Messages: 3 Location: Albuquerque, NM
Registered: October 2012
My father's Navitimer (photos added by mod)
Sun, 21 October 2012 23:12
When my dad was a young man, his big dream was to be a pilot. He joined the army during WWII, but was heartbroken to find out the astigmatism in his left eye disqualified him from flying. He became a helicopter mechanic during the war and did various kinds of mechanic work throughout his adult life. Then, in about 1964, he took private pilot lessons and - together with four other guys - bought a Cessna Piper Cub airplane. He was so excited! We took lots of trips in that plane, including one - our family of six in a four seat plane - from Santa Cruz, California to El Paso, TX, where my dad grew up.
A few months ago, when my dad passed away, my brother sent me a few of his things. I was touched to get his pocket knife, that I gave him as a gift about 40 years ago. He carried it every day. Also amongst his things was his Breitling Navitimer watch! I remember being mesmerised by this watch when I was little.
It seems to be in beautiful condition, though it isn't running and one of the sub-clock hands fell off and is loose on the face. I want to take it to a local watch repairman who specializes in vintage watches to have him clean, oil and repair it. I am curious to see the serial number inside the case, too. From pictures, it looks to me like an original mid 50s Navitimer, though I think he bought it in the 1960s.
Anything anyone can tell me about this watch (pictured) I would love to hear.
- JillGat