In 1952, Breitling designed for the influential US AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) a revolutionary watch combining a chronograph and an E6B type flight computer of that would allow its members to perform all kinds of calculations necessary in flight: average speed, fuel consumption, distance, conversion kilometers in miles.
These challenging requirements were made possible by a logarithmic slide rule integrated into a rotating bezel. The Navitimer was born, with presumably the first examples produced in 1954.
In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter, after seeing a Navitimer on a pilot’s wrist, contacted Breitling to ask if they could modify one for his upcoming flight. In particular, he asked to replace the usual 12-hour function by a 24-hour function, the only way to know the real time in space. Breitling agreed and Carpenter received his Cosmonaute a few days before making three orbits around the Earth aboard Aurora 7. It was the first wrist chronograph worn in space.
Shortly after, Breitling decided to market this special 24-hour version to the public under the reference 809.
The present model, reference 809, is a black-silver Cosmonaute, aka “reverse panda” with the Twin Jet dial. It is considered the sixth execution (Mk 6) of the Cosmonaute. Its main feature is a double signature on the dial with the addition of LIP under the logo. LIP was a French watch company that collaborated with Breitling in the 1960s to distribute their models in France.
#1.091.xxx was produced in 1966. The Cosmonaute itself is not that common, but such an outstanding condition and the double signature make it a very rare bird. The Watch Score, reflecting its condition and conformity is 9.2. It receives an Extra Score of 2 for its LIP dial.
Our WATCHFID Rating is 11.2.
Creating a free account will allow you to become an Explorer member of the Club (access to our newsletter, to the wishlist feature, and possibility to submit your watches for sale). For more exclusive services, explore our 2 other tiers of membership – Connoisseur or Collector – with a larger range of benefits and special offers.
In 1952, Breitling designed for the influential US AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) a revolutionary watch combining a chronograph and an E6B type flight computer of that would allow its members to perform all kinds of calculations necessary in flight: average speed, fuel consumption, distance, conversion kilometers in miles.
These challenging requirements were made possible by a logarithmic slide rule integrated into a rotating bezel. The Navitimer was born, with presumably the first examples produced in 1954.
In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter, after seeing a Navitimer on a pilot’s wrist, contacted Breitling to ask if they could modify one for his upcoming flight. In particular, he asked to replace the usual 12-hour function by a 24-hour function, the only way to know the real time in space. Breitling agreed and Carpenter received his Cosmonaute a few days before making three orbits around the Earth aboard Aurora 7. It was the first wrist chronograph worn in space.
Shortly after, Breitling decided to market this special 24-hour version to the public under the reference 809.
The present model, reference 809, is a black-silver Cosmonaute, aka “reverse panda” with the Twin Jet dial. It is considered the sixth execution (Mk 6) of the Cosmonaute. Its main feature is a double signature on the dial with the addition of LIP under the logo. LIP was a French watch company that collaborated with Breitling in the 1960s to distribute their models in France.
#1.091.xxx was produced in 1966. The Cosmonaute itself is not that common, but such an outstanding condition and the double signature make it a very rare bird. The Watch Score, reflecting its condition and conformity is 9.2. It receives an Extra Score of 2 for its LIP dial.
Our WATCHFID Rating is 11.2.
The purpose of this document is to determine whether the constituent parts of the watch are conform to the model reference /period or not, and to value their condition and importance.
All the watches are provided with a digital certificate (the Watchfid-ID), that will be uploaded on your protected and anonymous digital wallet.
This document presents each watch in the most objective and detailed manner possible, thanks to a substantiated analysis, high-resolution photos designed to highlight all elements of the watch and an innovative rating system. Available in printed and digital versions.
On request and when available, an extract of the archives from the manufacturer can be obtained.
Please fill out the form. We’ll be back to you shortly. Thank you.
