Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel Watch Review
First appearing in 2024, in a series of limited-edition anniversary models, the Calibre B19 makes a welcome return with the release of the Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel. Featuring an ice blue dial, platinum bezel and a steel case, this latest aviation-themed model wonderfully fuses handsome styling with a plethora of mechanical attributes.
140 Years of Firsts – three models incorporating the Calibre B19
In August 2024, Breitling unveiled three limited edition models as part of its 140th anniversary celebrations aka ‘140 Years of Firsts’. All three references were housed in an 18-carat red gold case and incorporated the Calibre B19. At the time, I wrote a detailed article covering each model (Premier, Navitimer and Chronomat).
Each reference was limited to just 140 pieces, comparatively small numbers considering they featured a new movement. The Calibre B19 unites a chronograph (a speciality of the house) with a perpetual calendar. The development costs, as well as the outlay for essential tooling, would have been huge, hence it comes as no surprise to see the Swiss marque roll out the Calibre B19 for additional, non-limited models.
Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel – dial
What better place to start than with the Navitimer, the firm’s legendary pilots’ watch. With a history dating back to 1952, the Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel, equipped with a circular slide rule, cuts a dashing figure. The dial is executed in a becoming shade of ice blue, enriched with a sunray pattern, meanwhile the subdials are snailed and the bidirectional slide rule fringing the dial is presented in black.
Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel – case with either strap or bracelet
Measuring 43 mm in diameter, the steel case is paired with a platinum bezel, delivering subtle tonal contrast. The Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel can be specified with a black alligator leather strap, secured with a folding buckle, or worn on a 7-rows stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp.
Breitling Manufacture Calibre B19
Like its older sibling, the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, the Breitling Manufacture Calibre B19 is a chronograph that unites a column-wheel with a vertical coupling. This arrangement, beloved by purists, confers smooth actuation of the chronograph and promises stutter-free starts.
As previously stated, the Cailbre B19 features a perpetual calendar, a complication that can identify those months with 28, 29, 30 or 31 days and advance to ‘1’ accordingly. Assuming the watch is kept fully wound, the date will not require manual correction until 2100.
Breitling has chosen not to use the customary ‘index-regulated’ balance for the Calibre B19, instead opting for a superior variable-inertia balance. This latter means of regulation is more precise, less susceptible to positional influence and should the watch be subjected to a shock it is less likely to require remedial regulation.
Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel – tried and tested
The Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is a COSC-certified chronometer, providing independent assurance of its timekeeping talents. Moreover, the brand states, ‘the Caliber B19 undergoes a 16-year aging simulation that includes, among other extreme challenges, 100,000 crown winds, 3,456,000 weight turns, and 60,000 shocks at 500G.’ It’s a torturous regime that could easily make a stem, spring or lever cry, but it grants wannabe wearers with reassuring peace of mind.
Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Steel – closing remarks
In 2009, when the Manufacture Calibre 01 emerged from the Breitling Chronometrie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the movement wowed horophiles. Its highly refined specification included a fully integrated chronograph, column-wheel, vertical coupling, COSC-certification and 70 hour power-reserve. The Calibre B19 goes even further with its perpetual calendar, variable-inertia balance and a power-reserve of 96 hours. By opting to house the Calibre B19 in a steel case, Breitling has made the movement accessible to a larger audience, something that will undoubtedly resonate with legions of horophiles.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Chronograph Steel
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 43 mm, height 14.94 mm, water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, perpetual calendar
- Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B19, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve approximately 96 hours.
- Price: black alligator leather strap – £25,150 (as of 4.3.2025)
- Price: steel bracelet – £25,400 (as of 4.3.2025)