Turn Off the Century: Breitling Celebrate 140 Years with a New Movement

As Breitling celebrate ‘140 Years of Firsts’, the Swiss watchmakers have unveiled their latest achievement: the calibre B19, the company’s first exclusive perpetual calendar chronograph movement. This technological marvel makes its debut in three limited-edition timepieces, each representing one of Breitling’s iconic collections: the Premier, the Navitimer and the Chronomat. It’s fair to say that the Chief Executive, Georges Kern, not only successfully simplified Breitling’s offering when he arrived (land, sea and air), but has continued to innovate technically while reducing sizes in line with current trends. This new calibre may be his crowning achievement thus far. 

A new chapter in watchmaking history

The calibre B19 combines a full calendar and moonphase with the brand’s signature chronograph functionality. Its most impressive feature is its ability to automatically correct for months of varying lengths and leap years, allowing it to run for nearly a century without requiring major adjustments. Additionally, the B19 boasts an exceptional power reserve, of approximately 96 hours, with most in the market well below that. Aesthetically, the movement pays homage to Breitling’s rich heritage. The solid-gold rotor features an intricate engraving of the historic Montbrillant Manufactory, the brand’s home for more than eight decades, which housed both the Breitling factory and the family residence (it featured prominently in advertisements and even on watch dials during the 1930s and forties). 

Three complicated watches, one momentous occasion 

The watch world loves an anniversary. And with good reason. There are few industries with such a vast number of brands that have been around for so damn long. To showcase the calibre B19, Breitling have chosen to release limited-edition versions in three collections. Each model is crafted in 18k red gold and is limited to 140 pieces, symbolising the brand’s 140-year journey. First is the Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary. The Premier collection, introduced in 1943, brought the precision of Breitling’s chronographs from the cockpit to high society. This anniversary edition maintains the collection’s hallmark features, including distinctive Arabic numerals, a contrasting minutes scale, and square pushers. The black alligator leather strap has tone-on- tone stitching and an 18k gold folding buckle. Next: the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary. The Navitimer, launched in 1952, revolutionised aviation watches with its innovative circular slide rule. This nniversary model showcases the legendary slide rule in black against a striking 18k red-gold dial. The alligator leather strap features contrasting topstitching and an 18k gold folding buckle. Finally, there is the Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary. The Chronomat, introduced in 1983, played a crucial role in reviving interest in mechanical chronographs during the quartz era. This anniversary edition retains the model’s iconic design elements, including raised rider tabs, an ‘onion’ crown, and a rubber version of the classic Rouleaux bracelet. Ceramic inserts add a modern touch, while a skeletonised dial — a first for Breitling — offers a glimpse into the heart of the new calibre B19. 

Looking to the future 

As one of only a handful of independent watchmakers producing their own manufacture calibres, Breitling maintain control over their quality, which is supported by the fact that the new movement is COSC certified. As Kern says, “With the calibre B19 and our anniversary limited editions, we’re making history again. This launch is about being as groundbreaking as our ‘140 Years of Firsts’ demands.” The introduction of the calibre B19 and these stunning anniversary editions is intended not only to celebrate Breitling’s rich history but to set the stage for the next phase of the brand’s quest for innovation.