Watches

Breitling Marks 140 Years With Special Editions of 3 Classic Watches

WatchesAug 30, 2024

Breitling Marks 140 Years With Special Editions of 3 Classic Watches

The special editions of the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat are equipped with a new perpetual calendar movement from the brand.

Breitling watches
Swiss watchmaker Breitling is commemorating a milestone anniversary with the release of (from left) the Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary, the Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary, and the Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary.
Geneva—In celebration of its 140th anniversary Swiss watchmaker Breitling has unveiled special editions of its three flagship models, the Premier, the Navitimer, and the Chronomat.

Limited to 140 pieces each, the anniversary watches are equipped with the brand’s new Caliber B19 movement, its first-ever exclusive perpetual calendar chronograph movement.

Breitling Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary
The Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary watch

The Premier model debuted in 1943 as “the gentleman’s chronograph,” said Breitling. It was designed to signify good taste, the watchmaker said, while serving as a functional tool watch.

The Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary is made in 18-karat red gold and features Arabic numerals, contrasting minutes scale, and signature square pushers.

It’s paired with a black alligator leather strap with same-tone topstitching and an 18-karat gold folding buckle.

Breitling’s Navitimer model was the first pilot’s watch to combine a chronograph with the brand’s proprietary wrist-worn circular slide rule.

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

It was developed in 1952 for members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and in 1962, it became the first Swiss wristwatch in space.

The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary has the slide rule in black on an 18-karat red-gold dial.

The strap is alligator leather with contrasting topstitching and an 18-karat gold folding buckle.

The Chronomat model launched in 1983 as the official watch of Italy’s aerobatics team, the Frecce Tricolori.

Breitling later offered the design to a wider audience, citing the wide release as “instrumental” in restoring the popularity of mechanical chronographs.

Breitling Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary features the model’s distinctive design.

It has four raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks, an “onion” crown, and a rubber version of the Chronomat’s classic Rouleaux bracelet.

It also features ceramic inserts, and, in a first for the watchmaker, a skeletonized dial.

Breitling 140th anniversary watches
Each of Breitling’s three 140th anniversary watches comes with a watch box and a deluxe edition of the book “Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories.”

Each anniversary limited-edition timepiece comes with a suede-lined wooden watch box with a drawer for storage, a removable travel pouch, and a display for up to three timepieces. 

Buyers also will receive a deluxe edition of the book “Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories,” a commemoration of the brand’s history set to be released this fall from Rizzoli, featuring their selected watch on the cover. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

“The Premier, the Navitimer, and the Chronomat are the most impactful collections in Breitling’s history,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern said.

“We couldn’t single one out to showcase the new Caliber B19 for our anniversary—it had to be all three.”

The new movement features a full calendar and moonphase, and it automatically corrects for leap years and months of 28, 30, and 31 days, allowing it to run for about a century without a major adjustment.

It has a power reserve of approximately 96 hours.

The movement’s solid-gold rotor features an engraving of the watchmaker’s Montbrillant factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, which has served as Breitling’s manufacturing location for more than 80 years and, in a separate wing, housed three generations of the Breitling family.

Breitling Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
The Montbrillant building as seen on the back of the Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

Breitling produces its own movements.

It launched the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 in 2009 followed by its chronograph calibers—the B02 with 24-hour function, the B03 with split-seconds, and the B04 with GMT—and other innovations.

The new B19 movement is the latest in more than a century of pioneering achievements for Breitling, the brand said. These achievements are the focus of its yearlong anniversary celebrations, collectively dubbed “140 Years of Firsts.”

“With the Caliber B19 and our anniversary limited editions, we’re making history again,” said Kern. “This launch is about being as groundbreaking as our ‘140 Years of Firsts’ demand.”

Festivities began in March, kicking off with a 25th anniversary celebration of the Breitling Orbiter, the first non-stop flight around the world with a free balloon. 

Along with the commemorative timepieces, the brand is releasing untold stories from its history in monthly drops, as well as hosting a pop-up museum in Zurich, Switzerland, and a traveling “Time Capsule” exhibition showcasing vintage timepieces from the brand set to make stops at Breitling boutiques across the globe.

“Celebrating Breitling’s ‘140 Years of Firsts’ highlights our pioneering spirit and groundbreaking achievements, honoring our past while guiding our future. Each event, exhibition, and story this year emphasizes our tradition of excellence and commitment to innovation,” said Kern.

The Latest

Susan Jacques
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025

The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.

Jewelry designer and National Jeweler guest columnist Jules Kim
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and Industry

In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.

Emily P Wheeler purple heart earrings
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief

Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Henry A. Hänni
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni Dies

A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.

Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Woman wearing rings on both hands
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall Short

The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.

Edouard Schneider
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand Officer

Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking Gemfields

Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.

Woman’s silhouette with smart ring on finger
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart Ring

With versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.

Brandee Dallow
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical Metalsmiths

The executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.

Camille Zarsky and curated necklaces
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm Beach

The New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

Elsa Jin Mozi Brooch
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ Brooch

Adrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.

Paul Rowley, Sandrine Conseiller, Vipul Shah, and Kirit Bhansali
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural Diamonds

The pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.

Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. jewelry near U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. Jewels

Officers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.

Karma El Khalil Meteor Necklace
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the Moon

The “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.

AGTA Seminar Series
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational Lineup

The seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.

Diamond Trails Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ Anthology

The artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.

Virginia Jewelers at the Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity Ball

Nine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Rings in the Promise by Effy lab-grown diamond jewelry collection
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds

“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.

Haltom’s Jewelers closing ad
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 Years

The Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.

Zendaya and Engagement Ring at 2025 Golden Globes
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern Elements

Zendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025

Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio Gypsy Link Ring
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for Garnet

Garnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.

Huan Tain and staff of Quest Fine Jewelers in Fairfax, Virginia
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner

The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.

Jewelers for Children round up program on a point of sale machine
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising Program

Retailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy