Breitling marks its 140th anniversary with a stunning new perpetual calendar movement in special editions of the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat timepieces
Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling has launched three limited-edition models to commemorate its 140th anniversary, each featuring the brand’s first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph movement, the Caliber B19.
The movement is a significant milestone for the Swiss watchmaker, promising a century of precision without requiring major adjustments, alongside an impressive 96-hour power reserve. The Caliber B19 is showcased in special editions of Breitling’s most iconic watches: the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat.
The Premier B19 Datora 42, Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43, and Super Chronomat B19 44 have been released in a strictly limited run of 140 pieces each. The new movement’s innovative design includes a full calendar with a moonphase complication, automatically adjusting for leap years and varying month lengths. The movement’s rotor is crafted in solid gold and engraved with an image of the historic Montbrillant Manufactory, where the Breitling family produced their renowned timepieces for over 80 years.
The anniversary editions highlight Breitling’s rich heritage of horological innovations. Each model pays tribute to Breitling’s storied past – the Premier B19 Datora 42, crafted in 18k red gold, harks back to the model’s 1943 debut as a gentlemen’s chronograph, while the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar showcases the famed circular slide rule flight computer that first won over pilots in 1952. The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar stands out with its bold skeletonised dial, a first for Breitling, and pays homage to the Chronomat’s 1983 introduction as the official watch of Italy’s aerobatic team.
These exclusive timepieces come in specially designed wooden watch boxes, capable of displaying up to three watches, and are accompanied by a personalised deluxe edition of Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories, a new book detailing the company’s history. Breitling CEO Georges Kern described the launch as a continuation of the brand’s legacy of firsts, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in luxury timekeeping.
The Pop-up Museum
Breitling will also be marking its momentous milestone with the launch of its first-ever pop-up museum in central Zurich.
The “Breitling Then & Now” museum, located at Rennweg 14–16, offers an immersive journey through the brand’s rich history, showcasing 88 vintage watches alongside interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator and mini in-house Chronometrie.
Visitors can explore Breitling’s pioneering innovations across air, land, and sea. Open to the public, the museum features memorabilia, Breitling signature cocktails, and an anniversary book. The exhibition runs for a limited time, celebrating Breitling’s legacy of firsts in Swiss watchmaking.
What: Breitling “Then & Now” Pop-up Museum
When: Tuesday – Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays
Where: Rennweg 14/16, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
How: Free admission. Register here
Images courtesy of Breitling, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
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