Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 'Lemania' A12322

Famed as an incredible pilot’s watch ever since it was first released, the Breitling Navitimer has existed as one of the best chronograph timepieces on the market for decades. So established was its dominance that when NASA were performing tests to see which watchmaker would supply timepieces for the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, the Navitimer came out on top. After winning the bid, astronaut Scott Carpenter asked Breitling if they could fit a 24-hour dial to the Navitimer so he could more easily track AM and PM while in space. Breitling happily obliged and created what would go on to become its own collection, the Navitimer Cosmonaute, which became commercially available to the public soon after Carpenter’s mission ended. While Carpenter’s original Cosmonaute was water damaged due to its lack of water resistance due to its slide-rule bezel and replaced by Breitling and never seen again, it has lived on in Breitling’s arsenal in some form or another for years. As such, Breitling had produced historically accurate reinterpretations of it over the years like the ref. A12322 we have here, with its 41mm stainless steel case and black 24-hour dial.

Information:

Reference: A12322

Circa: Late 90's

Dial: Tritium - Black Dial

Hands: Luminova

Bracelet: Brown Leather Strap (Bulang & Sons)

Case Size: 41mm x 13.3mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 22mm

Functions: HMS, Chronograph, slide rule calculator

Accessories: Inner/outer boxes and booklets - no papers

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Caliber: Breitling 12 - Lemania 1873 base - Serviced 07/01/25

Condition:

The case has light normal micro wear with nothing notable. Strap is new. Hands have no wear. Dial has no wear. Crystal AR coating has light micro scratches but the actual glass is free of any actual damage. Watch was serviced 07/01/25 by us.

History of Breitling 

Breitling, founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Switzerland, has a rich history of innovation in watchmaking. The company quickly established itself as a leader in precision timers and chronographs, introducing significant advancements such as the first wrist-worn chronograph with an independent pusher in 1915. Under the leadership of three generations of the Breitling family, the brand became renowned for its aviation timepieces, launching the iconic Navitimer in 1952. Despite challenges from quartz technology in the 1970s, Breitling adapted and continued to innovate, introducing models like the Chronomat and Aerospace that combined traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

In recent years, Breitling has undergone a strategic repositioning under new ownership and leadership. While honoring its heritage, the brand has embraced modern design, sustainability, and digital innovation. Breitling has restructured its product portfolio around Air, Land, and Sea categories, reintroduced classic collections, and launched eco-friendly initiatives. The company has also ventured into digital realms with blockchain-based watch passports and a subscription service. These efforts have positioned Breitling as a forward-thinking brand that balances its storied past with contemporary consumer needs and values.