Watches – the Breitling Navitimier Cosmonaute

This is a watch with a seriously cool history. When Lt Commander Scott Carpenter orbited the earth three times in May 1962, in the Aurora 7 capsule, he was wearing a Breitling Navitimer watch. This watch featured a 24-hour graduation, meaning that he could distinguish day and night – absolutely essential in space. This watch was called the Cosmonaute.

Now, 50 years later, it is a Breitling classic. The modern version is original and totally up-to-date, with its impeccably stylish black steel case made with high resistant carbon-based coating. But two key elements remain the same as the original model: a 24-hour display and a manual winding system. Its legendary circular slide rule means that pilots can calculate important airborne navigation equations on their wrists. And the caseback is engraved with the official Aurora 7 mission insignia.

But you don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy this watch – although you do have to be speedy, as it’s in a limited edition of 1,000. And if it’s too black for you, Breitling also offer this watch in steel or red gold.

The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute starts at around £7,000. For more information visit breitling.com