Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute vs Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8

In-Depth Comparison

The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute and the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Breitling and Omega are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Navitimer reference was introduced in 2022, while this Speedmaster reference debuted in 2018. The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute beats the Breitling B12 caliber offering a 70-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 46 jewels. The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is powered by the Omega 1869 with a 48-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 18 jewels. The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute wins on power reserve with a 22-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute features a 41.0mm case at 13.6mm thick with a 48.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 comes in at 44.3mm and 13.8mm thick with 51.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Black Ceramic (Zirconium Oxide). The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 85g, the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Bidirectional rotating, slide rule bezel, while the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, black ceramic tachymeter with yellow Liquidmetal bezel. On the wrist, the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute comes on a Brown alligator leather strap with Folding clasp, while the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is fitted with Black leather strap with yellow stitching featuring Deployant clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 to 50m / 164ft. For water sports and diving, the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute lists for $8,950 compared to $10,500 for the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $1,550 at retail. On the secondary market, the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute trades around $7,500 while the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 commands approximately $8,800.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute and the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.