Just purchased a vintage Navitimer, need some help... AOPA vs NON AOPA DIALS

[ucfguy1987]

So I just purchased this vintage 1960 Navitimer 806 model.

I was a little confused as to what constitutes an AOPA dial and what doesn't, I've tried Google and forums to no avail. It's a 1960 model, all black dial and subdials, everything is in original condition with the Venus 178 movement.

My question is, is this considered an AOPA dial? I've seen similar listings list "AOPA" dial specifically and charged a significant premium, this one was not listed as having an AOPA dial, but I honestly can't tell the difference between the watch WITH and AOPA dial and the one without the AOPA dial specified.

Can anyone please help explain this to me? Thank you!!

Attached pics below.

[MILGAUSS88]

Yes, the wing and shield symbol belongs to AOPA, not Breitling.
Personally, I think the AOPA dials are more plentiful then the non AOPA dials.
At least in the USA.

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by ucfguy1987

I was a little confused as to what constitutes an AOPA dial and what doesn't, I've tried Google and forums to no avail. It's a 1960 model, all black dial and subdials, everything is in original condition with the Venus 178 movement.

My question is, is this considered an AOPA dial? I've seen similar listings list "AOPA" dial specifically and charged a significant premium, this one was not listed as having an AOPA dial, but I honestly can't tell the difference between the watch WITH and AOPA dial and the one without the AOPA dial specified.

Can anyone please help explain this to me?

I'm probably going to be challenged on this opinion, but I would not consider that an AOPA dial. If you look at the diagonal banner on the shield between the wings on your watch, it does not have "AOPA" there, and the dial also has Breitling’s name and logo there too. As I understand it, until 1962, when the International Council of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association was established, it was a purely US organisation, and it sold Navitimers directly to its members in the USA. I believe that Breitling sold Navitimers with unsigned wings and other dial variations directly into markets outside of the US.

The above said, I believe the dial on your watch is rarer than any AOPA dialled Navitimer.