In 1962, when the space exploration was in full swing, the Breitling brand, already known as a supplier to civilian and military aviation, expressed a deep interest in this new exciting human activity. The company’s technicians created the Cosmonaute watch, using the Navitimer chronograph as its base. Revealing 24 hours in a single sweep of the dial, the watch became a space-going interpretation of the instrument mentioned.

The notions of “day” and “night” are very relative when it comes to space, therefore, it is important that the specific configuration of this model enables its wearer to avoid the risk of confusion between midday and midnight. On May 24th 1962, the timepiece was tested by astronaut Scott Carpenter in the course of his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 capsule.

To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the Breitling watchmaking house has decided to launch a limited edition of the model, which was the first wrist chronograph to travel into space. The new Cosmonaute watch will be offered in a limited series of just 1,000 pieces. The case of every timepiece houses an original interpretation of the alluring 24-hour dial.

Sculptured in stainless steel, the case measures 41.5 mm in diameter and is fitted with a rotating bezel with a circular slide rule. The case of the Breitling watch is assembled with a domed sapphire crystal, coated with an anti-reflective compound on both sides.

The Cosmonaute Limited Edition watch comes with a durable perforated steel Air Racer bracelet. This feature emphasizes the chronograph’s exceptional character and pays homage to the design icon, which dates back to the 1960’s.

The Breitling Cosmonaute Limited Edition watch is powered by the in-house automatic Caliber 22 movement, which has officially received the COSC certificate, similar to all Breitling’s creations. The 38-jewel set movement exposes a balance wheel that moves back and forth at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

The watch features 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, a flyback function and a calendar. It is water-resistant to 3 bars.