Sweet, sweet find, Jason. Custodian or not, I envy you the experience.
I have a cousin who was a test pilot at Edwards decades ago. He claimed to me once that he needed his Breitling (he didn't use the term 'Navitimer') to do all the calculations he needed to do while in the cockpit. Seems amazing to me too, to be able to actually do that while flying a plane.
One thing that wasn’t clear to me was how it was able to be wound and put into use. Wouldn’t a watch that old would have old oils which would have dried out since 1967, leading to a real gritty or seized up crown?
It is in remarkably good condition for a 70-year old watch. Clearly it was well taken care of. I am only speculating on its service history based on the watchmakers' marks inside. Maybe it was serviced later than 1967. Regardless it runs well.
I have always loved vintage stuff and never really understood why, until now. Well written and what a cool thrift store catch!
A beautiful, elegiac post.
Sweet, sweet find, Jason. Custodian or not, I envy you the experience.
I have a cousin who was a test pilot at Edwards decades ago. He claimed to me once that he needed his Breitling (he didn't use the term 'Navitimer') to do all the calculations he needed to do while in the cockpit. Seems amazing to me too, to be able to actually do that while flying a plane.
This is precisely the sort of tale that would only happen on substack: a passionate discussion of an eccentric item and the people who love the item.
Well done, Jason
What an amazing find. And a fantastic history with who sounded like an amazing gentleman of action.
Of all of the Navitimers I’ve seen, I dare say that this one is the Top of the Ziggurat. What a fabulous story!
One thing that wasn’t clear to me was how it was able to be wound and put into use. Wouldn’t a watch that old would have old oils which would have dried out since 1967, leading to a real gritty or seized up crown?
It is in remarkably good condition for a 70-year old watch. Clearly it was well taken care of. I am only speculating on its service history based on the watchmakers' marks inside. Maybe it was serviced later than 1967. Regardless it runs well.
That’s awesome. Hope you get to keep it.
Beautifully written - as for the Navitimer, personally my favourite chronograph of all time.
Wonderfully evocative essay.
The tale about the previous owner was amazing. I could picture him wearing it. Oh, the stories that piece could tell.
Well, written Jason. Quite enjoyable to read. I feel the same way about some of the vintage stuff I own.