Watch Spotting At Breitling: Part 1
Photos by Charlie Dunne and Words by Eric Wind
On May 24, 2022, Breitling hosted an event in Zürich celebrating the anniversary of Scott Carpenter’s Aurora 7 flight successfully orbiting the Earth three times on May 24, 1962. Notably, one of the most important missing watches was revealed to the world: Scott Carpenter’s Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute prototype made with his input by Breitling and Willy Breitling. The watch was damaged after Carpenter’s reentry and being submerged in the ocean and has sat in the Breitling family home since returning to Switzerland. The watch dial and movement have rusted significantly, but it is a breathtaking sight to see in person with the crystal and dial having an almost Martian look. It is reminiscent of “The Watch that Came in from the Cold” written about by Cole Pennington. The events organized by Breitling were spectacular, with three of Scott’s children speaking on a panel hosted by Georges Kern with further input from Gregory Breitling and Fred Mandelbaum. A number of notable Breitling collectors and journalists also attended.
Breitling announced a limited edition Cosmonaute made in 362 pieces in honor of Scott Carpenter’s three orbits and 62 in honor of 1962. It was very emotional to see these on the wrists of the Carpenter children and Gregory Breitling.
This is Part 1, with additional photo reports to come.
Special thanks to Breitling, Fred Mandelbaum, Nicolas Chambron, Louis Westphalen, Lindsay Paterson, Romy Hebden, Sylvain Berneron, Santa Kalna, Letizia Garrapa, Georges Kern, and the rest of the Breitling team for hosting us at one of the best watch events we have ever attended.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern wearing The Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Limited Edition
The 2022 publication ‘Navitimer Story: The epic saga of the Breitling chronograph’ available on WatchPrint.com
Grégoire Rossier (WATCHFID & Watch Books Only)
Anthony Marquié (WATCHFID & Watch Books Only)
Tomas Rosputinsky of Fratello Watches wearing his vintage Breitling Scott Carpenter
Jeff Stein of On The Dash.
