The Breitling Navitimer, particularly the older models often referred to as "Old Navitimers," holds a revered position in the world of horology. Its iconic slide rule bezel, synonymous with aviation history and precision, has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades. Understanding the production timeline of these vintage timepieces, especially the period before the significant design changes of the 1990s, requires a detailed look at the various iterations and models. The question, "Breitling Old Navitimer PAF: Ab Wann Gebaut?" (When was the old Breitling Navitimer PAF built?), necessitates exploring the broader history of the Navitimer's evolution to pinpoint the specific timeframe of the models commonly referred to as "old."
The term "PAF" often associated with older Navitimers refers to the "Pilot's Association" – a nod to the watch's strong ties to the aviation community. While not a formal designation consistently used by Breitling throughout its production history, it serves as a useful shorthand among collectors to identify certain models. Pinpointing the exact start and end dates for these "PAF" models requires careful examination of the evolution of the Navitimer design and its internal movements.
Before diving into the specifics of the "Old Navitimer," it's crucial to establish a broader context within Breitling's history, particularly concerning the development of its automatic movements, which play a significant role in defining the era of the watches in question. The introduction of automatic movements marked a pivotal moment in Breitling's production, impacting the design and functionality of the Navitimer. While earlier Navitimers were primarily manual-wind, the shift towards automatic movements significantly altered the watch's internal architecture and external aesthetics.
The Rise of Automatic Movements: Breitling Chrono-Matic and the 1969 Revolution
The development of the Breitling Chrono-Matic in 1969 was a landmark achievement. This automatic chronograph movement, based on the Venus 178 caliber, was a significant step forward in the precision and reliability of Breitling's timepieces. The Chrono-Matic’s introduction directly influenced the subsequent evolution of the Navitimer. While not directly incorporated into the earliest "Old Navitimers," its success and the general trend towards automatic movements paved the way for the automatic Navitimers that became prevalent in the late 20th century. The Chrono-Matic's legacy is crucial to understanding the technological context in which the "Old Navitimers" with automatic movements emerged. Its impact resonates even today, marking a significant chapter in Breitling's history and the overall development of automatic chronograph movements.
The move towards automatic movements in the Navitimer wasn't an immediate, overnight change. Breitling gradually incorporated automatic calibers into its designs, leading to a transitional period where both manual-wind and automatic Navitimers coexisted. This overlap contributes to the difficulty in precisely defining the "Old Navitimer" era.
Defining the "Old Navitimer": Features and Caliber Specifications
The "Old Navitimers," as commonly referred to by collectors, generally share several key characteristics:
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