional appraisal essential for tracking your investment's trajectory.</p></div>
<h2>What Documents and Photos Are Required for Accurate Appraisal?</h2>
<p>When submitting your Breitling Navitimer 1806 for appraisal through AppraiseItNow, providing comprehensive documentation dramatically improves accuracy and supports faster evaluation. Gather high-quality photographs showing your watch from multiple angles—front dial, caseback, side profile, and close-up detail shots of the bezel, pushers, and crown. These images allow preliminary assessment without physical possession, streamlining the appraisal process.</p>
<p>Documentation should include any original materials you possess: the watch box, warranty cards, service records, purchase receipts, or prior appraisals. If you lack original documentation, photographs of inscriptions or identifying marks on the caseback help appraisers establish production dates and specifications. For watches with significant service history, compile maintenance records showing who performed work and when—this chain of custody strengthens the appraisal value considerably.</p>
<p>Write brief notes about your Navitimer's functionality. Does the chronograph operate properly? Does it keep accurate time? Are there any mechanical quirks or issues? This practical information helps appraisers assess whether your watch requires service or restoration, factors that influence fair market value.</p>
<h2>Can AppraiseItNow Provide Online Appraisals for Watches?</h2>
<p>Yes—AppraiseItNow specializes in tech-enabled, remote appraisals that eliminate the need for in-person visits. Submit high-quality photographs, descriptions, and documentation through our secure online platform, and credentialed watch specialists review your Breitling Navitimer 1806 to provide certified valuations. This approach proves particularly convenient for collectors in areas without local watch specialists or those preferring discretion during the appraisal process.</p>
<p>Our online methodology captures the essential information professional appraisers need while respecting client privacy and convenience. You maintain possession of your Navitimer throughout the process, reducing risk and allowing you to retain your timepiece while securing comprehensive appraisal documentation suitable for insurance, sale, or estate planning purposes. For insights into the broader appraisal process, explore our article on <a href="/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-rare-watch-appraisals">understanding rare watch appraisals</a>.</p>
<h2>Evaluating Your Appraisal Report</h2>
<p>Once you receive your professional appraisal, the document should contain specific, defensible valuations supported by detailed analysis. A quality appraisal report includes your Navitimer's complete identification, condition assessment, comparable sales analysis, and the appraiser's credentials and methodology. The report should explain which factors most significantly influenced the valuation—if your example commands premium pricing, the appraiser should articulate why clearly.</p>
<p>Is Breitling as prestigious as Rolex? The answer depends on criteria. While Rolex dominates mainstream luxury watch consciousness, Breitling holds equally elite status among aviation enthusiasts and professional watch collectors. Your appraisal should reflect this specialized market positioning, demonstrating that the appraiser understands Breitling's distinct value proposition versus other luxury brands.</p>
<h2>Preparing for Sale or Insurance</h2>
<p>How much does a professional appraisal for a Breitling Navitimer cost? Pricing varies based on complexity and whether you require in-person examination versus remote appraisal services. AppraiseItNow offers competitive rates reflecting the expertise required to accurately value these specialized timepieces. The investment in professional appraisal pays dividends when selling—buyers of quality watches expect certified appraisals, and having documentation prepared before listing accelerates transaction timelines and supports confident pricing negotiations.</p>
<p>For insurance purposes, obtain appraisals every 2-3 years to reflect current market conditions. The watch market experiences periodic appreciation or adjustment, and your coverage should match realistic replacement cost. An appraisal from a recognized expert strengthens insurance claims should your Navitimer face loss or damage, providing documentation insurers expect.</p>
<p>Can the Breitling Navitimer be worn daily? Absolutely—though treating it as the functional instrument it was designed to be involves understanding normal wear versus damage. Regular use with occasional professional service maintains both function and value. Document this care through service records, which enhance rather than diminish appraisal value by demonstrating responsible stewardship.</p>
<div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p>
<p>A certified appraisal of your Breitling Navitimer 1806 provides essential documentation for insurance, sale, or investment tracking—ensuring you understand the true value of this iconic aviation chronograph and can make confident decisions about your horological treasure.</p></div>
