Breitling has unveiled a significant addition to its iconic Navitimer collection: the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar. This release marks a notable moment for the brand, integrating its first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph movement, the Caliber B19, into a non-limited edition Navitimer. This move elevates the legendary timepiece with enhanced functionality and a fresh aesthetic, while staying true to the Navitimer's storied heritage.
The history of the
Breitling Navitimer is intertwined with the evolution of aviation. Introduced in 1952, it was specifically designed for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Its defining feature, the circular slide rule, enabled pilots to perform critical flight calculations directly on their wrist. This functionality, combined with its chronograph capabilities, made the Navitimer an indispensable tool for aviators. However, the Navitimer's appeal quickly transcended its professional origins. Its distinctive design and undeniable coolness resonated with a broader audience, including celebrities, and musicians. It even journeyed into space in 1962, earning the title of the first Swiss wristwatch worn in space.
Courtesy of Breitling
This new Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar represents a bridge between the Navitimer's rich past and its future. The watch retains the signature design elements that have made it instantly recognizable for over seven decades: the circular slide rule, the notched bezel, and the chronograph function. These elements are now complemented by the sophisticated Caliber B19 movement, a mechanical marvel.
The most striking feature of this new Navitimer is its captivating ice-blue dial. This cool, refreshing hue provides a beautiful contrast to the warmth of the sub-dials and the complex array of information displayed. The dial is meticulously organized, with the perpetual calendar functions thoughtfully integrated. At 12 o'clock, a moon phase indicator adds a touch of romanticism, depicting the lunar cycle with precision. The other sub-dials elegantly display the day, date, and month, ensuring that the wearer remains perfectly synchronized with the passage of time. This layout manages to present a wealth of information in a clear and legible manner, a testament to Breitling's design.
Encasing this intricate dial is a 43mm stainless steel case. While substantial, the case maintains a sleek profile with a thickness of 14.94mm. The polished finish of the stainless steel provides a lustrous, yet also professional look, and a counterpoint to the intricate dial, is the platinum bezel, adding a subtle touch of understated luxury. The use of platinum, a rare and precious metal, subtly elevates the watch's status. The combination of stainless steel and platinum creates a harmonious blend of durability and refinement.
Courtesy of Breitling
Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal caseback, providing an unobstructed view of the Caliber B19 movement. This allows the wearer to appreciate the intricate mechanics and finishing of this exceptional movement. The movement itself is a testament to Breitling's watchmaking. The Caliber B19 is not just a chronograph; it's a perpetual calendar, meaning it automatically adjusts for the varying lengths of months and even leap years. This complex mechanism requires only minimal adjustments to remain accurate for a century.
The Caliber B19, Breitling's first in-house perpetual calendar chronograph movement, represents a significant milestone for the brand. It builds upon the foundation laid by the Caliber 01, Breitling's flagship chronograph movement, renowned for its reliability and precision. The B19 adds the intricate perpetual calendar complication, a testament to Breitling's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking. The movement boasts an impressive 96-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch will continue to run accurately even if not worn for several days. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and it comprises 39 jewels, minimizing friction and ensuring long-term performance. This complex movement undergoes the test of 16-year aging simulation that includes, among other extreme challenges,100,000 crown winds, 3,456,000 weight turns, and 60,000 shocks at 500G.
Courtesy of Breitling
The functionality of the watch extends beyond the perpetual calendar. The chronograph function, a hallmark of the Navitimer, is controlled by mushroom-shaped pushers. These pushers provide a tactile and satisfying click when activated, reflecting the robust construction of the watch. The chronograph allows for the measurement of elapsed time, with sub-dials displaying 1/4th second, 30-minute, and 12-hour intervals.
Breitling offers the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar with two strap options. One is a classic black alligator leather strap with a folding buckle, providing a sophisticated and comfortable fit. The other is a seven-row stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp, offering a more sporty and robust aesthetic. The choice of strap allows the wearer to tailor the watch to their personal style and preference. The lug width is 22.05mm.
The watch's case back is screwed in and made of sapphire crystal, which displays the Caliber B19. The water resistants sits at 3 bars. The product weight sits at an approximate 169.54 grams, while the weight of just the watch-head is about 91 grams. The height from upper lug tip to lower lug tip is 49.07mm. The crown is not screwed-locked, and has two gaskets. The glass is a cambered sapphire, that has been glare proofed on both sides.
Courtesy of Breitling
Adjusting the moon phase indicator on this Breitling is an easy process. During a full moon, simply adjust the watch to display the moon at the center of the calendar aperture. For other lunar phases, consult a visual guide or a lunar calendar to determine the current phase and adjust the indicator accordingly. This ability to track the moon's phases adds another layer of connection to the natural world.
The Navitimer B19 is more than just a visually appealing watch; it's a practical tool. The slide rule, a defining feature of the Navitimer, allows for various calculations, making it useful for pilots and anyone who appreciates the ability to perform quick computations on their wrist. The perpetual calendar function eliminates the need for frequent date adjustments, providing convenience and peace of mind.
The introduction of the Caliber B19 in a non-limited edition Navitimer is a significant event for Breitling. It makes this exceptional movement, previously available only in a limited anniversary series, accessible to a wider audience of watch enthusiasts. This move underscores Breitling's commitment to innovation and its desire to share its watchmaking with a broader clientele.
Courtesy of Breitling
The Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar is a watch that seamlessly blends heritage and innovation. It pays homage to the iconic Navitimer design while incorporating a cutting-edge movement that elevates its functionality to new heights. It is a watch that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of horology.
The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar is available for purchase with either a stainless steel metal bracelet or an alligator leather strap. The version with the metal bracelet is priced at USD 29,500, while the version with the alligator leather strap is priced at USD 29,000.
Case: Stainless steel and platinum. Diameter 43mm, Thickness 14.94mm. Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip) 49.07mm, Lug width 22.05mm. Water resistance 3 bars. Non screw-locked crown, two gaskets. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed both sides. Screwed in sapphire crystal caseback. Weight 169.54g (without strap), Watch-head weight 91g.
Movement: Breitling B19 (Manufacture) caliber. Self-winding mechanical. Power reserve approximately 96 hours. 1/4th second chronograph, with 30 minutes, 12 hours counters. Vibrations 28,800 v.p.h. 39 jewels. Perpetual calendar with moon-phase.
Dial: Ice-blue. Moon phase indicator at 12 o'clock. Sub-dials displaying day, date, and month. Features the iconic circular slide rule.
Strap: Available with either a stainless steel metal bracelet or black alligator leather strap. Metal bracelet is a seven-row stainless-steel with butterfly clasp. Leather strap features a folding buckle. Straight strap type. Lug 22/18 mm.
Price: USD 29,500 (metal bracelet), USD 29,000 (alligator leather strap).
Reference Number: PB1920251C1A1
Notes: Breitling's first exclusive perpetual calendar chronograph movement, Caliber B19. The movement undergoes a series of tests, including a 16 year aging stimulation.