Breitling Cosmonaute

Why We Love It

The Breitling Cosmonaute is one of the most instantly recognizable models from the aviation-centric brand, in no small part due to because of its close resemblance to the Navitimer, with which it shares a case, movement, and most of its design elements. 

One of the first things you notice when viewing this piece is the extremely busy and intricate dial. Complex but yet organized, this Cosmonaute is not only a visual treat, but to an experienced pilot, a functional navigational tool.

At 42mm, it's no doubt a significant piece of steel to sport, and with the watch on, you'll channel your inner 1960s test pilot - pushing further into the heavens to expand the reach of mankind.

In extremely good condition throughout, this particular example also features a strong case, crisp lugs, and a stunning glossy dial with Breitling's signature "Twin Jets" logo. Perhaps most importantly, this timepiece retains its correct slide rule bezel insert - which were commonly water damaged and replaced with low quality aftermarket parts.

For the lover of aviation and space history, this is an essential piece of kit!

The Story

When Breitling designed the Navitimer in the early 1950s, the concept of a civilian tool watch was a novel idea. Watch companies produced a few purpose-designed pieces for military use in the early 20th century, but most watches that were sold at retailers were designed with purely fashion in mind. In the 1950s and 1960s, the tool watch market exploded, fueled by the popularity of SCUBA diving and the growing interest in aviation. Breitling was one of the earliest manufactures to respond to the trend when they released the Navitimer in 1954.

Most passers-by would refer to the Navitimer as a watch, but that’s not quite right. This is a wrist-worn navigational computer. The Navitimer’s most distinctive feature, the slide rule bezel, is used by pilots to calculate airspeed, ascent and decent rates, flight time, distance traveled, fuel consumption and even imperial to metric unit conversions. The Navitimer truly is a computer, and also happens to be one of the best damn looking watches out there. 

On the 24th May 1962, the Astronaut Scott Carpenter orbited the Earth three times in the Aurora 7 space capsule. Aiding him in his endeavours was a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute with 24-hour dial. The special design in place of the usual 12-hour denomination was suggested by the astronaut as it was not possible to distinguish between day and night when in orbit. As a result of this connection, collectors now refer to the reference 809 with 24-hour dial as the “Scott Carpenter” and is viewed as an attractive alternative to the Omega Speedmaster to acquire a manually wound chronograph with a connection to space travel. 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.