Fifty years ago yesterday, astronaut Scott Carpenter became only the second American to orbit the Earth solo aboard the Aurora 7 space capsule. He orbited three times while wearing a Breitling Navitimer chronograph, following John Glenn in an epic milestone of American space exploration. How many watchmakers can boast of being worn on pioneering space voyages? That’s simply heritage that cannot be bought, or even valued. Breitling wisely celebrates the achievement with a limited edition Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute “Scott Carpenter” edition chronograph, of which only 1,962 editions will be made (the first given, of course, to Carpenter himself for whom a documentary is currently in the works). The Swiss-made wristwatch features a 43mm stainless steel case, 39 jewel hand-wound movement, circular slide rule integrated into the bi-directional rotating bezel, and a Celsius/Fahrenheit conversion scale with an Aurora 7 mission insignia etched on the caseback. Given the monumental achievement the watch celebrates, and its low production numbers, chances are you’re not going to be able to get your hands on one anyway.