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…

£29,500