We have here a very special Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute. This watch is in excellent condition, with its original finish still looking as sharp as it did in 1969.
The 24 hour dial was designed to assist Lt. Commander Scott Carpenter from distinguishing day from night during his three-loop orbit around Earth in the Aurora 7 capsule in 1962. This watch also has a bi-directional slide rule bezel, telemeter, three subsidiary dials for the seconds, 12-hour and 30-minute recorders.
The 41mm, stainless steel case houses the famous, manual wind Venus 178 caliber with 17 jewels. We have left the case unpolished with its original finish. We've paired this watch on a a brown leather racing strap but various strap options are available.
This watch comes with it's original booklet and one of our own presentation boxes.
Extra Points
Breitling was established in 1884 by Leon Breitling in the Swiss Jura Mountains. In 1915, Gaston Breitling introduced a pusher at 2 o’clock to start, stop and reset the chronograph, which was later moved to the 4 o'clock position. During 1939, Breitling shipped a huge quantity of chronographs to the Royal Air Force.
During the war with Germany surrounding Switzerland Leon and some friends created a makeshift runway near their factory. Planes would use the car's headlights as a guide to land. Once on the ground, they were quickly loaded, taking off before the Germans knew what's going on.
Breitling introduced the “Navitimer” in 1952, a navigation computer used to calculate a flight plan. In 1969, they introduced a self-winding chronograph movement. During the early days of space exploration, Breitling sent the first chronograph wristwatch into space with Lt. Commander Scott Carpenter when orbited the earth three times whilst wearing a modified Navitimer, also known as the Cosmonaute, which we have here. In 2017 the company was sold to CVC Capital Partners, Europe's largest private equity firm.
The watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop (we have done no case work to this watch) and with our 12 months, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
One of our favourite vintage chronographs. A real mathematical instrument where multiple calculations can be performed, as well as all the usual time and chronograph functions. The Navitimer is still in production today, but it simply does not have the charm of this original vintage example!
Spec Stuff
Serial : 10305***
Reference : 809
Movement : Venus 178, 17 jewels Age :1961/1970 Specific Age : 1969 Case Size : 41mm Case Thickness :13mm Lug to Lug : 48mm Lugs :22mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Booklet Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1969 Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 24hr Chronograph Pilot's Wristwatch in Stainless Steel Model 809 + Booklet
