Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute

140 Years of Firsts: Cosmonaute B12

Breitling honors its space icon with a new release: the Navitimer limited-edition self-winding Cosmonaute. 

As Breitling turns 140, it’s marking the occasion with stories of its many incredible firsts, from breakthroughs in timekeeping for air, land, and sea, to milestones in sustainability. This month, the brand recognizes one of its icons. The Cosmonaute, a 24-hour take on the Navitimer that became the first Swiss wristwatch in space. Breitling has just unveiled a new version of this line: a new self-winding Cosmonaute.

“All this year, we’ll be talking about our 140 Years of Firsts,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “And when it comes to the Cosmonaute, you cannot overstate the significance they’ve had for our brand, for aviation, and for watchmaking as a whole.”

GROUNDED ELEGANCE: THE SELF-WINDING COSMONAUTE B12

In 1962, Mercury Seven astronaut Scott Carpenter approached Breitling with a unique request: to modify the Navitimer’s design for space exploration. Admiring its computational prowess, Carpenter asked for a 24-hour dial to distinguish day from night in orbit. Breitling met the challenge, and the customized Navitimer, later dubbed the Cosmonaute, accompanied Carpenter on his May 24, 1962, mission to become the first Swiss wristwatch in space.

To mark Breitling’s 140th anniversary, it is releasing a limited edition of the 24-hour timepiece. This time, however, the main modification isn’t for zero-g but for everyday life: a self-winding chronograph movement, the Breitling manufacture caliber B12.

The new release is limited to 250 pieces and only available through Breitling’s online and in-store boutiques. It features an 18 k red-gold case, beautifully complemented by its deep green dial, golden numerals, and black alligator leather strap.

Flip the watch to see the open caseback view of the contrasting oscillating weight capping the B12 movement. The manufacture caliber provides approximately 70 hours of power and comes with a 5-year warranty. A caseback engraving states the “One of 250” limitation and reveals the watch’s incredible story: “First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24,1962.”

Inspired by astronauts, adapted for life on Earth, the new Cosmonaute limited edition merges storied heritage with modern ease of wear.