<h1>How to Get Your Breitling Navitimer 806 (1959) Appraised</h1> <p>The Breitling Navitimer 806 from 1959 represents one of the most iconic vintage timepieces ever created, commanding market values between <strong>$20,000 and $30,000</strong> for well-preserved examples. Whether you're considering selling this aviation classic, obtaining insurance coverage, or simply verifying its worth, a professional appraisal provides the certified documentation you need to make informed decisions about your investment.</p> <h2>Understanding Your Breitling Navitimer 806's Market Position</h2> <p>Your 1959 Navitimer 806 occupies a unique place in horological history. Introduced in 1954 and refined by the time your model rolled off Breitling's production line, the Navitimer represented a revolutionary approach to aviation timekeeping. The watch's legendary status stems from its original purpose: Breitling designed it specifically for pilots to perform essential in-flight calculations using the circular slide rule bezel—a feature that remains functional and highly valued today.</p> <p>Do Breitling Navitimer watches hold value? Absolutely. The 806 is widely recognized as one of the most sought-after vintage watch models among serious collectors. Unlike many vintage timepieces that depreciate over time, the Navitimer has demonstrated remarkable value retention, with some exceptional examples appreciating significantly beyond their original retail prices. This consistent demand makes appraisal particularly important when you're evaluating this as an investment or estate asset.</p> <h2>The Historical Significance That Drives Value</h2> <p>What makes the Breitling Navitimer special? Its combination of engineering excellence, historical documentation, and iconic design creates multiple layers of value. Your 1959 model carries the distinctive "Reverse Panda" dial design—cream-colored subdials against a dark face—that has become synonymous with Navitimer prestige. This specific configuration, paired with the manual-winding chronograph movement, represents the watch's classic era before later modifications.</p> <p>The Navitimer's adoption by professional pilots worldwide created genuine demand backed by functional necessity rather than pure speculation. Your stainless steel case houses a reliable movement capable of precise timing, while the 30-meter water resistance provides practical durability for daily wear despite its collectible status. This balance between form and function distinguishes the 806 from purely decorative vintage pieces, supporting stronger market positioning and value stability.</p> <h2>Key Specifications That Influence Appraisal Value</h2> <p>When appraising your 1959 Navitimer 806, professionals examine specific technical and aesthetic elements. The manual-winding chronograph movement represents a technological achievement of its era—accurate timing without battery dependency appealed to aviation professionals who needed reliability at altitude. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear, contributing to longevity and collectibility compared to models using less durable materials.</p> <p>Your watch's dial markings and case back engravings provide crucial authentication details during professional valuation. Original dial printing should show crisp Breitling branding, and any complications or special markings affect value calculations. The condition of the slide rule bezel—whether it rotates smoothly, maintains alignment, and shows appropriate wear patterns—directly impacts your appraisal value. Professional appraisers use magnification and specialized tools to assess these details with precision.</p> <h2>Condition Assessment and Value Implications</h2> <p>Is the Breitling Navitimer worth investing in at premium prices? The answer depends largely on condition. A 1959 Navitimer 806 in exceptional condition commands the upper range of current valuations, while examples showing significant wear settle toward the lower end of the $20,000-$30,000 band. Understanding how condition affects your specific watch requires detailed professional examination.</p> <p>Certified appraisers for luxury watches evaluate multiple condition factors: original dial integrity (no fading or deterioration), case polish (original patina versus refinishing), movement functionality, and crystal condition. Each element contributes proportionally to your overall appraisal value. A watch retaining all original components, maintaining factory finishes, and demonstrating minimal wear will substantially outvalue a piece requiring restoration work. This condition-based variance makes professional assessment essential for accurate valuation.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Preservation Note</strong></p> <p>Original patina and wear patterns often command premium valuations among experienced collectors who appreciate authentic aging over polished restoration.</p></div> <h2>Documentation and Provenance Matter</h2> <p>Professional watchmakers and collectors frequently ask: How do I date a Breitling Navitimer? While serial numbers exist on most vintage Breitlings, establishing precise production dates requires expertise in historical records and manufacturing documentation. A certified appraiser combines serial number research with case and movement analysis to document your watch's authenticity and production year with confidence.</p> <p>Provenance documentation—establishing where your Navitimer has been and how it passed through ownership chains—significantly influences appraisal conclusions. Original sales documentation, prior professional service records, or notable previous ownership can justify premium valuations. Even without extensive documentation, professional appraisers use technical analysis to establish authenticity and differentiate your 806 from later reproductions or homage models that flood modern markets.</p> <p>When you're exploring <a href="/blog/appraising-luxury-watches-determining-the-value-of-timepiece-investments">luxury watch appraisals</a>, understanding provenance helps position your vintage Breitling accurately within its collector niche. This documentation becomes particularly valuable if you eventually sell or need to claim insurance coverage based on your appraisal value.</p> <h2>Investment Potential and Market Trends</h2> <p>Is a Breitling Navitimer a good investment? Historical market data supports strong investment potential. The Navitimer 806's appreciation trajectory shows consistent upward pressure, particularly for authentic 1959 examples. Rarity creates natural value support—only a finite number of these watches exist, and production ceased decades ago. This fixed supply contrasts favorably with modern watch production, where manufacturers can artificially maintain prices through controlled output.</p> <p>Several market factors support continued Navitimer 806 appreciation. Growing international collector interest, particularly from emerging wealth centers, increases demand while supply remains fixed. Generational wealth transfer means established collections occasionally become available for new collectors. The watch's film and media appearances—from James Bond to aviation documentaries—maintain cultural relevance and collector enthusiasm. These dynamics suggest your 1959 Navitimer represents a reasonably stable, potentially appreciating asset within the broader collectibles market.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Market Insight</strong></p> <p>Which Breitling will go up in value? Early Navitimer models, particularly the 806 variant, consistently outperform later editions due to rarity, historical significance, and established collector preference.</p></div> <h2>Comparing Your Navitimer 806 to Similar Models</h2> <p>Which is the most sought-after Breitling? Among collectors and investment professionals, early Navitimer models dominate desirability rankings. Your 1959 example positions favorably compared to later variants. The original ref. 806 represents the watch before major modifications, making it particularly attractive to purists seeking authentic vintage examples. Later Navitimer iterations introduced different calibers, dial variations, and case specifications that appeal to different collector segments but typically command lower premiums.</p> <p>Is Breitling as prestigious as Rolex? While both brands occupy rarified positions in watchmaking, Breitling's specialist focus on aviation timing created a distinct market identity. The Navitimer's functional design and pilot adoption built prestige through professional endorsement rather than marketing alone. This functional heritage appeals to collectors seeking watches with genuine historical context and documented professional use—criteria that can actually position premium Breitlings favorably compared to some Rolex sports models in specialized collector communities.</p> <h2>Protecting Your Investment Through Professional Appraisal</h2> <p>Obtaining a professional appraisal from credentialed experts ensures your Breitling Navitimer 806 receives proper valuation for multiple purposes. Whether you need certified documentation for insurance coverage, estate planning, purchase verification, or eventual sale, a USPAP-compliant appraisal provides legally defensible valuation backed by detailed analysis. Professional appraisers bring specialized knowledge of vintage watch markets, authentication techniques, and condition assessment methodologies that individual research cannot replicate.</p> <p>AppraiseItNow connects you with qualified <a href="/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-rare-watch-appraisals">watch appraisers</a> specializing in vintage timepieces like your Navitimer 806. Our credentialed experts, affiliated with professional organizations including the American Society of Appraisers, provide comprehensive valuations that insurance companies, courts, and financial institutions recognize and accept. The appraisal process typically includes detailed photography, movement examination, dial and case assessment, and market analysis comparing recent comparable sales.</p> <p>Securing proper insurance coverage represents a critical reason for professional appraisal. Standard homeowner's policies rarely provide adequate coverage for high-value collectibles, and demonstrating current market value through professional appraisal enables you to obtain specialized coverage reflecting your watch's actual worth. This documentation proves invaluable if loss or damage occurs, ensuring you receive compensation based on verified market value rather than generic watch industry estimates.</p> <h2>Authentication and Spotting Counterfeits</h2> <p>How to spot a fake Breitling Navitimer? Professional appraisers apply multiple authentication techniques that casual visual inspection cannot replicate. Counterfeit operations have proliferated with vintage watch prices appreciating, making expert verification essential before making substantial purchasing decisions. Professional appraisers examine movement finishing, dial printing quality, case weight and dimensions, dial thickness, lume color and consistency, and bezel operation—details where sophisticated counterfeits often reveal telltale inconsistencies.</p> <p>During appraisal, certified experts compare your Navitimer 806 against known reference examples and historical documentation. Subtle details like font choices on dial markings, specific shade variations in lume coloring, and manufacturing techniques used during 1959 production reveal authenticity with confidence that photographs or casual examination cannot provide. This verification function protects your investment while documenting its genuine status for future owners or insurance purposes.</p> <h2>The Role of Movement Assessment in Valuation</h2> <p>What movement equips the Navitimer ref 806 1959 re-edition? Your original 1959 model features a manual-winding chronograph movement—typically the Venus 178 caliber or similar period-appropriate movement depending on specific production dates and variations. Appraising the movement involves detailed examination of construction quality, wear patterns, functionality, and restoration history. Original unmodified movements command substantially higher premiums than examples featuring replacement parts or extensive servicing.</p> <p>Professional appraisers examine movement condition during comprehensive valuations, assessing jewel quality, bearing condition, escapement functionality, and overall mechanical health. A properly functioning movement with minimal wear history supports valuations at the upper end of market ranges. Conversely, a movement showing extensive wear, previous repairs, or component replacements may justify lower valuations reflecting future servicing requirements or reduced mechanical longevity for prospective buyers.</p> <h2>Recent Market Sales and Comparable Pricing</h2> <p>Understanding recent comparable sales helps contextualize your Breitling Navitimer 806 valuation. Auction results for authentic 1959 models regularly demonstrate the $20,000-$30,000 price range, with specific examples occasionally exceeding these estimates based on exceptional condition, notable provenance, or market competition among bidders. Private treaty sales often achieve different pricing than public auctions due to negotiation flexibility and buyer discretion available in non-auction environments.</p> <p>Monitoring market data becomes part of professional appraisal services offered through platforms like AppraiseItNow. Our appraisers track recent sales across major auction houses and specialized dealers, applying this comparative data to establish your specific watch's position within current market dynamics. This evidence-based approach ensures your appraisal reflects genuine market conditions rather than theoretical estimates.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Valuation Consideration</strong></p> <p>Example condition, originality, and provenance distinctions mean two 1959 Navitimer 806 watches rarely appraise to identical values—professional assessment accounts for these individual characteristics.</p></div> <h2>The Appraisal Advantage for Your Navitimer 806</h2> <p>Obtaining professional appraisal transforms your relationship with this significant timepiece. You gain verified documentation of authenticity, current market value, and detailed condition assessment that protects your investment whether stored, displayed, insured, or held for eventual sale. Professional appraisals provide the evidence required by insurance companies, estate executors, and potential buyers—stakeholders who demand certified valuation backed by expert analysis.</p> <p>The investment in professional appraisal typically ranges from several hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on the appraiser's credentials and report comprehensiveness. This cost represents modest insurance against undervaluation, inadequate insurance coverage, authentication errors, or transaction complications. Given your Navitimer's $20,000-$30,000 market value, professional appraisal delivers substantial protective and informational benefits relative to its modest cost.</p> <p>Whether you're buying, selling, insuring, or simply verifying the status of your 1959 Breitling Navitimer 806, professional guidance ensures you make decisions based on accurate market information and expert assessment. Our resources on <a href="/types/personal-property">personal property appraisals</a> and <a href="/types/memorabilia-and-collectibles">memorabilia and collectibles</a> provide additional context for understanding how professional valuation services protect valuable collections.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p> <p>A certified appraisal of your Breitling Navitimer 806 (1959) provides definitive documentation of market value, authenticity, and condition—essential information for insurance coverage, investment decisions, and confident transactions in today's competitive vintage watch market.</p></div>