Episode 16: Conversation with Breitling Historian Fred Mandelbaum

Significant Watches

In Episode 16, Eric Wind and Charlie Dunne speak with vintage watch expert and consultant to Breitling Fred Mandelbaum. The three discuss the public discovery of Scott Carpenter's Breitling Cosmonaute – the first Swiss wristwatch worn in space. Mandelbaum details his passion for Breitling’s rich heritage and his experience working with the manufacturer since his initial phone call with Georges Kern back in 2017. As Mandelbaum mentions, doing a great re-release is simply not enough. The watches he is most proud of seeing developed are in fact not the re-editions but such models like the Chronomat. Mandelbaum elaborates on Georges Kern and Breitling's decision to directly involve collectors and stakeholders such as Gregory Breitling as being a monumental part of the brand's storytelling. Wind, Mandelbaum, and Dunne all shared the same impression that Carpenter's Breitling had a special presence. Mandelbaum would share his thoughts on why Scott Carpenter's Breitling Cosmonaute miraculously remained unrestored, in that it was likely a result of both Carpenter and Gregory Breitling's understanding that the timepiece was an artifact that both had no right to change. In perhaps the most poetic fashion, Mandelbaum shares his definition of a watch collector that left both Wind and Dunne speechless.

You can learn more about Fred Mandelbaum by following his Instagram @WatchFred. Follow Louis Westphalen, Head of Digital Engagement and e-Commerce, on his Instagram @louis.vintage Follow Breitling by visiting their official website and Instagram.

You can see Watch Spotting At Breitling: Part 1 on Wind Vintage

'Found Scott Carpenter's Breitling Cosmonaute – The First Swiss Wristwatch Worn in Space' by Jeff Stein.

The 2022 publication ‘Navitimer Story: The epic saga of the Breitling chronograph’ available on WatchPrint.com

Follow Jeff Stein by visiting his website http://www.onthedash.com/ and on his Instagram @OnTheDash. Follow Tony on https://www.rescapement.com/ and Instagram @Rescapement. Follow Nick Federowicz on https://www.adpatina.com/ and Instagram @AdPatina. Follow John Reardon and Tania Edwards by visiting https://collectability.com/ and following @Collectabilityllc. Follow Martijn van der Ven on Instagram @vandervenus and https://enicar.org/. Follow Nico on Instagram @_jimjupiter and https://enicar101.com/.

Special thanks to Breitling, Fred Mandelbaum, Nicolas Chambron, Louis Westphalen, Lindsay Paterson, Romy Hebden, Santa Kalna, Letizia Garrapa, Georges Kern, and the rest of the Breitling team for hosting us at one of the best watch events we have ever attended.