Vintage Breitling Cosmonaute

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Any owners of this here?

I’m looking at a 41mm 70’s model

Anything to be particularly aware/careful of?

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

Any owners of this here?



I’m looking at a 41mm 70’s model



Anything to be particularly aware/careful of?

Case over-polishing is the biggest issue that cannot be reversed, so I would avoid a case that is over polished. Next, some visible parts are hard to come by, so you would need to factor in time and/or exceptional extra costs for a watch that needs parts. Best to avoid or negotiate hard on a watch that needs correction of the dial and/or slide rule. Other visible parts are available regularly, but expensive. Lastly, buy on authenticity, condition and provenance from a seller you can trust.

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Thanks very much for your advice

The more I look into them, I’m getting a bit confused I think.

What is the difference between an a12019 and an 81600? Is it simply the years they were made?

Then the 809, how does this differ from those two?

I’m assuming it’s the dial and that the movement has been updated but is there any real disernable difference?

I’m leaning towards an 81600

And does the ‘Scott Carpenter’ ltd edition actually make it more collectible?

Thanks again

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

What is the difference between an a12019 and an 81600? Is it simply the years they were made?

Same watch from the Schneider-era, but a12019 is the later reference. These were made from 1985 to 1991. There were also other reference numbers for very similar watches with the same movement from 1992 to 2001, after which the movement was changed. There was also a display-back model made just in 1995.

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

Then the 809, how does this differ from those two?

I’m assuming it’s the dial and that the movement has been updated but is there any real disernable difference?

The 809 is the Breitling-era Cosmonaute It is considered the vintage version, having been introduced in 1961, but initially under the same reference number as the Navitimer, 806. They are quite different watches to the Schneider-era Cosmonautes, which despite the visual similarities, was largely redesigned. The most obvious visible difference is the flat vs pie-pan slide rule.

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

And does the ‘Scott Carpenter’ ltd edition actually make it more collectible?

Not really, but maybe a little. Breitling LEs don't usually attract much of premium.

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Thanks brother. It is on the hit list

[In-Cog-Neeto]

I’ve just seen an 18kt gold k12020 with exhibition back

I think I’m in love