Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 809

Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 809 Cosmonaute 'Wide Bezel' Navitimer - Reverse Panda - Exceptionally Rare Vintage 1962

Basic Info Listing code : OSA2J8 Brand : Breitling Model : Navitimer Cosmonaute Reference number : 809 Movement : Manual winding Case material : Steel Bracelet material : Leather Year of production : 1962 Condition : Used (Very good) Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United Kingdom, Harrogate Price : 32,500 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Manual winding Caliber/movement : Venus 178 Base caliber : Venus 178 Case Case material : Steel Case diameter : 42.5 mm Bezel material : Steel Crystal : Plexiglass Dial numerals : Arabic numerals Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Leather Functions Chronograph Other Product safety : Show information BREITLING Cosmonaute Navitimer WIDE BEZEL An extremely Rare and important example of a Wide Bezel Cosmonaute featuring the elusive Reverse Panda dial (one of 3 that has surfaced in the past 10 years). Released in 1962 the Cosmonaute was developed by Breitling in collaboration with the Astronaut Scott Carpenter after he became fond of the Navitimer chronographs he had seen on the wrists of Air Force pilots and suggested modifications that could be applied to better suit Space travel for the NASA Mercury missions. The modifications included – Firstly to re-calibrate the Venus 178 movement to show on a 24-hour dial. The 90-minute orbit of the crew resulted in frequent changes from light to dark and this would make it easier to keep track of time. There is the obvious change to the numbered markers on the dial to show a full 24 hours and finally the beaded bezel was made wider, tapering outwards to make it easier for the bezel to be operated and rotated whilst wearing gloves. Giving the original 809 it’s unique and iconic look and making the overall watch now measures 42.5mm versus the standard Navitimer at circa 40.5mm. Case Beaded ‘Wide Bezel’ Bezel Stainless steel 42.5 mm diameter Signed Breitling crown Rotating inner Slide Rule bezel Movement Valjoux 178 calibre mechanical manual winding Signed Breitling Watch Ltd WOG import code Dial Reverse Panda Gold Applied Wings logo with Breitling printed text Black dial with Silver sub dials and Arabic numerals (Sought after Cream patina to the markers and hands) Strap New JPM tan brown leather vintage style strap and steel pin buckle Complete with Breitling Archive Extract Certificate Confirming watch details and manufacture Case number - 809 Dating to June 1962 Serial number - 955xxx In overall excellent condition with minor wear to the case and marks to the case back. A highly sought after piece in original and correct condition that almost never comes to market… £32,500