Its chronograph and signature slide rule had made it an indispensable tool in the cockpit. But space called for something different. Prior to his mission, Carpenter wrote to Breitling asking for a custom Navitimer with a few special modifications: a wider bezel for use with gloved hands, a stretch-metal bracelet to fit over his space suit, and, most famously—a 24-hour dial. In orbit, where the sun rises and sets every 90 minutes, this 24-hour display would keep him grounded in time.

It was a challenge that third-generation founder Willy Breitling couldn’t refuse. The result was the Navitimer Cosmonaute. Delivered just days before lift-off, it became the first Swiss wristwatch in space.

Now, six decades later, Breitling honors that era-defining journey—and the man behind it—with a platinum tribute to one of the great names in space exploration.

The new Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary celebrates 100 years since the late astronaut’s birth on May 1, 1925. The deep blue dial evokes the color of Earth as seen from space—vivid, saturated, and unforgettable—while the crisp white slide rule recalls its swirling cloud cover. That same blue carries through to the matching alligator-leather strap, secured with a white-gold folding buckle. Limited to just 50 pieces, this edition is the ultimate tribute to Carpenter and his historic Mercury-Atlas 7 mission.

Breitling has been part of some of the most important moments in watchmaking, but sending the first Swiss wristwatch into space is one of our proudest achievements, said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. Willy Breitling didn’t hesitate when Scott Carpenter asked for a watch built for space; he made it happen. That spirit—being innovative, taking risks, pushing limits—is how we still operate today.