1962. The space race was well under way. Already a supplier to civilian and military aviation, Breitling naturally took a keen interest in this new human adventure. Based on the Navitimer chronograph, the brand’s technicians developed the Cosmonaute, a space-going version of this instrument indicating the daily 24 hours in a single sweep of the dial. Given the extremely relative nature of day and night in space, this configuration prevents possible confusion between midday and midnight. On May 24th 1962, the astronaut Scott Carpenter tested this instrument under real-life conditions during his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 capsule.

For its 125th anniversary, Breitling has chosen to issue a limited series of the model that became the first wrist chronograph to experience space travel. Only 1,000 of these Cosmonaute watches will be produced, all equipped for the occasion with an original version of the intriguing 24-hour dial. Further accentuating its distinctive character and in tribute to a modern design icon from the 1960s, the Cosmonaute Limited Edition is fitted exclusively with the rigid perforated Air Racer bracelet.

The equally exclusive choice of wristbands comprises the Ocean Classic in woven steel reflecting the original bracelet and lending the watch its unique appearance; and the Ocean Racer rubber strap with its resolutely sporting style. The distinctive design of the Superocean Héritage Chronographe is matched by its technical performances. Its imposing steel case measuring 46 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet) houses Breitling Caliber 23, a sturdy high-precision movement officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, as indeed are all Breitling movements.

Evocatively code-named ‘Raven’, the resulting timepieces feature a resolutely high-tech black and steel look.  Both models, one electronic and the other mechanical, boast peerless functionality.  The Airwolf makes the most of the performance of its exclusive SuperQuartz movement driving this ultra-accurate instrument providing the full range of functions required by professional pilots.  1/100th of a second chronograph, alarm, countdown, 2nd timezone, UTC.  An NVG-compatible display backlighting system enables nighttime read-off, while a turbine-shaped construction on the caseback serves as a resonance chamber for the alarm and other aubible indications.

Meanwhile, the Skyracer is designed to be the most efficient selfwinding chronograph in its category.  Bearing this in mind, Breitling has equipped it with Caliber 27, an exclusive mechanism enabling dual visualization of the measured times.  The 60-minute counter with central hand guarantees peerless readability of any measurement  under one hour.  For longer durations, a single two-hand counter shows both the hours and minutes.  Elapsed time is read off just as one would read off the time, instantly and without any possible confusion.  The rack-and-pinion mounted slide rule underscores the aviation-oriented vocation of both the Airwolf Raven and Skyracer Raven models.

Best of all, they’re both available at Clarkson Jewelers.