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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Breitling Cosmonaute Navitimer 24h Ref. 809.4

Partially verified

This Breitling Cosmonaute Navitimer 24h, reference 809.4, dates to the 1970s and is characterized by a 41.5 mm gold-plated and stainless steel case. The timepiece features a distinctive 24-hour dial layout with luminous Arabic numerals and indices, accompanied by three silver-toned guilloché registers for the chronograph functions. The movement is a manual-wind Caliber 178 with 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance. Designed for aviation utility, the watch incorporates a telemeter scale and a bidirectional revolving reeded bezel that operates an outer slide-rule scale. The watch is presented with a period Breitling presentation case, a factory case-back sticker, and issue number 37 of International Wristwatch magazine. It is reported to be in a preserved, original condition. The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

Front view of the Breitling Cosmonaute Navitimer 24h, showing the gold-plated case, reeded bezel, and 24-hour black dial.
Front view of the Breitling Cosmonaute Navitimer 24h, showing the gold-plated case, reeded bezel, and 24-hour black dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Breitling
Reference
809.4
Catalogue / lot identifier
25
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1164037

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The timepiece features a three-body case measuring 41.5 mm in diameter and 13 mm in thickness. The construction utilizes a combination of gold-plated material for the main body and a stainless steel case-back. A bi-directional revolving reeded bezel is integrated into the design to facilitate the use of the slide-rule functions.

The dial displays a two-tone black and silver color scheme. It incorporates luminous Arabic numerals and indices configured for a 24-hour readout. Three subsidiary registers provide chronograph timing, while the outer periphery of the dial features a telemeter scale and a silver scale for the slide-rule calculation. The hands are gilt and luminous.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished, bi-directional revolving reeded bezel, facted lugs, stainless steel back.”
  • “Bi-color black and silver with luminous Arabic numerals and indexes in 24 hours, subsidiary guilloché dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a Caliber 178 movement, finished in a copper color. This mechanical movement employs 17 jewels and uses a straight-line lever escapement. The balance assembly is monometallic and incorporates a shock absorber system and a blued steel flat balance spring.

The chronograph functionality is operated via round push-buttons. The movement, dial, and case are all signed by the maker. The auction description includes a report on the current condition of these components, indicating a recommendation for an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 178, copper-colored, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, blued steel flat balance spring.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Provenance and Included Accessories

The watch is accompanied by several auxiliary items, including a period-appropriate Breitling presentation case and a factory-supplied case-back sticker. Additionally, the lot includes issue number 37 of International Wristwatch magazine.

According to the auction documentation, the watch is referenced in an article within the 1998 edition of the mentioned magazine.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by a period Breitling presentation case, factory case-back sticker and issue number 37 of International Wristwatch magazine.”
  • “This Cosmonaute is in original, virtually "new/old stock" condition and is mentioned in an article of the 1998 Wristwatch magazine”

Open research questions

  • Verify if the specific issue 37 of International Wristwatch magazine contains photographic proof of this specific serial number.
  • Determine the exact factory production period for reference 809.4.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Cosmonaute Navitimer 24h Ref. 809.4
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreitling, Genève“Breitling, Genève”
Reference809.4“Ref. 809.4”
Serial Number1164037“No.1164037”
MovementCal. 178“M. Cal. 178”
Case Diameter41.5 mm“Diam. 41.5 mm.”
Dial Features24-hour dial with three guilloché registers“Bi-color black and silver with luminous Arabic numerals and indexes in 24 hours, subsidiary guilloché dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers”
ConditionReported as new/old stock“This Cosmonaute is in original, virtually "new/old stock" condition”

Visible details

  • Bi-directional revolving reeded bezel
  • Triple register chronograph layout
  • 24-hour hour markers on the dial
  • Gold-plated case with stainless steel case-back

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul status is unverified as the auction description recommends service
  • Exact provenance of the magazine article is based on auction claims

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

BREITLING COSMONAUTE NAVITI MER 24H Breitling, Genève, Ref. 809.4 No.1164037 "Cosmonaut Navitimer 24h". Made in the 1970s. Fine, large, gold-plated and stainless steel wristwatch with 24-hour dial, round button chronograph, registers, telemeter and slide-rule. Accompanied by a period Breitling presentation case, factory case-back sticker and issue number 37 of International Wristwatch magazine. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4f64ed06f2

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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