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This is a serious vintage Breitling, and more importantly, an honest one with real history behind it.
The Navitimer Cosmonaute Ref. 809 is one of the most important variations of the Navitimer ever produced. Its story is directly tied to space exploration. In the early 1960s, astronaut Scott Carpenter requested a modified Navitimer with a 24 hour dial, allowing him to distinguish between day and night while orbiting the Earth. That watch became the Cosmonaute, and it was worn during the Mercury Atlas 7 mission in 1962.
This reference represents that shift. A tool watch adapted for space.
This 1960 example stands out for its originality and condition.
The case remains completely unpolished, retaining its original shape, sharp edges and correct proportions. On a Navitimer, this is critical. The integrity of the case is everything, and here it remains exactly as it should.
The dial tells the real story.
A gilt black dial that shows honest signs of ageing, exactly what you want to see on a watch of this era. The ageing is natural and even, adding depth and character while remaining entirely original. Nothing feels forced or altered.
The slide rule is equally important. It remains original and correct, with the same honest wear you would expect. These are often replaced or overly cleaned, but here it retains its authenticity and ties the watch together as a complete, original piece.
Inside sits the Venus 178 manual wind chronograph movement, one of the most respected chronograph calibres of its time. Robust, proven and historically significant, it underpins the watch with real mechanical credibility.
Key Features
Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Ref. 809
Year 1960
Venus 178 manual wind chronograph movement
41mm stainless steel case, unpolished
Original gilt black dial with honest ageing
Original slide rule
24 hour Cosmonaute configuration
Acrylic crystal
Brown handmade leather strap
Additional worn Breitling strap with pin buckle
A Word on Condition
This is a watch defined by its honesty.
The case remains unpolished with strong lines and excellent definition. The gilt dial shows natural, even ageing consistent with its age, and remains entirely original. The slide rule is also original and presents exactly as it should.
Nothing has been over restored or altered. It is cohesive, correct and true to the period.
As with every watch we sell, this piece has been fully inspected and professionally serviced where required to meet our exacting standards.
Why Buy This Watch
Early Navitimers are all about originality and history.
The Cosmonaute takes that further, tying the watch directly to one of the most important periods in exploration. It is not just a chronograph, it is a tool designed for space, with a story to match.
Collectors are increasingly focusing on watches that combine originality with historical significance, and this piece delivers both.
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We prioritise condition, originality and overall integrity over the presence of box and papers. All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging, full documentation and a 12 month warranty as standard.
A correct, honest and historically important Navitimer.