In celebration of its 140th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the Club Breitling customer service in Japan, Breitling has launched a special edition of the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Japan Limited Edition. Limited to just 200 pieces, this watch pays tribute to the iconic Navitimer that made history as the first Swiss wrist-worn chronograph to travel to space. The watch features a manual-winding B02 Manufacture caliber, a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel, and a 24-hour dial designed to distinguish between day and night in space. This exclusive edition is available through a special lottery for online purchases, beginning September 12, 2024.
Technical Specifications
- Reference: PB02302A1B1A
- Movement: Breitling B02 Manufacture, mechanical hand-wound
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Case Size: 41 mm
- Material: Stainless steel with platinum bezel
- Water Resistance: 3 bars (30 meters)
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
A Tribute to the First Swiss Watch in Space
On May 24, 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter wore the Navitimer Cosmonaute aboard the Mercury-Atlas 7 spacecraft, making it the first Swiss chronograph to travel to space. Carpenter specifically requested a 24-hour dial to differentiate between day and night during the mission’s three Earth orbits. Breitling’s Navitimer Cosmonaute became a symbol of innovation, precision, and adventure, qualities that continue to define the brand.
Design and Features
This limited-edition watch features a Stratos Grey dial with vintage-inspired Super-LumiNova® details that evoke the aged look of a classic chronograph. The platinum bezel adds an extra layer of luxury to the watch’s robust stainless steel case. The bidirectional rotating bezel and slide rule remain key features, allowing for in-flight calculations, while the cambered sapphire crystal offers scratch resistance and anti-glare properties on both sides.
The watch is powered by the Breitling B02 manual-winding caliber, which was specifically developed for the Cosmonaute. The movement offers a 70-hour power reserve and features a chronograph function with 1/4th second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. The transparent sapphire caseback reveals the intricate inner workings of the movement, giving collectors a glimpse into Breitling’s watchmaking expertise.
Exclusive Japan Release
To mark the occasion, Breitling is releasing only 200 pieces of this Japan-exclusive model. As a nod to its significance, a lottery for online purchase rights will take place from September 12, 2024, to October 11, 2024. The remaining pieces will be available through select boutiques and authorized retailers in Japan starting November 12, 2024.
Key Features
- Case Material: Stainless steel with platinum bezel
- Water Resistance: 3 bars (30 meters)
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Movement: Breitling B02 Manufacture, mechanical hand-wound
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Chronograph Functions: 1/4th second, 30 minutes, 12 hours
- Unique 24-Hour Dial: Designed for space missions
- Limited Edition: 200 pieces, exclusive to Japan
For more details, visit Breitling’s website here.
