This Might Be the Ultimate Iteration of One of the Most Iconic Chronographs Ever Made

Breitling finally placed its new, impressively complex in-house movement in a regular production reference.

the lug, crown, and dial of a Breitling perpetual calendar watch

Published March 4, 2025

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Updated March 4, 2025

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In 2009, Breitling introduced its Manufacture Caliber 01 chronograph movement to begin transitioning away from using third-party movements.

Breitling completed the transition in 2024 by unveiling the spectacularly complex B19 automatic perpetual calendar chronograph movement. The legendary Swiss watchmaker’s first in-house perpetual calendar complication is also one of the most impressive on the planet.

a breitling chronograph watch on a man's wrist — The Breitling Navitimer B19 is 43mm and makes a big impression the wrist.

The caliber B19 made a fitting debut in a set of three limited edition rose gold watches celebrating the brand’s 140th anniversary. Each cost over $60,000 and were ornately decorated.

Now, the multifaceted B19 is getting its first regular production home in a steel and titanium Navitimer with an absolutely beautiful ice-blue dial.

The metals may be less precious than the initial limited edition references, but I would argue that this is the best possible first permanent use of a movement that will most likely become legendary.

A declaration of independence

Breitling is on the short list of watch companies that make their own movements in-house. However, it has still depended on outside manufacturers for extremely complex complications.

a light blue dial watch with a black leather band — The dial on the Breitling Navitimer B19 has three different primary tool features.

Previous Breitling perpetual calendar chronographs used ETA movements, which are the gold standard for that complication. But that wasn’t good enough for the prestigious watchmaker, which desired full manufacturing independence.

The Caliber B19 is based on the ETA caliber 2892-A2 movement. It is controlled by a four-position crown and two pushers.

the display case back and movement of a Breitling watch — Breitling’s Caliber B19 is the watchmaker’s first in-house perpetual calendar chronograph.

By placing it in Breiling’s legendary Navitimer case, it crates a tool watch with three primary functions. The perpetual calendar complication self-corrects for leap years and months of 28, 30, and 31 days, and is displayed with black hands on the outer track of all three sub-dials.

The chronograph function is displayed with silver hands on the inner tracks of the sub-dials at three o’clock and nine o’clock. The large chronograph hand is also silver to keep track of the hand distinction.

light blue dial on a perpetual calendar chronograph watch — The Breitling Navitimer B19 dial is complex but beautiful.

The definitive feature of the Navitimer is a circular slide rule on the bidirectional rotating bezel and the outer track of the dial. This rule calculates distance and fuel usage based on elapsed time and speed.

A thing of beauty

Regardless of its impressive complications and stack of analog tools, this watch is a thing of beauty. The ice-blue dial is one of the best colors Breitling has ever incorporated, and its shimmer is enhanced by the framing of a platinum bezel.

the case back and black leather strap of a Breitling watch — Breitling’s new movement is displayed in a sapphire crystal exhibition case.

The 43-millimeter steel case follows the classic Navitimer design with wide, gently curved lugs, piston-shaped pushers, and a large signed crown. The polished steel blends perfectly with the platinum in the bezel.

The dial has a slight starburst brush, which creates a shimmer as it reacts to light at different angles. The dial is extremely buy because there is so much information to keep track of, so Breitling smartly all the markings in black to not overwhelm the wearer.

A perpetual calendar watch with a steel bracelet — The Breitling Navitimber B19 comes with a black leather strap or a steel seven-link bracelet.

The dial on this watch has a lot going on, but the complexity is so well-organized and artistically formatted that it enhances the overall beauty of the watch. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford this watch, you don’t even have to learn how all the complicated tools work to appreciate it. But they are fun to play with if you do.

Availability and pricing

The Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is available now from Breitling and authorized dealers for $29,000 on a black crocodile leather strap and $29,500 on a seven-link steel bracelet.

The Caliber B19 will likely become one of Breitling’s most revered movements and one of the most respected perpetual calendar movements ever created.

As the first regular production reference to use it, these references–PB1920251C1A1 with the leather strap and PB1920251C1P1 with the steel bracelet–are destined to become highly sought after.