Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Owner Review : Iconic, enigmatic and hypnotic

For my collection, I was looking for an aviation watch. I quickly chose an iconic model: the Navitimer! I first studied all the models for a long time because there are so many. It was then difficult to make a choice. The new models are very successful but I preferred to find a rare gem on the second-hand market, a unique version of this iconic watch. I narrowed my research on the Cosmonaute model for several reasons. First because it is a model with a fascinating history. It is the first Swiss chronograph to travel into space thanks to Scott Carpenter. And it was he himself who asked Breitling for a 24-hour dial in order to distinguish day from night in the darkness of space. I like this specificity because it makes it original and readable only to insiders. On the other hand, it makes the indexes tighter. So yes, it’s loaded, but I love it! It’s impossible to get bored looking at it! And among the Cosmonaut models, this reference has 2 more things. First, the date window that was not present on the original model and second, the chronograph is equipped with a flyback function. The dial is a “reverse panda”, black background and white subdials, with red accents on both the tip of the second hand and on the two scales of the slide rule. At noon we find the Breitling “Wings and Anchor” logo as well as the words “Chronometer” and “Automatic” which attest that the movement is COSC certified. The latter is a Breitling Cal. 22 movement on an ETA 2892 base modified with a Dubois Depraz flyback module. The hands are of the tapered baton type with a luminescent coating and the chronograph hand has a red arrowhead and a counterweight in the shape of the Breitling “B with anchor” logo. On the case back, we find the Breitling “Wings and Anchor” logo as well as a Celsius-Farenheit conversion scale, a small detail that I find very interesting. Finally, this model is equipped with a 7-link pilot bracelet emblematic of the brand. I find it very pleasant to wear because it fits the wrist perfectly but it is a pain to adjust it yourself. Another negative point, the clasp that I find difficult to open and not practical to use. The specificity of the Navitimer is of course its slide rule and when you know how to use it, it is a real pleasure to use it. In addition to multiplications and divisions, it allows you to perform rules of 3, calculate percentages, convert Miles to Kilometers or Swiss Francs to US Dollars. On this model, there is even a second scale for converting minutes to hours, which is quite practical. As for the negative, I am quite disappointed by the quality of the movement. I must admit that the flyback function does not always work, even when it is well wound and even after the service carried out at Breitling. The after-sales service of the brand leaves something to be desired. I also find that the chronograph lacks reaction speed. This is probably due to this modified movement. Finally, my opinion on the Breitling brand: It is a brand that makes me dream. It is associated with the world of aviation, adventure and exploits, in particular the round-the-world balloon trip. Georges Kern has been able to revitalize this heritage and give it a retro-chic-casual look that appeals to young people. Specs: 24-hour dial, Bidirectional bezel with slide rule, Chronograph with flyback function, small seconds at 3 o'clock, date at 4:30. Diameter: 41.5mm Thickness: 14.4mm Power reserve: 42 hours Year: 2007-2011 Ref: A22322 Depth: 30 m Steel case Sapphire crystal Breitling Cal. 22 automatic movement (ETA 2892 base and Dubois Depraz flyback module) COSC certified