The date window is a contentious addition to the replica watch. While some Cosmonaute references included the date window, most frequently at 4:30, the original Scott Carpenter Cosmonaute did not. This could be a deal-breaker for some, but the new perfect fake Breitling Cosmonaute is not a 1:1 recreation à la the Ref. 806 or 765 AVI capsule collections. A little modernity is nothing terrible, after all. I find the 6 o’clock window placement within the hour totalizer sub-dial to be the least intrusive option. The hands and indices also have a vintage-hue luminosity to play on the heritage theme. The beige color also stands apart from the regular Breitling Navitimer copy online, with its stark black and white contrast.
The tachymeter scale is absent from the best 1:1 fake Breitling Navitimer’s signature slide-rule bezel. While the original Navitimer references did not include the tachymeter, Carpenter also requested the removal of the logarithmic “C” scale. The logarithmic scale was redundant for space travel, reducing the clutter. As this new cheap replica Breitling Cosmonaute takes inspiration from the original watch, it also honors Carpenter’s request to remove the scale and the tachymeter.
However, I must note that the latest AAA replica Breitling Navitimer UK range also does not include a tachymeter scale. Breitling perhaps intended to clean up the complex and claustrophobic slide-rule bezel before the Cosmonaute. Nevertheless, some did note the glaring omission of scale on the new Navi. Although, for the 1:1 fake Breitling Cosmonaute and its history, it makes sense to maintain the relative clarity of the bezel.
Modernising the Cosmonaute formula
As I said before, the new high quality fake Breitling Cosmonaute is a nod to the past but is a thoroughly modern construction. The 41mm diameter closely follows the dimensions of its inspiration, but there are some variances. For instance, the dial only mentions “Navitimer,” whereas the original states “Cosmonaute.” This is partly due to Navitimer being a more recognizable model name. Also, when Carpenter’s copy watch was rendered defective following the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, he wrote to Willy Breitling to restore the watch. Instead, Carpenter was provided a brand new Cosmonaute that only states “Navitimer” on the dial — the same as the new watch. It does state “Navitimer Cosmonaute” on the periphery of the exhibition case back. The replacement watch is in the Carpenter family’s possession, while the original space replica watch belongs to Gregory Breitling, grandson of Willy Breitling.
The applied logo is the embossed wings design that shares the AOPA emblem outline from the 1950s. The classic design follows from the inclusion on the Swiss made replica Breitling Navitimer earlier this year and bears a striking resemblance to an open book. Turning the watch over reveals the in-house B02 movement via the sapphire case-back, with stunning bridge engravings. The Aurora 7 logo has three circles around it, referencing the three Earth orbits performed by Scott Carpenter and his name, the capsule silhouette, and the jewel count. The B02 is based on the B01 but instead has a manually winding mechanism with a 24-hour cycle. Yet, it preserves the 70-hour power reserve and relative slimness due to the lack of a rotor.
Final thoughts
As you may glean, Swiss movement replica Breitling has scrutinized the past while making an appealing watch for today’s market. Adding to this is the protruding shape of the bezel. Carpenter’s brief in March 1962 requested the ability to operate the bezel with space gloves. However, the outer bezel grip material is rendered in platinum for the new model. There’s a premium quality to the inertia and feel of the bezel, but it equates to a higher price in comparison to an all stainless steel watch.
The luxury fake Breitling Navitimer B02 Cosmonaute is a limited edition of 362 pieces on either a brushed/polished steel bracelet for €10,550 or on a black alligator leather strap for €10,200. The 41mm stainless steel case with platinum bezel has a water resistance of 30 meters. This is in keeping with the standard UK super clone Breitling Navitimer depth rating due to the rotatable sapphire crystal and bezel construction.