On May 24, 1962, Breitling officially claimed the title ‘first Swiss wristwatch in space’ after astronaut Scott Carpenter orbited the Earth three times while wearing the Navitimer Cosmonaute during his Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. A customized version of Breitling’s iconic Navitimer, Carpenter’s Cosmonaute included a 24-hour dial to distinguish day from night in space. Today, the Swiss watchmaker issued a modern interpretation of the 1962 Cosmonaute in a limited edition of 362 pieces. The 41-mm Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute features an upgraded platinum bezel and an exhibition case-back – offering a view of the B02 movement with the words Carpenter, Aurora 7, and 3 orbits around the Earth, along with the names of the original seven Mercury 7 astronauts, engraved on the bridge. As a final tribute to the original, the caseback is engraved with the date of Carpenter’s mission, ONE OF 362, and the phrase First Swiss wristwatch in space. Available on a black alligator strap ($10,800.00) or seven-row stainless-steel bracelet ($11,200.00).
Available now at brietling.com
Five hours after launching, the Aurora 7 capsule splashed down safely in the Atlantic with astronaut Scott Carpenter aboard. The recovery operation lasted three hours. Prolonged exposure to seawater irreparably damaged Carpenter’s Cosmonaute. Breitling immediately replaced Carpenter’s watch, but that battered and corroded piece of space history remained in the Breitling family archives—unrestored.
