The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,

I've been looking to buy my first vintage watch, specifically I've been wanting a 809 cosmonaute. I've come across the following one on chrono24 which somehow grabbed my eye. I just seem to like the overal look (even disregarding the bracelet) better than most other available options, I quite like the patina I guess. Since this would be my first vintage buy I was wondering if you could help me identify any issues with this watch.

A couple of (possible) issues that I've identified myself:
- Bracelet is not original, it's a mid-eighties aerospace bracelet
- Case looks like it's been polished quite a bit over the years (or am I exaggerating, this being a 50 year old watch?)
- Patina on hands doesn't match the rest of the watch
- Shouldn't the slide rule have red markers? Although it doesn't look newer than the dial otherwise.

Anything else anyone can say, or least confirm these are indeed issues? Perhaps a valuation?

Thank you.

Lotte

https://www.chrono24.nl/breitling/cosmonaute-809--id3811823.htm

just looked at it and I dont like the dial ?
possibly an old service dial , maybe Fred or Kurt can chime in here

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

agree, dial & sliderule don't fit; assume sliderule is original to the watch and pre red accented dials; hands seem service too.

For my education, could you explain what makes you conclude that the dial is service?

Thanks.

because the font used on the numbers look slightly different
compare the '4' 's on the dial , all a bit different , and when you compare to a known original , its different again

here's one from Kurt : http://kurt-b.com/

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Also 'twin jets' symbol is different as is the 'G' in Breitling.


Will

And, you're right, case has been polished to death. Round lugs = no go


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Even though I would have bought it to wear instead of as a collectors item, I've decided I won't contact them, and will wait for a better one to come along. If anyone knows of any, feel free to let me know. Thanks.

How about this one?

https://www.chrono24.nl/breitling/navitimer-cosmonaute--id2852693.htm

Thank you!

Ive sid it before, so not a new comment, but personally I would not buy a cosmo to wear - a fine collectors piece but impossible to read the time on it after a lifetime of reading a 12 hour clock face!

Heh, I can see that. Although it is part of a collection in a sense that I like watches to be different from other ones I already own. I'm not saying that I own something (very) similar to a Navitimer, but the fact that it's something different appeals to me. It wouldn't be my daily watch anyway.

mediocre ....

Would you mind elaborating why that is? I'm happy to read up and do research, but some hints as to what, why and where to read up on it, would be really appreciated.

I do realise I come across as a total n00b, where to most of you things are very obvious and easy to find (if you know where to look). But I'm happy to do my homework, but if you just could point out to me where to look or what to look for, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Lotte

from first glance (not all issues mentioned or investigated properly)

lume completely blackened
paint missing from hands
dial greyish / spotted (moisture ?)
sliderulering not as nice as can be

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

sorry, missed the question, but Rene of course sums it up perfectly.

Thank you all for your help. I'll just keep looking for a nice example to come along, and hopefully next time I won't have to bug you so much about it

Please feel free to PM me if you see an example come along that would be a good first buy. (i.e. good, but not 'put in a musem' quality).