In celebration of what would have been American astronaut Scott Carpenter’s 100th birthday, Breitling has unveiled a rare collector’s piece—the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary. Limited to just 50 pieces, this platinum edition is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of both Carpenter and the original Navitimer Cosmonaute, the first Swiss wristwatch in space. The tribute honors Carpenter’s historic 1962 Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, during which he orbited Earth three times with a custom Breitling on his wrist.
The original Cosmonaute was tailor-made for space exploration, featuring a 24-hour dial to help astronauts distinguish day from night in orbit, a widened bezel for gloved use, and a flexible metal bracelet. Delivered just days before Carpenter’s launch, it quickly became a benchmark in both aerospace and horological history. This centenary edition continues that legacy, capturing both the visual drama of Earth from space and the technical innovation that defined Carpenter’s journey.
Encased in platinum and set against a deep blue dial reminiscent of the Earth as seen from orbit, the new timepiece is powered by Breitling’s manually wound Caliber B02 with a 24-hour display. Engravings on the sapphire caseback immortalize key moments from Carpenter’s mission, including his capsule “Aurora 7,” the inscription “3 orbits around the Earth,” and the “Mercury 7” astronaut group he belonged to.
Aesthetically, the timepiece blends tribute with performance. The crisp white slide rule contrasts with the blue dial, mirroring the Earth’s cloud cover, while the red chronograph hand and mushroom pushers enhance legibility and usability. The signature winged AOPA logo at 12 o’clock pays homage to the Navitimer’s aviation roots, as the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
The commemorative piece is delivered in a bespoke wooden box, accompanied by a replica of Carpenter’s Mercury 7 name badge. The unique packaging, marked with the date of Carpenter’s orbital mission—May 24th, 1962—cements the emotional resonance of the launch. As with the original timepiece, the centenary edition is an intersection of utility and symbolism, designed for modern collectors with an appreciation for horological heritage.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern summed up the spirit of the release: “Willy Breitling didn’t hesitate when Scott Carpenter asked for a watch built for space. That spirit—being innovative, taking risks, pushing limits—is how we still operate today.” With this limited release, Breitling invites a new generation to embrace that same daring ethos.
More than a watch, the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary stands as a legacy piece—bridging past and future, aviation and space, utility and art. With only 50 in existence, it’s a rare homage to a man who quite literally redefined time and space.
