Breitling Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute

Breitling's reputation precedes itself. For over 100 years, the Swiss watchmaker has been synonymous with quality, precision, and innovation. Breitling's commitment to excellence extends not only to the technical aspects of their timepieces but also to their rich history and enduring legacy. Few Breitling watches better embody this legacy than the Navitimer.

The Navitimer's roots can be traced back to the 1930s when Breitling introduced the world's first wristwatch chronograph with a built-in slide rule. The slide rule, a circular calculator that allowed pilots to perform complex airborne calculations, was a revolutionary feature that made the Navitimer an indispensable tool for aviators. As commercial aviation grew throughout the mid-20th century, so did the popularity of the Navitimer. The watch became a coveted status symbol among pilots, a mark of not only their professionalism but also their membership in an elite fraternity of adventurers and explorers.



The Space Race of the 1950s and 1960s presented a new challenge for watchmakers. The extreme conditions of space travel demanded timepieces that were not only accurate and reliable but also functional in a weightless environment. Breitling rose to this challenge once again when astronaut Scott Carpenter sported a customized Navitimer on his wrist during his 1962 Aurora 7 mission. This specially-equipped Navitimer, now known as the Cosmonaute, featured a 24-hour dial to distinguish between day and night in orbit, a crucial modification for astronauts who were hurtling through space at thousands of miles per hour. Carpenter's Cosmonaute not only became the first Swiss wristwatch worn in space, but it also cemented Breitling's reputation as a pioneer in the world of professional aviation and aerospace timekeeping.

The Breitling Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute pays tribute to this groundbreaking legacy. Limited to just 250 pieces, this exclusive watch commemorates the original Cosmonaute while offering modern updates that make it a perfect timepiece for the 21st-century watch collector. The watch features a stunning 41mm 18k red gold case that exudes a warmth and sophistication that is sure to turn heads. The unidirectional bezel houses the iconic Breitling slide rule, a timeless design element that speaks to the watch's rich heritage.



Upon closer inspection, the watch's dial reveals several interesting details. The most striking feature is the vibrant green color, a bold choice that sets the Cosmonaute apart from other Navitimer models. The green dial is highlighted by contrasting black sub-dials and luminescent hands, ensuring optimal readability in all lighting conditions. The dial also features a 24-hour sub-dial at 9 o'clock, a nod to the original Cosmonaute's crucial spacefaring function. A closer look at the caseback reveals an engraved tribute to Scott Carpenter's mission, including the date and the inscription "First Swiss wristwatch in space," a permanent reminder of the Cosmonaute's historic significance.

While the visual design of the Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute pays homage to the past, the watch's interior boasts modern technology. The watch is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B12, a self-winding mechanical movement that offers a 70-hour power reserve. This high-performance movement ensures that the Cosmonaute is not just a handsome timepiece but also a reliable tool built to withstand the rigors of everyday wear.



At the heart of the Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute lies the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B12, a marvel of watchmaking engineering. This COSC-certified chronometer movement offers a robust power reserve of approximately 70 hours, ensuring that your Cosmonaute will keep ticking even when off your wrist for an extended period. Beyond its power reserve, the Caliber B12 offers unparalleled precision, allowing the Cosmonaute to measure time with exceptional accuracy. If accuracy alone wasn't enough, the B12 movement also boasts several advanced features, including a 1/4th second chronograph, a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour counter, and a date complication.

Breitling's Cosmonaute, true to its namesake, isn't just an accurate timepiece, it's also a multi-purpose instrument. The Navitimer's signature slide rule bezel, as useful today as it was in the golden age of aviation, allows wearers to perform a range of complex calculations. Pilots can use it to calculate fuel consumption, airspeed, climb or descent rates, and even simple multiplication and division. While these calculations have been largely automated in modern aircraft cockpits, the slide rule remains a beloved complication that reminds us of Breitling's legacy.



Functionality aside, the Breitling Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute is a true work of art, meticulously crafted from premium materials. The 18k red gold case is not only visually stunning but also incredibly robust. Gold is a precious metal, and while it exudes class and sophistication, it also offers strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring the watch will endure for generations. A cambered sapphire crystal, with double-sided glare-proofing, protects the dial. Sapphire's incredibly high hardness makes it exceptionally resistant to scratches, preserving the clarity and legibility of the Cosmonaute even after years of wear.

The watch's alligator leather strap adds another layer of sophistication. Alligator leather, prized for its distinctive grain pattern, is a luxurious and durable material that complements the gold case perfectly. The strap is fitted with a gold folding clasp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. It's worth noting that the Navitimer Cosmonaute, despite its sporty lineage, wears just as easily with a suit and tie as it does with a flight jacket.

A watch of this caliber wouldn't be complete without a nod to its history. The Cosmonaute's transparent sapphire crystal caseback features an inscription of Scott Carpenter's mission date, the watch's limitation to 250 pieces, and a reminder that it was the "First Swiss wristwatch in space". It's a subtle yet powerful detail, a mark of authenticity that connects the wearer to a momentous event in watchmaking and aerospace innovation.



The Breitling Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute occupies a unique position in the broader Navitimer collection. It's both a faithful homage to a historical icon and a thoroughly modern timepiece. While many Navitimer variations offer classic designs with familiar features, the Cosmonaute stands out with its vibrant green dial, gold case, and limited production run.

For enthusiasts of Breitling history, aviation, or space exploration, the Breitling Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute is a true collector's item. It represents a pivotal moment when two titans of their respective industries–a watchmaker and an astronaut–collaborated to create a timepiece that would make history. Moreover, the Cosmonaute is a piece that speaks to those who value precision, functionality, and enduring design. It's more than a watch; it's a wearable testament to the spirit of human ingenuity, ambition, and the enduring pursuit of conquering new frontiers.