The story of the Cosmonaute started in 1959, when U.S Military Lt. Cmdr. Scott Carpenter was selected to be a part of the mercury program. With desire, Carpenter requested for Breitling to create a 24-Hour version of the famed Navitimer featuring its newly innovated side rule inner-revolving bezel capable of calculating multiple operations.

In 1961, Breitling released to the public their first Navitimer with a 24-Hour dial, referenced the 806 and still bearing Navitimer on the dial. In the second half of the same year, Breitling registered the name Cosmonaute, the production commenced soon after with a new reference, 809. The first-ever Breitling to be worn to space, the Cosmonaute has secured its place in history and with that adopted the new “twin planes” logo in 1965.

The present example Breitling Cosmonaute ref. 809 from 1968 is a very attractive example of this historically important timepiece. Confirmed by an email from Breitling, the present timepiece was manufactured in April 1968 with its corresponding case number. Extremely attractive and alluring with vintage aura, the Cosmonaute will certainly fit into any of the world’s most respected collection of vintage chronograph timepieces.