Breitling was founded in 1884 and has since become one of the leading Swiss watch manufacturers. This is primarily due to the company’s innovative spirit, which has led to pioneering work in both navigation watches and chronographs, in particular. To mark the occasion of its 140th anniversary, Breitling is celebrating their most impressive “firsts.” However, the celebrations are not limited to a retrospective of the past, but also include current pioneering achievements from the watchmaker. As part of Geneva Watch Days 2024, Breitling presents a new and at the same time one of the biggest innovations in the company’s history: the chronograph caliber with perpetual calendar B19.
“140 Years of Firsts”
A brief look at Breitling’s history reveals the rich legacy that the company already has. In 1915, they launched the first wrist-worn chronograph. It was operated with a pusher to start, stop, and reset at the 2 o’clock position – a groundbreaking achievement at the time. In 1934, they patented a chronograph with a second pusher at 4 o’clock – the chronograph layout that is now standard in the watchmaking world. Breitling was also involved in the development of the first automatic chronograph caliber in 1969. In 2009, Breitling launched its first in-house movement, the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01, which is considered the chronograph caliber par excellence.
Caliber B19
Now, 15 years later, the brand’s artistry has reached a new level with the caliber B19. This is Breitling’s first caliber with a perpetual calendar. And where better to present this novelty than in a chronograph? The watch also boasts a full calendar and moon phase display. The length of each month (28, 30, or 31 days) is automatically corrected – leap years are even taken into account! This technology ensures that the caliber will function for almost a century without the need for intervention. It also boasts a power reserve of around 96 hours. As if the intrinsic values weren’t enough, the movement also looks great: The rotor, for example, is made of pure gold and bears an engraving of the historic Breitling script. Three models have been selected to be fitted with the new caliber in a limited 140th anniversary edition: the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat. Each is now available in an upgraded anniversary version, limited to 140 pieces. Here’s a brief overview:
Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary
The Premier has been part of Breitling’s collection since 1943. It’s a chronograph for the watch lover who is looking for an elegant watch without sacrificing functionality. The Arabic numerals and square pushers are particularly striking. The anniversary edition with the caliber B19 is available in 18-karat rose gold, making it perfect for the modern enthusiast who appreciates both the outer and inner values of a watch.
Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
Breitling’s Navitimer was the first watch to combine a chronograph with a slide rule bezel. It enabled important calculations for aviation, making it very popular among pilots. But it also appealed to a wide audience with its striking design. The anniversary edition features a black slide rule on a rose gold dial – a real eye-catcher worthy of the watch icon.
Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
In 1983, the Chronomat was introduced as the official watch of the Italian Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team – and it soon caught the eye of the wider population as well. The model helped restore the popularity of mechanical chronographs during and after the quartz crisis. The anniversary edition naturally retains the Chronomat’s unmistakable design with four raised rider tabs at 15-minute intervals and the famous onion crown. But thanks to the ceramic insert and skeletonized dial (another Breitling first, by the way), it achieves unprecedented elegance.
Summary
Breitling gave itself the most beautiful birthday present at the Geneva Watch Days. Instead of resting on its impressive 140-year history, the brand continues to exercise its pioneering spirit. Despite its advanced age, Breitling is by no means dusty. On the contrary, the manufacturer is fit to write the next 140 years of watchmaking history and celebrate many more firsts.
