Breitling Unveils the Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Ice-Blue Dial
Breitling takes to the skies with a stunning new iteration of the Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. This new release, which comes with an awesome ice-blue dial and a platinum bezel, will be part of the permanent collection. It comes in the wake of the first perpetual calendar chronograph movement the Grenchen-based brand introduced for its 140th anniversary celebrations last year, the Caliber B19. Until now, this movement had only been available as part of a limited-edition anniversary series, but with this launch, it enters full production.
The Navitimer needs little explanation in the world of watches: For over 70 years, it has stood as one of the most enduring and recognizable watches in the world. Defined by its circular slide rule for performing flight calculations on the wrist, notched bezel, and chronograph function, this pilot's watch has become synonymous with airborne precision, style, and functionality. Originally designed in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), it quickly gained favor among aviators and eventually became a global icon, worn by the likes of Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg.
The B19, which shows its sophisticated decorations and details of ist mechanism through a sapphire case back, marries a chronograph complication with a perpetual calendar. Both are challenging and not easy to combine, as one is responsible for measuring the short time, while the other is a long-term function that will indicate the correct date even in leap years until 2100. The COSC-certified movement operates at 4 Hertz and features a column-wheel and vertical clutch. It also brings to life a moon-phase display at 12 o’clock. The technical prowess is further highlighted by a whopping 96 hour power reserve.
This high-end chronograph movement ticks in a polished and brushed, 43 mm wide stainless-steel case that is complemented by a platinum bezel and water-resistant to 100 meters. It features the signature sleek mushroom pushers that have have been a hallmark of the Navitimer since its maiden flight. The ice-blue dial marks a refreshing departure from the traditional, more subdued Navitimer color schemes, adding a contemporary touch. The sub dials for the chronograph and calendar functions are slightly recessed, which adds depth to the appearance. At 12 o’clock, the illustrated moonphase display provides a charming visual element to the already impressive functionality of the watch. Naturally, the slide-rule is also aboard, on the flange of the dial.
In the words of Breitling CEO Georges Kern, “It takes a lot for us to use the word icon, but the Navitimer has earned it. Combined with the perpetual calendar chronograph movement, the B19 is a tour de force, never missing a beat for a full century. It’s a watch that will keep time for generations.”
Breitling offers the new comer with a seven-row bracelet with a butterfly clasp for $29,500 and a leather strap for $29,000.
To learn more, visit Breitling, here.
