The flagship watch of Breitling’s best-known watch, the Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is now more affordable. The latest iteration with an “ice blue” dial retains the specs of the pink gold 140th anniversary edition launched last year, but trades precious metal for steel.

Unlike last year’s limited edition, the new steel model is regular production and is priced under US$30,000, over Breitling’s traditional sweet spot on the price spectrum but still half the retail of the anniversary edition.

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar_Ref. PB1920251C1P1_RGB

Initial thoughts

The new Navitimer B19 keeps it affordable, relatively speaking, by combining Breitling’s excellent in-house B01 movement with the tried-and-tested Dubois Depraz perpetual calendar module. The resulting watch is thick at almost 15 mm high, but combines several complications in Breitling’s iconic slide-rule pilot’s chronograph.

While the watch is pricier than most of Breitling’s offerings, it is one of the few perpetual calendar chronographs in this price range. Most of such watches tend to be a lot more expensive, although Austrian independent watchmaker Habring² offers similar for less in keeping with its focus on affordable complications.

Value proposition

The new B19 retains the same basic specs as its precious metal counterpart. The stainless steel case measures 43 mm in diameter and 14.94 mm in thickness. Water-resistant to 30 m, it features the Navitimer’s signature bidirectional slide rule bezel.

As the perpetual calendar is an off-the-shelf module from Dubois Depraz, it functions identically to several other such calendars on the market. Correctors for the calendar are recessed into the flank of the case, while the calendar has a familiar four register layout on the ice-blue dial.

Inside beats the self-winding B19, which is has the Breitling B01 as the base movement. It boasts a 96-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 beats per hour. The COSC-certified movement is an integrated chronograph movement with both a column wheel  and vertical clutch.

Key facts and price

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
Ref. PB1920251C1A1

Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 14.94 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. B19
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and perpetual calendar
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 96 hours

Strap: Black alligator strap or matching stainless steel bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Breitling boutiques and retailers
Price: US$29,000 on a strap; US$29,500 on a bracelet

For more, visit breitling.com