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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Breitling Navitimer 'Mille Miglia'

Partially verified

This Breitling Navitimer, identified as a 'Mille Miglia' variant, is a wristwatch produced in a limited edition of approximately 100 units featuring a solid 18K gold case. Dating to 1966, the timepiece includes an internally-rotatable bezel designed as a slide-rule navigation computer. The dial is black with three contrasting sub-dials and is signed 'Breitling Geneve'. The watch is powered by a Venus Calibre 178 movement. The object is noted for its provenance, having been owned by a member of the Royal Vintage Car Club Belgium who participated in the Mille Miglia rally, with specific details of this participation engraved on the caseback. The movement condition is described as brilliant.

Front view of the Breitling Navitimer in 18K gold, showing the black dial, slide-rule bezel, and leather strap.
Front view of the Breitling Navitimer in 18K gold, showing the black dial, slide-rule bezel, and leather strap. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Breitling
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1966
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The timepiece is housed in a solid 18K gold case, a material specification produced in a limited run of approximately 100 examples. The aesthetic follows the Navitimer design language, centered on a black dial configuration. The dial features three sub-dials and is marked with the 'Breitling Geneve' signature.

A defining feature is the internally-rotatable bezel, which serves as a slide-rule navigation computer. This tool-oriented design allowed for complex calculations, consistent with the model's original application for aviation. The external case features two pump-style chronograph pushers and a signed crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “One of only about 100 made in solid 18K gold”
  • “slide-rule navigation computer operated by an internally-rotatable bezel”

Movement and Performance

The watch is powered by the Venus Calibre 178 movement. This manual-wind chronograph caliber is a defining component of the watch's internal architecture, widely utilized in mid-century Breitling chronographs.

This mechanism drives the chronograph functionality, with the central seconds hand and sub-dials operated via the pushers located on the side of the gold case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powering this piece is the Venus Calibre 178 in brilliant shape.”

Provenance and Historical Context

The watch possesses a documented connection to automotive history. It was formerly owned by a member of the Royal Vintage Car Club Belgium who was an active participant in the Mille Miglia, a historic open-road endurance race.

Reflecting this ownership, the caseback of the watch carries custom engravings detailing this connection. These markings provide a tangible link to the specific usage of the watch within the vintage car community, distinguishing it from standard production models.

Evidence for this section
  • “owned by a legendary car and watch enthusiast who belonged to the Royal Vintage Car Club Belgium. He participated in the Mille Miglia, and had the caseback of this piece engraved with all the details.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific engravings present on the caseback to verify the Mille Miglia participation?
  • Can the serial number range for the 18K gold Navitimer production run be confirmed?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Navitimer 'Mille Miglia'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreitling“Vendor: Breitling”
Case material18K Gold“One of only about 100 made in solid 18K gold”
MovementVenus Calibre 178“Powering this piece is the Venus Calibre 178”
Date1966“this piece dates to 1966”
ProvenanceMember of the Royal Vintage Car Club Belgium“owned by a legendary car and watch enthusiast who belonged to the Royal Vintage Car Club Belgium”

Visible details

  • Three-register black dial with silver-toned sub-dials
  • Fluted, bi-directional rotating slide-rule bezel
  • Breitling logo signed on the winding crown
  • Top-mounted chronograph pushers

Research qualifications

  • Exact number of units produced is only estimated at 'about 100'
  • The specific identity of the former owner is not provided in the source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Breitling Navitimer 'Mille Miglia' با بدنه طلا

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ae55015e79

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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