If you’re lucky enough to own the Breitling Cosmonaute, many would argue that you’re not only wearing a timepiece on your wrist, but a significant piece of history. Space nerds and watch fans alike have long exchanged starry-eyed “ooh’s” and “ah’s” over the Omega Speedmaster, notorious for its part in the Apollo 11 American spaceflight that first landed humans on the moon, but what about the competitors for the spot that didn’t quite make the cut?
Although the timepiece originally began its life as a Navitimer, thanks to American astronaut Scott Carpenter’s personal request to Breitling, the dial was given a 24-hour display to help tell day from night in space and thus evolved into the Cosmonaute. Changes to the hour/minutes track on the dials were also made, at his request, to enhance legibility and a wide bezel was utilised to ensure the timepiece remained operable whilst wearing space gloves.
Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
The “astronaut-designed” prototype was delivered to Carpenter on May 18th, 1962 and, just a few days later, Carpenter boarded the Aurora 7 spacecraft as part of the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. Accompanied by his Breitling Cosmonaute, he orbited the earth three times before making his return. Unfortunately, although his landing in the Atlantic was a safe one, the watch was submerged, damaged, and never seen again. As we all know, the race to the moon was ultimately won by the Omega Speedmaster, but the Cosmonaute still proudly holds on to its status as the “First Swiss wristwatch in space”.
Whether you’re an owner or an admirer, you’ll recognize that the classic vintage charm of the Breitling Cosmonaute lends itself beautifully to wear with a basically endless array of straps. We managed to get some hands on time with a Breitling Cosmonaute helpfully loaned to us by Watches of Lancashire. They have an immense selection of vintage watches that have been carefully sought out by experienced watchmakers. Each watch sold comes with a two-year guarantee so you really are in safe hands when shopping with them. If you're in the market for a vintage timepiece, perhaps this very Breitling Cosmonaute, Ian and Daniel are ready when you are!
Following our hands-on time, we’ve rounded up our Top 5 Straps for the Breitling Cosmonaute to ensure you’re off to a solid start when choosing a new, high-quality accessory for this historically iconic timepiece.
Leather Straps
Original Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap
Original Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap on Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
It feels only right to begin our Strap Showcase with something that feels as timelessly classic as the Breitling Cosmonaute itself. Our Original Vintage Highley is made with genuine leather and has become something of a staple for us at WatchGecko. Due to its popularity and our drive to keep up with customer needs, the Highley strap has evolved slightly since its inception and can now be purchased in a slimmer ‘Classic’ iteration and even a ‘Flat’ style. The Original Vintage, however, is where the collection began and is an elegant addition to the Breitling Cosmonaute.
With a generous 6mm thick padding at the lug end, the strap is well-suited to a huge variety of mid-size to large watches. Available in six rich colour choices, each of the Original Vintage Highley straps are crafted from the very best Italian vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather which is oiled and ages with character over time. An obvious choice for a timeless, vintage look if you aks us.
ZULUDIVER Mayday Sailcloth Padded Divers Watch Strap
ZULUDIVER Mayday Sailcloth Padded Divers Watch Strap on Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
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- £48.00
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Although you yourself might not be aiming as far as space, for something a little more ruggedly reliable, our ZULUDIVER Mayday Sailcloth strap is the perfect choice for life on the go. As one of our most versatile options, the ZULUDIVER Mayday has the elegant looks of a leather strap with the functionality of a rubber strap. Durability and comfort are offered in one smart package by this waterproof and hard-wearing printed PVC rubber. Finished with remborde edge to ensure it’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is tough, the ZULUDIVER Mayday strap also comes complete with incorporated quick-release spring bars to ensure strap changes are simple.
Laverton Padded Patina Calf Leather Watch Strap
Laverton Padded Patina Calf Leather Watch Strap on Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
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- £138.00
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Another leather option for you is our Laverton Padded Patina Strap. Luxuriously soft from the first wear and created meticulously by hand, the patina of the leather pairs exquisitely with vintage timepieces, such as the Breitling Cosmonaute. Unique from conventional leather, the Patina was selected for use thanks to its vintage, earthy appearance, and beautifully aged aesthetic. A great choice for those who’d prefer their timepiece to do the talking, our Laverton Padded Patina strap is destined to blend in seamlessly and stylishly with your Cosmonaute wristwatch, whilst exuding a subtle touch of its signature luxurious charm.
Nylon Straps
We couldn’t conclude our round up of the best straps for the Breitling Cosmonaute without considering our military inspired Nylon options. Echoing the MoD (Ministry of Defence) issued watch straps of the 1970’s, the WatchGecko strap catalogue showcases a number of robust, nylon options to suit every style. Originally made to fit strict requirements, nylon straps have since become a fashionable staple for every watch fan. Let’s get into our top choices…
ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap
ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap on Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
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If you’re after a classic Bond option to suit your Cosmonaute, look no further than the ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military strap. Designed in shades of grey and black, the 1973 British Military strap is our most accurate nod to the straps issued in a bygone era. Inspired by straps worn in the iconic James Bond movies, this style is toned down, ready for anything but equally smart. Our ZULUDIVER 1973 collection is a a great choice for those hoping to find practical everyday straps that won’t distract from your timepiece.
Geckota Genuine Vintage Bond Military Nylon Watch Strap
Geckota Genuine Vintage Bond Military Nylon Watch Strap on Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
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The Geckota Genuine Vintage Bond Military Nylon strap injects a little more colour than our previous contender, but still keeps things fairly classic. Featuring a dark blue base with vintage red and olive-green stripes, this strap is just like the original that inspired it. Unapologetically stylish but well made for durability and a long service life, the Geckota Genuine Vintage Bond strap has a variety of different buckle finishes available and is easy to change to suit your mood or your plans for the day.
WatchGecko Ridge British Military Watch Strap
WatchGecko Ridge British Military Watch Strap on Breitling Cosmonaute. Credit: WatchGecko.
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Last up is the WatchGecko Ridge strap. Available in a staggering 22 colour options, the Ridge maintains a classic vintage look that makes for an effective companion to the Cosmonaute. Crafted with a subtle ribbed texture, similar to authentic military webbing, the 1.2mm thick nylon is known for being incredibly tough with bags of retro charm. Perfect as a wear anywhere do anything option, your watch will be kept secure during the most rigorous of activities by our Ridge strap, which is not only durable and water resistant but stylish for years to come.
