Platinum Reincarnation of the 24-Hour Navitimer Cosmonaute by Breitling, a Tribute to the Initial Wearer, the Astronaut
Breitling's Ode to Space Pioneer: Navitimer Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary
The latest iteration of Breitling's Navitimer Cosmonaute, encased in platinum, serves as an homage to a significant yet often underappreciated chapter in the annals of space exploration. This timepiece, which predates the Speedmaster's NASA certification by two years, marks a milestone in the world of horology that has thus far remained overshadowed.
The Unsung Hero of Space
Scott Carpenter, a pioneer whose story merits greater acclaim in the realm of watchmaking, undertook an audacious endeavor in 1962. As NASA was still navigating the complexities of space travel, Carpenter made a personal request to Willy Breitling for a custom-made timepiece. He sought design modifications that were tailored to space travel, including a wide bezel for easier operation with gloves, a stretch bracelet to accommodate his space suit, and a 24-hour dial to facilitate time tracking during his orbit around Earth.
The original Cosmonaute, worn by Carpenter during his Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, preceded the Speedmaster's official certification with NASA by a significant margin. However, due to complications with Carpenter's landing, and possibly the relatively lesser publicity surrounding his mission, this Swiss space watch has remained in the shadow of its more renowned competitor. The seawater-damaged timepiece was eventually recovered by Breitling and kept in their possession for six decades, before being publicly unveiled in 2022.
Platinum Homage Elegantly Done
In honor of Carpenter's centenary, Breitling has introduced the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary. The watch retains the same case dimensions as its predecessor, with a 41mm diameter, 13mm thickness, and 47.1mm lug-to-lug. It is housed in a platinum case, a testament to its prestigious status among the Cosmonaute line.
The dial design of this Centenary edition mirrors Carpenter's view of Earth from his orbital vantage point, featuring a deep blue sunburst dial. Contrasting white sub-dials and an inner bezel provide vivid visual contrast, while the 24-hour display and signature slide rule bezel, which made the original Navitimer a favorite among astronauts, have been meticulously preserved. The watch comes adorned with a blue alligator leather strap and an 18K white gold folding buckle.
powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02 manual-wound chronograph movement—a choice informed by its reliability, precision, and suitability for zero-gravity situations, as well as its historical accuracy. Through a sapphire caseback window, one can appreciate features such as a 70-hour power reserve, column-wheel chronograph construction, and various design elements that pay tribute to Carpenter and the Mercury program. The watch is limited to 50 pieces and carries a price tag of $42,000.
Available now from Breitling, this limited-edition timepiece not only showcases Breitling's unwavering commitment to innovation and precision but also succinctly encapsulates the spirit of exploration that has been integral to the brand's identity since its inception. This watch serves as a poignant symbol of not only Carpenter's historic space mission but also of the intricate relationship between horology and human achievement beyond Earth.
The platinum case of the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary is a testament to its prestigious status, reflecting the style and elegance it shares with science and space-and-astronomy. This watch, a homage to Scott Carpenter, the pioneer who requested a custom-made timepiece for his space mission, showcases technology with its manual-wound chronograph movement, designed for zero-gravity situations.
