To celebrate its 140th anniversary, Breitling introduces the Calibre B19, its first in-house perpetual calendar movement, which is poised to make history.
Building on the foundation of their well-known B01 movement, Breitling has enhanced the Calibre B19 with new features, including an impressive 96-hour power reserve. This movement combines Breitling’s expertise in chronographs with the complexities of a perpetual calendar.
The Calibre B19 displays its perpetual calendar alongside the chronograph functions: the date and 30-minute sub-counters are positioned at 3 o’clock, the month and leap year at 6 o’clock, the day and small seconds at 9 o’clock, and the moon phase at 12 o’clock. As expected from Breitling, this movement is chronometer certified by COSC.
Breitling has incorporated this new movement into three of its flagship chronograph watches.
The Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary
Breitling chose its most classic and elegant watch, the Premier, to introduce the first of three new limited edition models featuring the perpetual calendar movement.
The Premier collection, first launched in 1943, was designed to take the chronograph from the cockpit to the wrists of everyday people. Today, the Premier still stands out with its smooth bezel, square-shaped sapphire crystal, and timeless design.
The watch comes in a 42mm case, measuring 50mm in length and 15.6mm in thickness, with a water resistance of up to 100 meters. The Premier B19 Datora’s dial features gold Arabic numerals on a black background, along with a gold second hand, gold-coloured minute hand, and a black tachymeter scale. This combination creates a watch that is both bold and elegant.
The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
This latest Navitimer model is presented in a red gold case. The slide rule bezel, which characterises the collection, comes with a strong touch of luxury. Considering the complex look and movement, Breitling chose a medium case size, with a diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 15.62mm.
The dial of the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar is the most eye-catching element here, with a gold sunray base and sub-counters in the same colour as the rest of the dial. A unique and very attractive design.
The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
Lastly, there’s the Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar, the sportiest one. The Chronomat, originally launched in 1983 as the official watch of the Italian aerobatics team, is known for its robust design, featuring a rotating bezel, threaded pushers, and four raised tab riders on the bezel at the 15-minute mark.
The 44mm case of this special anniversary edition is crafted from red gold, with black ceramic inserts on the crown and pushers. The watch is paired with a rubber strap inspired by the classic rouleaux design, secured with an 18-carat red gold folding clasp.
Though it shares the same Calibre B19 movement, this version has a skeletonised design, showcasing the movement through a sapphire dial. Despite the skeletonised look, the dial remains easy to read, with clear sub-counters framed by a tachymeter scale.
This 140th anniversary collection is a true celebration from Breitling. No matter which model you choose, each one is poised to become a legendary piece in Breitling’s history. Will those three masterpiece watches be available at Breitling Indonesia boutique? Let’s wait and see.
