Breitling Unveils Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel

This week luxury watchmaker Breitling unveiled a new version of its iconic Navitimer model. The Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel celebrates the model’s first trip to space, when Lt Commander Scott Carpenter orbited the earth three times aboard the Aurora 7 capsule in 1962, wearing a Navitimer featuring a 24-hour graduation serving to distinguish day from a night – an absolute necessity in space.

Fifty years later, the Navitimer Cosmonaute is in a new 43mm black steel case, created using a highly resistant carbon-based coating. The dial and counters are in the same black color, enhanced by luminescent indications and small red hands. At the heart of the Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel is the Manufacture Breitling Caliber B02, a movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). This movement shares two key characteristics with the original model: a manual winding system and a 24-hour display. The famous Navitimer circular slide rule enables pilots to perform the entire range of calculations relating to airborne navigation directly on the wrist. The casback bears an engraving of the official Aurora 7 mission insignia. A perforated black rubber Ocean Racer strap completes the look.

Ony 1,000 numbered pieces of the limited edition Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel will be produced.

Photos courtesy Breitling.