Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 809

Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute FULL SET Chrono Manual 12 Hour Dial Non-Cosmonaute Version

Basic Info Listing code : OW0PR4 Brand : Breitling Model : Navitimer Cosmonaute Reference number : 809 Movement : Manual winding Case material : Steel Bracelet material : Leather Year of production : 1966 Condition : Used (Good) Scope of delivery : Original box, original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United Kingdom Price : 3,195 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Manual winding Caliber/movement : Venus 178 Base caliber : Venus 175 Power reserve : 45 h Number of jewels : 17 Frequency : 18000 A/h Case Case material : Steel Case diameter : 42 x 48 mm Thickness : 12 mm Bezel material : Gold-plated Crystal : Plexiglass Dial : Black Dial numerals : Lines Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Leather Bracelet color : Black Lug width : 22 mm Clasp : Buckle Clasp material : Steel Buckle width : 20 mm Functions Chronograph, Tachymeter Other Central seconds, Small seconds, Rotating Bezel, Only Original Parts, Vintage Here I have for sale a vintage Breitling Navitimer, 12 hour dial, non Cosmonaute version, reference 809 from 1967 (although Chrono24 list it erroneously as a "Cosmonaute"!). The watch is in good condition, full working order and with the rare advantage of coming as a FULL SET! The watch comes with its original Breitling box, Navitimer instructions booklet and International Guarantee Certificate, dated December 18, 1967 (by the factory, although the serial number on the inside of the case-back indicates an actual production date of 1966) and January 22, 1968 by the vendor, namely “Watches of Switzerland Ltd., 377, Strand, London, WC2”. (The premises is now occupied by a clothing and equipment store, “Mountain Warehouse”!). The watch measures 42 mm in diameter and has a thickness of 12 mm -just nice dimensions and not obtrusive at all on the wrist. (The photos show the watch on my 7 inch wrist). The watch is presented in a stainless steel and gold filled case (it could be plate but from the quality, I doubt it). The whole body is filled with the case-back in steel. However, the signed crown appears to have lost its golden hue. Obviously, with use over several years one might expect this. It could simply be a replacement steel Breitling crown of course we will never know! The gold on the case itself appears sound with only light wear at the ends of the two chronograph pushers (which one would expect of course). The traditional black Navitimer dial exhibits Arabic and baton markers, a “double plane” logo with three subsidiary dials for seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour registers below. Positioned pointing at the 12 o’clock mark is the characteristic and most attractive red tipped chronograph hand. The multi-directional bezel has an inner slide rule and outer scales. To the side of the watch are located three buttons, two to operate the chronograph -the upper for “start” and the lower for “stop” and “return”. Between these buttons the Breitling signed crown is found, used for winding the watch and of course setting the time. The snap on case-back itself is stamped with “stainless steel back” “Breitling” and the model number, “809”. The case-back does show a light engraving, namely the letters “J.P.W.” and obviously someone’s initials. I believe the letters to be light enough to be polished out if so desired. These personalisations are of course a matter of opinion. In my mind, if they have been there for many years, perhaps from the beginning then they are as much a part of the history of the watch as anything else and should be left alone. You may disagree of course! The watch is powered by the reliable manual wind Venus 178 caliber movement (Venus later evolved into the Valjoux “7 series” of movements). The 178 had a power reserve of approximately 45 hours when new, 17 jewels and a beat rate of 18000 v.p.h. The movement is popular in vintage chronograph circles as it employs a “column wheel” chronograph and a “Breguet” hairspring. This particular movement in the 809 operates a typical 12 hour dial. Most 809’s found on the market today are Navitimer Cosmonaute examples, running 24 hour dials. Roughly 10% of 809's are not labelled "Cosmonautes" and with their 12 hour dials are more akin to their 806 siblings. From the internet -"Yes, it's true that some Breitling 809 Navitimers have 12-hour dials. While the Breitling 809 is primarily known as the "Cosmonaute" with its distinctive 24-hour dial, Breitling also produced standard 12-hour Navitimers with the reference number 809. These 12-hour versions were not specifically designed for space travel like the Cosmonaute but were part of the broader Navitimer line. The main visual distinction between the 809 Cosmonaute and other 809 Navitimers is the dial layout. The Cosmonaute has a 24-hour dial, while the standard 809 Navitimers have a 12-hour dial. " As previously mentioned, this ensemble comes as a FULL SET with original box, international certificate from 1967/8 and the original Navitimer instruction booklet. When one considers their age I think they are in remarkedly good condition! The watch is presented on a new black leather strap with pin buckle. There you have it -a rather rare Navitimer 809 with a 12 hour dial, original papers, original box and representing a great opportunity for purchasing a little piece of history! FREE SHIPPING AND INSURANCE WORLDWIDE!