Breitling has introduced a significant timepiece, the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary, a watch that encapsulates a pivotal moment in both horological and space exploration history. This new model serves as a tribute, marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Scott Carpenter, one of the pioneering astronauts of NASA's early space missions, and commemorates the unique instrument he wore.
The legacy of
Breitling is deeply intertwined with the world of aviation. Since its early days, the company carved a niche for itself by developing precise chronographs and instruments tailored for pilots. This focus on functionality and reliability made Breitling timepieces favored companions in the cockpit, establishing a reputation that would eventually extend beyond Earth's atmosphere. The Navitimer, with its distinctive circular slide rule, became an emblematic tool for aviators, allowing them to perform crucial flight calculations directly on their wrist.
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Malcolm Scott Carpenter, born May 1, 1925, was an American naval officer and aviator, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, astronaut, and aquanaut. He was one of the seven original Mercury astronauts selected by NASA in April 1959. Carpenter's journey into the annals of space history was solidified on May 24, 1962, when he piloted the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, becoming the second American to orbit the Earth. His mission, aboard the "Aurora 7" capsule, involved three orbits, during which he conducted various scientific experiments.
The environment of space presented unique challenges for timekeeping. In orbit, the conventional cycle of day and night is compressed into roughly 90-minute intervals as the spacecraft circles the Earth. This rapid succession of sunrises and sunsets could easily disorient an astronaut's sense of terrestrial time. Recognizing this potential issue, Scott Carpenter approached Breitling with a specific request for a modified version of their renowned Navitimer chronograph, a watch he already trusted as an aviator.
Carpenter's request outlined several key modifications. He needed a watch that could be easily operated with gloved hands, a common constraint within the confines of a spacesuit. This led to the specification for a wider bezel. Furthermore, the watch needed to fit securely over the bulky sleeve of his spacesuit, prompting the request for a stretch-metal bracelet. Most critically, however, Carpenter asked for a 24-hour dial. This feature would allow him to distinguish between AM and PM on Earth, maintaining a clear temporal link to mission control and terrestrial timeframes, regardless of the multiple sunrises and sunsets he would experience in orbit.
Willy Breitling, the third-generation head of the company, embraced the challenge posed by Carpenter's unique requirements. The request was not merely for a robust watch but for a specialized instrument fine-tuned for the rigors and peculiar conditions of space travel. This willingness to innovate and cater to the extreme needs of professionals was characteristic of Breitling's approach. The company moved swiftly to adapt its Navitimer model, understanding the historical importance of such an endeavor.
The result of this collaboration was the Navitimer Cosmonaute. Delivered to Carpenter just days before his scheduled launch, this custom-built timepiece incorporated all his requested modifications. The signature slide rule was retained, but the dial was reconfigured to display time on a 24-hour scale, where the hour hand made a single revolution per day. This modification was crucial, as it directly addressed the temporal disorientation an astronaut might face.
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The 24-hour dial was more than a convenience; it was a critical tool for maintaining situational awareness in an environment where standard temporal cues were absent. For Carpenter, orbiting the Earth every 90 minutes, this display provided an unambiguous indication of time, anchoring him to the mission timeline and facilitating coordination with ground control. It was a practical solution to a problem unique to human spaceflight at the time.
On that historic day in May 1962, as Scott Carpenter orbited the Earth aboard Aurora 7, the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute on his wrist became the first Swiss wristwatch to travel into space. This event marked a significant milestone for Breitling and for Swiss watchmaking as a whole, demonstrating that mechanical timepieces could function reliably in the demanding conditions of space.
The mission itself was largely successful, though not without its challenges. After completing his three orbits and conducting his experiments, Carpenter's re-entry was fraught with technical issues, leading to a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 250 nautical miles off course. He spent several hours in a life raft awaiting rescue. During this period, the original Cosmonaute was exposed to saltwater, which unfortunately caused significant damage to the watch, particularly its dial.
Despite the saltwater damage, the original watch survived. Willy Breitling subsequently provided Carpenter with a replacement. The mission-flown Cosmonaute, with its uniquely corroded dial—now described as having an "eerily planetary appearance"—was carefully preserved within the Breitling family archives. It remained unseen by the public for decades, a silent testament to its historic journey, until it was finally unveiled in 2022 to mark the 60th anniversary of Carpenter's flight. Its damaged state did not diminish its importance; rather, it added to its narrative as a resilient artifact of space exploration.
To honor the centenary of Scott Carpenter’s birth (1925-2025) and this pioneering spirit, Breitling has released the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary. This new, limited-edition timepiece is a meticulous tribute, not just to the astronaut, but also to the groundbreaking watch that accompanied him. Limited to a mere 50 pieces, this exclusivity underscores its significance for collectors and enthusiasts of space history and horology.
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The case of this centenary edition is crafted from platinum, a noble metal that lends both prestige and a satisfying heft to the watch. With a diameter of 41 mm, it offers a contemporary presence on the wrist while remaining true to the proportions of its historical predecessor. The watch-head alone weighs approximately 65.3 grams, and the total weight without the strap is 99.1 grams, conveying a sense of solid quality. The case features the Navitimer’s characteristic circular form, polished and brushed surfaces that play with light, and a non screw-locked crown fitted with two gaskets, contributing to its water resistance of 3 bars (approximately 30 meters). The crystal is a cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides for optimal legibility.
Visually, the dial of the Navitimer B02 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary is striking. It presents a deep, rich blue color, chosen to evoke the vivid and unforgettable hue of the Earth as seen from the vantage point of space. This
Deep Blue provides a stunning backdrop for the crisp white elements, most notably the intricate circular slide rule that frames the dial. This slide rule, a hallmark of the Navitimer, remains fully functional. The 24-hour markings are clearly displayed, with Arabic numerals circling the dial. Three contrasting silver or white subdials are present: a running seconds indicator, a 30-minute chronograph counter, and a 12-hour chronograph counter. A bright red chronograph seconds hand offers a distinct contrast for easy reading of elapsed times. At the 12 o'clock position, the dial features the winged logo of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), acknowledging the Navitimer's historical role as the official watch of this organization since 1952. A discreet date window is integrated at the 6 o’clock position. The hands are faceted and filled with luminescent material, ensuring readability in low-light conditions.
The bidirectional bezel, incorporating the slide rule, is a defining feature of the Navitimer lineage. This complex yet practical tool allows pilots and navigators to perform a variety of calculations, including multiplication, division, ground speed, fuel consumption, and rate of climb or descent. Its inclusion in the Cosmonaute links the watch directly to Breitling's aviation heritage and its original purpose as a professional instrument. The slightly wider design, reminiscent of Carpenter's original request for easier manipulation with gloves, is a subtle nod to its spacefaring origins.
Powering this commemorative timepiece is the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02. This is a mechanical hand-wound movement, a deliberate choice that pays homage to the original Cosmonaute, which also featured a manual caliber. In an era where automatic movements are prevalent, the decision to use a hand-wound movement also serves a practical purpose for potential zero-gravity environments where an automatic winding rotor might not function as efficiently, though this is more a symbolic than a strictly necessary feature for most wearers today. The B02 movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and boasts a substantial power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It contains 39 jewels and is a COSC-certified chronometer, guaranteeing its precision and reliability.
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The intricate workings of the Caliber B02 are visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. This transparent window offers a captivating view of the movement's architecture and finishing. Adding to the exclusivity and commemorative nature of the watch, the bridges of the movement feature unique engravings. These inscriptions read: "Carpenter," "Aurora 7" (the name of his space capsule), "3 orbits around the Earth," and "Mercury 7" (the name of NASA's first group of astronauts). These details transform the movement itself into a narrative canvas.
Further inscriptions adorn the platinum caseback surrounding the sapphire crystal. These include "First Swiss wristwatch in space," a proud declaration of its historical achievement, and "One of 50," clearly indicating its limited-edition status. The centenary itself is also marked with the engraving "Scott Carpenter Centenary 1925–2025." These carefully considered details ensure that every aspect of the watch tells the story of its inspiration.
The watch is paired with a luxurious blue alligator leather strap, its color perfectly matching the deep blue of the dial. The strap features a straight type design and white stitching, providing a touch of contrast. It is secured to the wrist with an 18k white gold folding clasp, ensuring both comfort and security. The lug width is 22 mm, tapering to 18 mm at the buckle, a standard sizing that complements the 41 mm case diameter.
The Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary is presented in a special wooden display box. The interior of the box is marked with the significant date of the mission: "First Swiss wristwatch in space. May 24th, 1962." Accompanying the watch is a replica of Scott Carpenter’s Mercury 7 name badge, further enhancing the commemorative package and providing a tangible link to the astronaut.
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, has emphasized the pride the company takes in this chapter of its history. He noted that Willy Breitling’s immediate positive response to Scott Carpenter's request exemplified the innovative and adventurous spirit that continues to drive the brand. This centenary edition is not just a re-issue but a carefully considered celebration of a pioneering achievement and the enduring human desire to explore.
The extremely limited production run of only 50 pieces worldwide makes the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary an exceptionally rare offering. It is designed for discerning collectors who appreciate not only fine watchmaking but also the rich history of space exploration. Each piece serves as a wearable monument to Scott Carpenter's courage and the ingenuity of Breitling.
Courtesy of Breitling
This timepiece serves as a powerful connection between Earth and orbit, a link to a time of audacious exploration and rapid technological advancement. The story of the original Cosmonaute, from its bespoke creation to its journey into space and its subsequent survival, is a compelling narrative. With this centenary edition, Breitling ensures that this remarkable story, and the spirit of Scott Carpenter, continues to inspire.
The Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary, with model reference LB0240211C1P1, is priced at USD 42,000. Given its limited availability of just 50 pieces, prospective buyers would need to inquire with authorized Breitling dealers or boutiques for information regarding procurement.
Case: Platinum, 41 mm diameter, 3 bars water resistance. Bidirectional slide rule bezel, non screw-locked crown with two gaskets. Cambered sapphire crystal (glareproofed both sides), screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback. Product weight approx. 99.1 g, watch-head weight approx. 65.3 g. Lug width 22 mm.
Movement: Breitling B02 (Manufacture), mechanical hand-wound. Approx. 70 hrs power reserve, 28,800 v.p.h, 39 jewels, COSC-certified. Unique bridge engravings: “Carpenter,” “Aurora 7,” “3 orbits around the Earth,” “Mercury 7,” “Scott Carpenter Centenary 1925–2025.”
Dial: Deep blue, white slide rule, 24-hour display. AOPA logo at 12 o’clock, three subdials (running seconds, chronograph minutes, chronograph hours), date window at 6 o’clock. Red chronograph seconds hand.
Strap: Blue alligator leather, straight type, 22/18 mm lug. 18k white gold folding clasp, 18 mm buckle size.
Price: USD 42,000
Reference Number: LB0240211C1P1
Notes: Limited edition of 50 pieces. Commemorates Scott Carpenter’s centenary and the first Swiss wristwatch in space (May 24, 1962). Caseback inscriptions include “First Swiss wristwatch in space” and “One of 50.”