The Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 "AOPA" from the 1950s is one of the most significant pieces in aviation horology. Developed in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), this 41mm manual-winding chronograph was designed as a literal "flight computer" for the wrist.

• Case: Approximately 41mm in diameter, typically stainless steel with a "beaded" bezel edge for easy grip while wearing flight gloves.

• Movement: Primarily powered by the Venus 178, a highly regarded column-wheel manual-wind movement known for its robustness.

  • Note: A few ultra-rare "Pre-806" examples from 1954–1955 used the Valjoux 72.

• Dial: The defining characteristic is the all-black dial featuring the AOPA winged logo at 12 o’clock. Unlike later models, early 1950s AOPA versions often lacked the "Breitling" brand name entirely on the dial.

• Slide Rule: A bidirectional rotating bezel with logarithmic scales that allows pilots to calculate fuel consumption, ground speed, and rate of climb/descent.

• Glass: High-domed acrylic (Plexiglass) crystal, chosen for its shatter-resistance in cockpit environments.

• Aesthetic Evolution: 1950s models feature "all-black" sub-dials. The iconic "reverse panda" look (black dial with white sub-dials) did not arrive until 1963.

• Bezel Beads: The number of beads on the bezel decreased over time; 1950s versions typically have around 125 small beads, which were later reduced in number but increased in size for better grip.