Breitling's 140th Anniversary: The B19 Perpetual Calendar Collection in Gold

Breitling Celebrates 140 Years with a Trio of Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronographs

Founded in 1884, Breitling celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2024 with a landmark collection of three perpetual calendar chronograph watches, each powered by the brand's first in-house perpetual calendar movement — the Caliber B19. Limited to just 140 pieces per model, the collection encompasses the Premier B19 Datora 42, the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43, and the Super Chronomat B19 44.

The Caliber B19: A New Chapter in Breitling's Movement History

Breitling's journey toward in-house manufacturing began in earnest in 2009 with the launch of the Caliber B01, an integrated automatic chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch. The B01 has since evolved into several variants — the B02 (24-hour), B03 (split-seconds), and B04 (GMT) — and has even been adopted by Tudor for its chronograph models.

The Caliber B19 represents the most significant evolution yet. Built upon the B01 architecture, it adds a full perpetual calendar with moonphase while extending the power reserve to 96 hours (from 70 hours on the B01). The movement measures 30mm × 8.53mm and contains 374 components, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

The Three Models

1. Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary

The most elegant of the trio, the Premier features a 42mm 18k rose gold case with a smooth bezel and box-shaped sapphire crystal. The black dial is adorned with gold Arabic numerals and gold syringe hands. Water-resistant to 100m, it is the sportiest of the three in terms of water resistance. Price: CHF 55,000 / EUR 55,000 / USD 59,000.

2. Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

The iconic pilot's chronograph receives the B19 treatment in a 43mm 18k rose gold case. The gold sunray-brushed dial with tone-on-tone counters is framed by the Navitimer's signature slide-rule bezel. Water-resistant to 30m. Price: CHF 55,000 / EUR 55,000 / USD 59,000.

3. Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

The sportiest model, featuring a 44mm 18k rose gold case with black ceramic bezel insert and screw-locked crown and pushers. The semi-skeletonized dial reveals the B19 movement's perpetual calendar mechanism. Water-resistant to 100m. Price: CHF 55,000 / EUR 55,000 / USD 59,000.

Why This Collection Matters

The 140th Anniversary Collection represents Breitling's most ambitious horological statement in years. By developing a fully integrated perpetual calendar chronograph movement, Breitling elevates its position among Swiss manufacturers capable of producing high complications entirely in-house. The choice to launch in gold limited editions signals the brand's intent to compete in the upper echelons of luxury watchmaking, while the subsequent 2025 release of the stainless steel Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar ensures this technology reaches a wider audience.

Discover more about the Breitling Watch Collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a perpetual calendar?
A perpetual calendar automatically accounts for the varying lengths of months, including leap years, requiring no manual correction until the year 2100. It is one of the most prestigious complications in mechanical watchmaking.

How does the B19 differ from modular perpetual calendars?
Unlike modular designs that stack a calendar module on top of a base movement, the B19 is a fully integrated caliber. This results in greater reliability, thinner construction, and more cohesive operation of all functions.

Are the 140th Anniversary models still available?
Each model was limited to 140 pieces at a retail price of USD 59,000. Given their limited production and collector appeal, they are likely to be found primarily on the secondary market.

Source

Sources: Monochrome Watches (August 29, 2024). All images sourced from Monochrome Watches.