http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260780648039&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp3984.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D260780648039%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1
I sent them an email trying to explain in layman terms; "Hi. Fwiw, some simple research online will show you that a Breitling of this model with 809 on the back is a Cosmonaute and not a Navitimer. The Cosmonaute is a 24hr watch and has a 24 where the Navitimer has a 12 on the dial. They also do not use the Valjoux 7736 movement but use the Venus 178 in both the Navitimer and Cosmonaute. The movement in your watch is the wrong one and isn't marked Breitling as are all Breitling movements of this era. Pretty obvious this watch has been completely rebuilt over the years. Good luck with your auction."
I get this in response; "It is probably better that when you consider yourself an expert you may want to keep your opinions to yourself. If you were to do some research, i.e consult the book written by Benno Richter or look online you will clearly see that Breitling often installed raw movements from Venus, FEF,FHF,Valjoux or ETA. These could would be installed into any case from Breitling by Breitling themselves. This particularly happened from 1967 when a limited number of Navitimers with Valjoux 7736 movements were produced concomitantly. The likely reason for this is that the success of the Navitimer caused Breilting to manufacture so large batches of Navitimers that occasional Venus 178 movement shortages occurred. Another reason why I list this as a Navitimer is that ... it says Navitimer on the dial and not Cosmonaute, it has a 12 on the dial as well, so maybe you should get glasses."
A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing I guess but always up for a challenge I responded with; "Interesting and thoughtful reply. You are correct, Breitling did install the 7736 movement in some 806 Navitimers (notice I said 806 Navitimers not 809) but these were clearly marked 806-36 on the back cover. These movements were always marked Breitling inside on the movement itself. What I was trying to explain to you was if the watch is marked 809 on the back it's not a Navitimer but a Cosmonaute. You can look that up in Richters book which I've had a copy of for 15 years. The COSMONAUTE has 809 marked back cover not the Navitimer. In your ad you say "My father collected watches, repaired and made watches" which pretty much sums it all up. He put this one together from various parts. The proof is in the pudding though and just watch how many bids you get on it. I've been dealing in vintage Breitlings for 17 years and was just trying to help you out in describing your watch. Have a wonderful day."
Guess I was bored this morning.
