Limited Release: Breitling Introduces Navitimer Cosmonaute in a Limited Edition
Groundbreaking Navitimer Cosmonaute: A Testament to Time in Space
Half a century ago, on the 24th of May in 1962, Scott Carpenter, an American astronaut and a member of NASA's esteemed Mercury Seven, launched into space wearing the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute - the first Swiss wristwatch to ever venture beyond Earth's atmosphere. Orbiting our planet thrice within five hours, Carpenter wore his Cosmonaute proudly, this timepiece being crucial in maintaining the accuracy of the mission.
The Cosmonaute was designed specifically for space exploration at Carpenter's behest. Boasting a unique 24-hour dial, it enabled astronauts like Carpenter to keep track of time effectively, given the disrupted day-night cycle in space with frequent sunrises every 90 minutes. Furthermore, it was equipped with a slide rule bezel, enabling pilots to perform various in-flight calculations such as fuel and speed that were otherwise unavailable due to limited digital tools.
The original Navitimer Cosmonaute was more than just a marvel of watchmaking under pressure; it was a symbol of precision, exploration, and innovation. This pioneering design subsequently became the foundation for the standard Cosmonaute line, with Breitling supplying each Mercury program astronaut, including John Glenn, with their own Cosmonaute.
Revisiting the Past: The 60th-Anniversary Edition
To honor Scott Carpenter's centennial birthday, Breitling unveiled a limited-edition tribute worthy of its illustrious history. A modern take on the Cosmonaute, this watch boasts the circular slide rule, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association "wings" logo, the trio of chronograph subdials, and the essential 24-hour time, with the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02 powering its mechanism.
Refreshed with contemporary features, the new Cosmonaute offers an all-black dial and black alligator strap, or a seven-row stainless-steel bracelet for a classic yet sleek appearance. The premier addition to this model is the platinum bezel, elevating its status as a desirable collector's piece. Moreover, the watch features an open sapphire crystal case-back that offers a captivating glimpse into the workings of the B02 movement.
Engravings on the caseback include "Carpenter," "Aurora 7," "3 Orbits around Earth," and the names of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, a testament to the groundbreaking mission it accompanied. The watch's caseback is also adorned with the date of Carpenter's momentous spaceflight and the inscription "First Swiss wristwatch in space."
A Legacy Born of Exploration
While the Cosmonaute was not the only timepiece to travel into space (a pocket stopwatch equipped with a strap was the previous contender), it stands out for being the first wristwatch specifically designed for space travel and worn by an astronaut during their mission. Its resounding success amongst collectors and astronauts alike is a testament to its enduring worth as a symbol of exploration and precision craftsmanship.
Celebrating half a century since its launch, the Cosmonaute continues to inspire awe and admiration as a beacon of innovation and collaboration.
The 60th-Anniversary Edition of the Cosmonaute, unveiled by Breitling, embodies the spirit of innovation in both science and technology, a testament to the original watch's role in space-and-astronomy exploration. This modern take on the Cosmonaute retains its distinctive features, such as the circular slide rule, 24-hour time, and the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02, while introducing contemporary elements like an all-black dial and platinum bezel.
