Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 809
$5,750.00
Overview
The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Ref. 809 is one of the most historically significant tool watches ever created, pairing the legendary Navitimer slide rule bezel with a 24-hour dial layout. This 41mm stainless steel chronograph retains the rugged aviation DNA of the Navitimer while embracing its role in space exploration history. The black dial with contrasting silver registers maintains the utilitarian charm of the 1960s while housing the manually wound Venus 178 movement, a workhorse of its era.
Collector Insight
The Cosmonaute was famously worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter during the Aurora 7 mission in 1962, making it the first Swiss wrist chronograph in space. Its 24-hour dial was specially designed to help astronauts distinguish day from night while orbiting Earth. Collectors value the Ref. 809 not only as an enduring symbol of aviation and space travel but also as a tangible link to Breitling’s golden age of tool watch innovation.
Highlights
41mm stainless steel case
Black dial with silver chronograph registers and 24-hour layout
Stainless steel bezel with slide rule scale
Black strap (period replacement) with steel pin buckle
Solid caseback
Breitling Caliber Venus 178 manual-wind chronograph movement
Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, 24-hour time display
Approx. 40-hour power reserve
Splash-resistant vintage watch
Condition
Fair with visible signs of wear and age consistent with vintage examples. Fully tested for accuracy before listing.
Set and Contents
Watch only. With no warranty card present, the watch is not covered under Breitling’s factory warranty.
Why This Watch
The Navitimer Cosmonaute Ref. 809 is an icon of both aviation and space exploration, forever linked to the dawn of human spaceflight. Its historic design, manual chronograph caliber, and 24-hour display make it one of the most collectible vintage Breitlings. This example represents an accessible entry into a reference that continues to fascinate enthusiasts worldwide.