What We Know
In 1952, Breitling released the Navitimer as a tool of necessity for pilots who needed to perform advanced calculations in the cockpit. A decade later, it was adapted for space flight, and the Cosmonaute was born. For many, myself included, this watch is peak, emblematic Breitling, yet until now, the manual-wind versions closest to those originals were mostly limited editions. Now both will join the mainline collection.
The Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 and Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute both come in 41mm stainless steel cases with reverse-panda dials, a bidirectional bezel, and a circular slide rule. The B09 is available with a black or blue dial, white rehaut, and subdials, while the Cosmonaute has a black dial with white subdials. Both feature the Twin Jet logo, first introduced in 1957, set in gold, which really pops against the monochromatic dials. The hands, numerals, and indexes are filled with Super-LumiNova.
Breitling is well aware of proportions here. It eschews the date window on the B09, and Breitling says that, along with the manual-wind caliber, this gives it a slimmer case profile. Both cases measure 13mm thick and 47 mm lug-to-lug, with a cambered sapphire crystal that is anti-reflective on both sides, a screwed-in sapphire caseback, a non-screw-down crown, and 30 meters of water resistance.
Each watch draws on a different chapter of Navitimer history. The B09 is modeled on the 1960s Navitimer worn by Jim Clark and Graham Hill, racing drivers who also flew aircraft. The Cosmonaute follows the watch Breitling developed for Scott Carpenter’s Mercury-Atlas 7 flight, which used a 24-hour display to track time beyond the cycle of day and night. Carpenter wore it into orbit on May 24, 1962, and Breitling says it was the first Swiss wristwatch in space.
Continuing the theme of getting back to its roots, both watches are manual-wind chronographs. The B09 is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09. This is the first time the caliber has appeared in the core collection. Before this, it was used only in limited editions and commemorative pieces, most recently the Navitimer Tribute to Miles Davis released at Geneva Watch Days. The Cosmonaute uses the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02, a 24-hour chronograph movement used only in the Cosmonaute. Both calibers measure 30mm across, beat at 28,800 vph, have a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and are COSC-certified.
The black B09 comes on a hand-applied brown gradient calf-leather strap, and the blue B09 comes on a blue gradient calf-leather strap. Both straps have a folding clasp with release buttons. The Cosmonaute comes on either a hand-applied brown gradient calfskin strap with a folding clasp or a seven-row stainless steel bracelet with satin and polished finishing. The bracelet is also available for the B09. The Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 is priced at $7,900 on a strap and $8,400 on a bracelet. The Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute is $10,600 on a strap and $11,000 on a bracelet.
What We Think
2026 has been a busy year for Breitling, which has become the older sibling to Universal Genève and Gallet under parent company House of Brands. Between UG and Gallet, there have been well over a couple dozen new references this year, not to mention the foundational work of reviving two beloved, historic marques. It makes sense that the group’s emphasis, rightfully so, has been placed there. With this release, though, Breitling is getting back to what makes Breitling, well, Breitling. A thoughtful, well-timed release toward the end of the year is a nice touch.
They aren’t reinventing the wheel here, and in a year with so much new happening, maybe that’s all we really want. Plenty of people have wanted one or both of these over the years and been stymied, either because they didn’t want a limited edition or because limited quantities kept them out of reach. This solves both problems, and it’s the brand’s best release of the year. Two models, a couple of dial options, and a choice of strap or bracelet. Sometimes all it takes is simple, thoughtful engineering on a product people already love and care about. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to use a slide rule.
The Basics
Brand: Breitling
Model: Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41; Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute
Reference Number: B09: AB0950211B1X1 (black, strap), AB0950211B1A1 (black, bracelet), AB0950211C1X1 (blue, strap), AB0950211C1A1 (blue, bracelet); B02: AB0230211B1X1 (strap), AB0230211B1A1 (bracelet)
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 13mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Black or blue reverse-panda with white rehaut and subdials (B09) ; black reverse-panda with white subdials (Bo2)
Indexes: Numerals and indexes; 24-hour numerals and indexes
Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands, numerals, and indexes
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap/Bracelet: Brown gradient calf-leather (black dial) or blue gradient calf-leather (blue dial) with folding clasp, or seven-row steel bracelet; brown gradient calf-leather with folding clasp, or seven-row steel bracelet
The Movement
Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09; Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph (B09); 24-hour hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date (B02)
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 6.73mm; 6.83mm
Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC
Pricing & Availability
Price: $7,900 (strap), $8,400 (bracelet) for the B09; $10,600 (strap), $11,000 (bracelet) for the B02.
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
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