Breitling has unveiled a 60th anniversary remake of its Navitimer Cosmonaute, billed as the first Swiss wristwatch in space when it was worn by Scott Carpenter for three orbits around the earth on the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission.
On May 24, 1962, after five hours on the Aurora 7 space capsule, Mr Carpenter splashed down safely in the Atlantic, but it took three hours to rescue him, by which time the Breitling Cosmonaute he was wearing had been damaged by sea water.
Breitling immediately gave him a new replacement and the battered and watch remained in the Breitling family archives — unrestored and widely unknown until today.
That provided the template for the Cosmonaute launched today, with the same 24 hour dial as the original.
Breitling has been faithful to the design of the remake, but with contemporary materials and mechanics.
The 41mm watch comes in a steel case with a platinum bezel.
Its manufacture Calibre B02 movement is presented through a crystal case back that would have been frivolous on the Aurora in 1962.
The movement has special bridge engravings to mark the occasion with the words Carpenter, Aurora 7 and 3 orbits around the Earth inscribed along with the names of the original group of seven astronauts chosen for NASA’s first human-crewed spaceflights.
The limited edition of 362 pieces is offered on either a black alligator leather strap for £8,400 or seven row steel Navitimer bracelet for £8,700.