More than just another anniversary piece, the new platinum-cased Navitimer Cosmonaute from Breitling is a love letter to what might be the most overlooked chapter in early space exploration. While everyone knows about Omega’s Moon landing credentials, few realize that Breitling actually got to space first.
The Real Space Pioneer
Scott Carpenter’s story deserves more recognition in horological circles. Back in 1962, when NASA was still figuring out what worked in space, Carpenter took it upon himself to commission his own timepiece. He wrote directly to Willy Breitling requesting specific modifications, including a wider bezel for gloved operation, a stretch bracelet to fit over his space suit, and a 24-hour dial. That last request was crucial, since, when you’re orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, traditional day/night cycles become meaningless; you need an unequivocal way to track time back home.
The original Cosmonaute that Carpenter wore during his Mercury-Atlas 7 mission predates the Speedmaster’s official NASA certification by two years. Yet somehow, this Swiss space watch has remained in Breitling’s shadow, perhaps because Carpenter’s landing went sideways, quite literally. After orbiting Earth three times, Carpenter and his watch splashed down 250 nautical miles off course in the Atlantic ocean. The seawater-damaged watch was recovered by Breitling and kept in their possession for 60 years until being publicly unveiled for the first time back in 2022.
Platinum Tribute Done Right
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Scott Carpenter’s birth in 1925, Breitling houses its new Navitimer Cosmonaute in a platinum case while maintaining the same case dimensions, including a 41mm diameter, 13mm thickness, and 47.1mm lug-to-lug.
Inside of the new case metal, this centenary edition does showcase only the third resurrection of the Cosmonaute with the 24-hour dial. It’s put atop a deep blue sunburst dial to evoke Earth’s appearance from Carpenter’s orbital vantage point. Meanwhile, the white sub-dials and inner bezel create stark visual contrast. The 24-hour display remains, obviously, along with the signature slide rule bezel that made the original Navitimer the go-to for the astronaut. Lastly, the watch comes affixed to a blue alligator leather strap with an 18K white gold folding buckle.
Just like past 24-hour editions, the Swiss brand went with the hand-wound B02 chronograph movement, which is historically accurate and also more appropriate for space travel since they operate better in zero-gravity situations. Viewed through a sapphire caseback window, the 70-hour power reserve and column-wheel chronograph construction continue Breitling’s long legacy of superb calibers. Unique bridge engravings reference Carpenter’s Aurora 7 capsule and the Mercury program, while the caseback inscription confirms this as “one of 50” pieces.
Spec Sheet
Model: Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary
Case Material: Platinum
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47.1mm
Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02 manual-wound chronograph
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap: Blue alligator leather with 18K white gold folding buckle
Limited Edition?: Yes, 50
Price: $42,000
Pricing & Availability
Available now from Breitling and limited to just 50 pieces, the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary hoists a lofty $42,000 price tag.
Recap
Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary
For the 100th anniversary of Scott Carpenter’s birth, Breitling resurrected the 24-hour dial version of the Navitimer chronograph, with a platinum case and a blue dial designed to look like the view of Earth from space.
