The Breitling Navitimer, a name synonymous with aviation history and horological excellence, boasts a rich lineage. Within that lineage, the Navitimer with the Lemania 81600 movement holds a particularly coveted place among collectors. This article delves into the intricacies of this specific model, exploring its history, features, variations, and the reasons behind its enduring appeal, particularly focusing on those produced in the 1980s, often referenced as the Breitling Navitimer 81600 Lemania. At a price point often hovering around $9,998.00 (depending on condition and provenance), it represents a significant investment, but one many consider well worth the cost given the watch's heritage and mechanical prowess.
The Heart of the Beast: The Lemania 1873 & 81600
The key to understanding the desirability of the Breitling Navitimer 81600 lies in its movement: the Lemania 1873. This legendary manual-winding chronograph caliber, produced by the esteemed Lemania company (now a part of Swatch Group), is renowned for its robust construction, accuracy, and distinctive architecture. While the reference number often cited is 81600, it's crucial to understand that this refers to the Breitling reference number designating the watch as a whole, and not the movement itself. The movement inside is the Lemania 1873, a workhorse known for its reliability and longevity. The 81600 designation encompasses various iterations of the Navitimer produced throughout the 1980s, each with subtle variations in dial, case, and even the specific variant of the Lemania 1873 movement used.
The Lemania 1873 is a column-wheel chronograph, a feature highly sought after by watch enthusiasts. Column-wheel chronographs offer a smoother, more refined activation of the chronograph functions compared to cam-actuated mechanisms. This contributes to a more pleasing tactile experience when using the chronograph pushers and a generally more luxurious feel. The movement's architecture is also visually appealing, often showcasing intricate detailing visible through the exhibition caseback (depending on the specific model). The manual winding mechanism adds to the watch's charm, requiring a daily ritual of winding, forging a deeper connection between the owner and the timepiece. This is a stark contrast to the ubiquitous automatic movements prevalent in modern watches.
Variations and Distinguishing Features: A Collector's Puzzle
The Breitling Navitimer 81600 encompasses a range of subtle variations, making each piece unique. These variations can include:
* Dial variations: Different dial colors (black being the most common), variations in the font style of the numerals, and even subtle differences in the placement of subdials can be seen across different examples. Collectors often focus on finding specific dial variations they favor, adding another layer of complexity and appeal to the pursuit of these watches.
* Case materials: While stainless steel was the most common case material, some rarer examples might exist in gold or other precious metals. The case size and finishing also varied slightly depending on the production year.
* Hand variations: The hands, while generally similar in design, can show minor variations in shape and style, adding to the uniqueness of individual examples.
* Movement variations: While all use the Lemania 1873 as a base, subtle internal differences might exist due to manufacturing tolerances and evolution over the years. These differences are usually not visually apparent but are of interest to serious collectors and watchmakers.
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