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

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Jewellers for Hope charity event
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of Fundraising

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel Bangle
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel Bangle

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

×

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