Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Limited Edition Red Gold

By the early 1960s, the Breitling Navitimer, renowned for its integral circular slide rule enabling pilots to make crucial in-flight calculations, had established itself as the quintessential aviator's timepiece. However, as the Space Race reached its zenith, a less publicized rivalry emerged among watch manufacturers, each aspiring to have their creations adorn the wrists of astronauts. Now it returns in a unique red gold alloy in a limited edition series.Breitling, already acclaimed for its aviation prowess, ascended to new heights by marking a significant milestone in horology. On May 24, 1962, the brand solidified its place in space exploration history when astronaut Scott Carpenter embarked on the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission donning the Navitimer Cosmonaute, making it the first Swiss chronograph to journey into space. The 41mm case with a thickness of 14mm is made of 18k red gold with a mix of polished surfaces and brushed casebands, encircled by the distinctive bidirectional notched bezel, complete with a circular slide rule, is a rich green dial that stands out with its black sub-dials and striking gold numbers.On the flipside is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. In a nod to its historical significance, the caseback bears an engraving that commemorates Carpenter's mission date, denotes the exclusive limitation of 250 units, and proudly proclaims "First Swiss wristwatch in space.It comes equipped with two push-pieces to operate the chronograph functions, while between them is a knurled setting-crown embossed with the Breitling logo and equipped with two gaskets. All topped by a cambered sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (96 feet).Time is exhibited on a dark green dial with Arabic numerals in a 24-hour scale and index markers, while circling around is a white printed ring of minutes/seconds markings. Farther out is a sloped rotating flange to assist with calculated countdowns.On the upper-half of the dial is an applied logo of the embossed wings design with the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) emblem outline from the 1950’s. Another well known fact is that Carpenter specifically requested this watch, seeking a modification of the famed aviator's timepiece to include a 24-hour dial. This feature was crucial for distinguishing between day and night amidst the perpetual darkness of space.There are three black snailed sub-dials with red gold hands and sloped circumferences: a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and a sub-seconds at the 9 o’clock position. The central steel sword-shaped hands and Arabic numerals have all been fitted with a luminescent filling, for an enhanced legibility. There is also a date window with a sub-dial, aligned at the 6 o’clock spot.

Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute

The “Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute” (Ref#: RB12302A1L1P1) unlike the hand-wound Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute introduced in 2022, this timepiece is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber B12 with 47 jewels and 28,800 vph. Power reserve can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a black alligator leather strap with contrasting exposed white stitchings, secured by an 18k red gold folding clasp. This is a limited edition of only 250 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official Breitling website here.

Breitling, Navitimer, B02, Chronograph, Cosmonaute, Luxury Watches