Introducing Breitling Unveils Its First Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Movement

Breitling has introduced its first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph movement in three of its most celebrated models: the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat. These timepieces are powered by the new manufacture caliber B19, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Breitling, like many other watch manufacturers, embarked on a journey to produce its own movements several years ago. When asked about the reasoning behind this initiative, CEO Georges Kern emphasized the desire for independence and uniqueness. You can watch the full interview here.

To commemorate its 140th anniversary, Breitling has taken a bold step forward with these three limited-edition models, all powered by the exclusive B19 caliber. Each watch—the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat—features a luxurious 18k red gold case and is limited to just 140 pieces. The B19 caliber is visible through a sapphire caseback.

The caliber B19 is Breitling’s first perpetual calendar chronograph movement, building on the brand’s expertise in manufacture movements that began in 2009 with the introduction of the caliber B01. Since then, Breitling has developed numerous calibers to power its collections. The B19 stands out with its full calendar, moon phase complication, and an impressive 96-hour power reserve, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz. The movement is COSC-certified for precision and features a column-wheel, vertical clutch chronograph mechanism—preferred than the cam mechanism for its precise control of the chronograph’s start, stop, and reset functions. The 22k gold rotor, visible through the caseback, is engraved with an image of Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Each of the three limited editions shares the same movement and dial layout. At 3 o’clock, a subdial displays the day of the month alongside the chronograph minute counter. At 6 o’clock, another subdial shows the month and features a leap-year indicator, while the 9 o’clock subdial displays the day of the week and running seconds. A moon phase complication is prominently positioned at 12 o’clock.

The Premier B19 Datora 42 boasts a 42mm x 15.6mm case with a 50mm lug-to-lug measurement. Its elegant black dial features applied Arabic numerals and concentric detailing on the black subdials. The outer gold seconds track is brushed, and the watch comes on a black alligator strap with a folding gold clasp.

Technical Specifications: Breitling Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary

• Reference: RB19401A1B1P1
• Case: 18k red gold, fixed bezel, cambered sapphire glass, glare proof on both sides, screwed 18k red gold caseback with sapphire crystal
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 15.6 mm
• Water resistance: 100 meters
• Dial: Black with tone-on-tone chronograph counters, Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands
• Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B19, self-winding mechanical with 22k red gold rotor engraved with Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory, COSC-certified, column-wheel, vertical clutch
• Power reserve: 96 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Functions: Chronograph, hour, minute, second, perpetual calendar, moon phase
• Bracelet/Strap: Black alligator-leather strap with 18k red gold folding buckle, size 22/18 mm
• Availability: Limited to 140 pieces

The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar measures 43mm x 15.6mm (49mm lug-to-lug). While the dial layout is similar to the Premier, the Navitimer features a striking red gold dial with matching indices and includes the signature slide rule bezel. The moon phase on this model offers a more realistic depiction of the moon.

Technical Specifications: Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

• Reference: RB19101A1H1P1
• Case: 18k red gold, bidirectional bezel with circular slide rule, cambered sapphire glass, glareproofed on both sides, screwed 18k red gold caseback with cambered sapphire crystal
• Diameter: 43 mm
• Thickness: 15.62 mm
• Water resistance: 30 m
• Dial: 18k red gold, with Super-LumiNova luminescent indices and hands
• Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B19, self-winding mechanical with 22k red gold rotor engraved with Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory, COSC-certified, column-wheel, vertical clutch
• Power reserve: 96 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Functions: Chronograph (1/4th second, 30-minute), hour, minute, second, perpetual calendar, moon phase
• Bracelet/Strap: Black alligator-leather strap with 18k red gold folding buckle
• Availability: Limited to 140 pieces

The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar measures 44mm x 15.3mm with a 53.5mm lug-to-lug measurement. This sporty timepiece features a rotating bezel with black ceramic inserts, screwed pushers, and distinctive raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks.

Technical specifications: Breitling Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

• Reference: RB19301A1G1S1
• Case: red gold case, unidirectional bezel red gold with black ceramic insert, sapphire crystal on the top and on the case back
• Diameter: 44  mm  
• Height:  15.35 mm 
• Water resistance: 100 m
• Dial: Gray skeletonized dial with black sapphire chronograph counters, applied indices 
• Movement:  Manufacture Caliber B19, 22 k red gold rotor 
• with an engraving of Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory,  components 374, column-wheel, vertical clutch, COSC-certified 
• Power reserve: 96 hours 
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
• Functions: Chronograph, hour, minute, second, perpetual calendar, moon phase
• Bracelet / Strap: Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap with an 18 k red gold folding clasp
• Availability: Each watch is limited to 140 pieces 

Each of these anniversary limited editions is presented in a suede-lined wooden watch box, accompanied by additional accessories including a storage drawer, travel pouch, and a deluxe edition of the book Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories. Priced at $59,000 USD (approximately AED 217,000), each of the three models is limited to just 140 pieces worldwide.

For more information please visit Breitling’s official website.