Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel

On May 24th, 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter, commander of the Aurora 7 space capsule,  became the second American to orbit the earth and his chosen wristwatch — a Breitling Navitimer — became the first wristwatch to do so on the wrist of an American, earning its new name of Cosmonaute. Last year, Breitling paid tribute to the historic space mission by releasing a 50th-anniversary limited edition of the original Cosmonaute, and it follows it up this year with the release of an all-black version, the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel. The case of the Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel, 43 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 30 meters, was blackened using the same process as last year's Avenger Seawolf Blacksteel model, in which a highly-resistant carbon-based coating is added to the steel. The dial echoes the case's black color, while white numerals and hands, coated with luminescent material, and small red hands for the chronograph counters provide contrast. Like that of its historical predecessor, the new Navitimer Cosmonaute's dial features a circular slide rule, operated by the bezel, that enables its wearer to make various useful calculations and proclaims the model's origins as a practical timepiece for pilots. The 24-hour graduated scale — the feature that most attracted Scott Carpenter to the watch, as it enabled him to discern day from night while in orbit around the earth — is also replicated here.

Also like the original Navitimer Cosmonaute, this one contains a manual-wind movement, Breitling's manufacture Caliber B02, which powers a 1/4-second chronograph function with 30-minute and 12-hour counters (at 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock on the dial, respectively); a date indication (in a window at 4:30); and small seconds (at 9 o'clock). The movement has a frequency of 28,800 vph, contains 39 jewels and stores up to 70 hours of power reserve. Like all Breitling movements, Caliber B02 has been chronometer-certified by COSC. The curved sapphire crystal has been treated on both sides with a glareproof treatment. The caseback showcases an engraving of the official Aurora 7 mission insignia. The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute Blacksteel comes on a perforated black rubber "Ocean Racer" strap. A limited edition of 1,000 pieces, it retails for $9,590.