To celebrate astronaut Scott Carpenter’s centennial birthday, the Swiss watch brand Breitling has unveiled a limited edition of 50 pieces of the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute in platinum. This design is inspired by the special watch that Carpenter wore during the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission in 1962, marking it as the first Swiss-made wristwatch to go to space, carrying deep historical significance. The new watch features a manual-winding B02 chronograph movement, supporting a 24-hour display and approximately 70 hours of power reserve, with the bridges engraved with Aurora 7, Mercury 7, and other markings that highlight its legendary space heritage.
The watch features a 41mm case crafted from platinum, adorned with a bi-directional rotating flight slide rule bezel, complemented by a dome-shaped sapphire crystal and a sapphire case back, ensuring water resistance up to 30 meters. The dial showcases a deep blue and white color scheme, symbolizing the perspective of looking down at Earth from space, while the red chronograph second hand and Super-LumiNova® hour and minute hands provide excellent readability. It’s paired with a blue crocodile leather strap and an 18K white gold folding clasp, striking a perfect balance between luxury and functionality.
Beyond its unique design and functionality, the standout feature of this commemorative piece lies in its historical significance. Carpenter, due to mission requirements, specially requested Breitling to create a Cosmonaute equipped with a wider bezel, a flexible metal strap, and a 24-hour dial, enabling him to keep track of time even in the space environment. This original prototype has been preserved in the brand’s archives due to damage incurred during its return to Earth, and it was briefly showcased in Zurich during the brand’s 140th anniversary, bearing witness to the historic moment of Swiss watchmaking’s foray into space.
The watch case is engraved with slogans The first Swiss watch to make it into space, Limited to a worldwide run of only 50 pieces, and Scott Carpenter 1925-2025, and comes with a wooden box inscribed with the mission date from 1962, along with a replica of the Mercury 7 brand logo. This revival of classic design is not just a reissue; it represents a legacy of innovation and exploration, offering immense allure to collectors who are passionate about aerospace and watchmaking culture.
