The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello together,

I am new to the forum and new to the brand.

I am considering to buy a Cosmonaute, because I like the history (first watch in space) and the cool 24h dial. I have many other watches but no 24h dial.

Currently, I am leaning to get a semi-vintage model (1985 - 1999) as I like the Lemania movement and the fact, that the cases probably do not build as high compared to later models? Is that correct? Also, the semi-vintage models have tritium dial and hands, if they were not changed during a service after 2000 or so. At the same time, the patina is still nice. 99% of the vintage 806 have horrible lume, faded side rulers and/or non-original parts.

However, a manufacture movement is also fascinating and supposedly the B1 is supposed to be very good.

Which model would you get? What other parameters are there to look out for? Is the quality of cases, hands and dials better in manufacture models compared to the semi-vintage ones?

I dont have experience with vintage watches, but this one from 1962 looks great:

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Breitling Transocean Day Date, Breitling Transocean Chronograph, Breitling Colt Chronograph II, Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44, Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute

Here is some information that you might enjoy:
https://wristreview.com/a-brief-history-of-the-breitling-navitimer/

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Breitling Transocean Day Date, Breitling Transocean Chronograph, Breitling Colt Chronograph II, Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44, Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute

Personally I much prefer the modern B02 equipped version as firstly I don't really go in for patina, I like in-house movements, and the build quality/finish is as good as it's ever been. The only thing I don't like about the most recent Cosmonaute is the 4:30 date position, especially how it cuts into the "10" on the dial. Hideous!

A lot of the older ones didn't have a date at all, and they look a million times better for it..... but then you have patina (i.e. wear) and an essentially off the shelf movement.

Depends what's more important to you.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

only that it’s a 1965/66

The link says 1962:
http://www.worldwatchreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/breitling-navitimer-cosmonaute-1962.jpg

But I rather listen to you, WatchFred, so 1965/66 it is. Still a very nice looking Cosmonaute.

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Breitling Transocean Day Date, Breitling Transocean Chronograph, Breitling Colt Chronograph II, Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44, Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute

This model is amazing. I love it

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Breitling Watch Reviews

I'll like to agree with driver 8. The modern B02 would be great.

You should make sure you’re happy with a 24 hour dial. Personally I find them very awkward to tell the time with! If that’s all you ever wore, I’m sure your brain would eventually adjust, but if you wear multiple watches, it’s a challenge.....

Thank you for the input.

Still not sure, which way to go... On wristshots I realized that the Lemania-based Cosmonauts have subdials which are very close together, making the dial very cramped.

The modern B02 would be my go to due to slight personal preference.