Breitling Japan will release a reprint model of the “Navitimer Cosmonaute” that flew into space in 1962 as a special model of the pilot watch collection “Navitimer”. A mechanical hand-wound wristwatch that costs 1,342,000 yen for a leather band and 1,391,500 yen for a metal bracelet. The quantity is limited to 362 with a serial number.
The reprint model is “Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute”. The case diameter is 41 mm. The original model appeared in line with the heated space race of the 1960s. On May 24, 1962, Astronaut Scott Carpenter officially “in space” when astronaut Scott Carpenter made three orbits around the globe wearing “Navitimer His Cosmonaut” on the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. It is said that it got the title of “the first Swiss watch that flew”. This is also stamped on the back cover of the reprint model.
In response to Mr. Carpenter’s personal request, the original model has an additional 24-hour display dial to distinguish between day and night in space, and is reproduced in the reprint model. The bezel of the reprint model is made of platinum, and the back cover is a see-through back made of sapphire crystal where the movement can be seen. The engraving on the bridge of the movement is also a special content of the commemorative model.
Original model (left) and reprint model (right)
The company says, “Although other watch brands claim to be the first in space, only Breitling can claim to be the first Swiss watch to fly into space.” Until then, the only Swiss-made watch that had reached orbit was the “pocket stopwatch” with a strap. The Cosmonaut was developed as a wristwatch to meet the needs of astronauts and was released to the general public in 1962 with the same specifications.
Breitling is celebrating its 60th anniversary of this space flight and is unveiling the original Cosmonaut for the first time at the event. One was worn by Mr. Carpenter, which was destroyed and corroded in an irreparable state by being immersed in seawater for a long time after returning to the earth (water landing of the capsule). The other was once owned by astronaut John Glenn and won by Breitling at an auction in 2019. The irreparable ones have been stored for a long time and have not been released to the public, but the current appearance was revealed on the occasion of the 60th anniversary and the release of the reprint model.
Among the original Cosmonaute, the one worn by Mr. Carpenter and destroyed and corroded in an irreparable state by being immersed in seawater for a long time after returning to the earth was also released.
The movement is mechanical and equipped with a hand-wound chronograph movement “B02”. The chronograph is equipped with a 1/4 second, 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter. The frequency power reserve is about 70 hours. The frequency is 28,800 vibrations / hour. The number of stones is 39.
The case is made of stainless steel and the bezel is made of platinum. Water resistant to 3 bar. A rotating slide rule is mounted on the bidirectional rotating bezel. The windshield is a dome-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
The size is 41 mm in case diameter and 13 mm in thickness. The leather band model weighs 93g and the metal bracelet model weighs 155g.
Pop-up shop in Shinjuku Isetan
Breitling has also opened a “Breitling Pop-up Store” on the 1st floor of the main building of the Isetan Shinjuku store for a limited time until June 7. Introducing the new 2022 Navitimer, which celebrated its 70th anniversary with a design that reflects a universal concept. A valuable vintage model that traces history will also be exhibited. In addition, a Japanese limited model is also available, and original novelty goods will be presented to those who purchase it.
