Astronaut Scott Carpenter approached Breitling with a unique request in 1962: to modify the Navitimer’s design for space exploration.
Admiring its computational prowess, Carpenter asked for a 24-hour dial to distinguish day from night in orbit. Breitling met the challenge, and the customized Navitimer, later dubbed the Cosmonaute, accompanied Carpenter on his May 24, 1962, mission to become the first Swiss wristwatch in space.
To mark Breitling’s 140th anniversary, it is releasing a limited edition of the 24-hour timepiece. This time, however, the main modification isn’t for zero-g but for everyday life: a self-winding chronograph movement, the Breitling manufacture caliber B12.
The new release is limited to 250 pieces and only available through Breitling’s online and in-store boutiques. It features an 18k red-gold case, beautifully complemented by its deep green dial, golden numerals, and black alligator leather strap.
Flip the watch to see the open caseback view of the contrasting oscillating weight capping the B12 movement. The manufacture caliber provides approximately 70 hours of power and comes with a 5-year warranty. A caseback engraving states the ‘One of 250’ limitation and reveals the watch’s incredible story: ‘First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24,1962.’
Inspired by astronauts, adapted for life on Earth, the new Cosmonaute limited edition merges storied heritage with modern ease of wear.
Technical Specifications:
NAVITIMER B12 CHRONOGRAPH 41 COSMONAUTE LIMITED EDITION
Reference: RB12302A1L1P1
WATCH MOVEMENT
Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B12
Diameter: 30.4 millimeters
Depth: 7.33 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approx. 70 hours
Number of components: 332
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Chronograph: column-wheel, vertical clutch, 1/4th second, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers
Display: hour, minute, second, date window
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: 18 k red gold
Diameter: 41 millimeters
Thickness: 13.6 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 47.09 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 3 bar (30 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
Caseback: screwed 18 k red gold, sapphire crystal
Crown: non-screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: bidirectional with circular slide rule
DIAL/HANDS
Green with contrasting chronograph counters
Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hand
STRAP
Black alligator leather strap with an 18 k red-gold folding buckle
For pricing and more information please visit Breitling