For over 70 years, the Breitling Navitimer has been a symbol of precision and style. Now, this legendary timepiece enters a new era with the introduction of the Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. This evolution features an eye-catching ice-blue dial and the brand’s first perpetual calendar movement, proving that even icons can redefine themselves.

For over seven decades, the Breitling Navitimer has been a horological heavyweight. We’re talking about a bona fide legend, the kind of watch that pops up on “greatest of all time” lists. You know the look: that unmistakable circular slide rule, the notched bezel, the chronograph pushers. It’s a design that’s been gracing wrists from jazz legend Miles Davis to French icon Serge Gainsbourg. Originally born as a pilot’s best friend in 1952, courtesy of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), this watch wasn’t just a pretty face; it was a wrist-worn flight computer, a tool that conquered the skies.

But Breitling isn’t content to rest on its laurels. They’ve injected a serious dose of horological wizardry into the Navitimer with their brand-new Caliber B19. This isn’t just any movement; it’s their first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph, a feat of engineering that keeps track of the day, date, month and moon phase, all with minimal fuss. Think of it as a mechanical brain that knows its leap years and 30-day months.

And what a brain it is! Previously, the B19 was reserved for a limited-edition anniversary release. Now, it graces this stunning ice-blue, a cool and captivating shade that perfectly complements the platinum bezel. The 43mm stainless steel case sits comfortably on the wrist, while the moon phase display at 12 o’clock adds a touch of celestial elegance. Those “mushroom pushers” aren’t just for show; they offer tactile, easy-to-use control of the chronograph functions. Flip the watch over, and you’re treated to a glimpse of the intricate movement through the open case back. Choose between a classic black alligator leather strap with a folding buckle or a sleek seven-row stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. Either way, you’re wearing a masterpiece.

Breitling CEO Georges Kern states that it takes a lot for them to use the word icon, but the Navitimer has earned it. He emphasises that combined with the perpetual calendar chronograph movement, the B19 is a tour de force, never missing a beat for a full century. It’s a watch that will keep time for generations.

And he’s not kidding. The Caliber B19, born from Breitling’s journey towards in-house movements, is a testament to their dedication to precision and durability. It’s built on the foundation of the Caliber 01, the “gold standard” of chronograph movements and adds the complexity of a perpetual calendar. This isn’t just a movement that looks good; it’s been put through the wringer, enduring rigorous COSC certification and a 16-year aging simulation that includes 100,000 crown wonds, 3,456,000 weight turns and 60,000 shocks at 500G.

Crafted in Breitling’s Chronometrie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the B19 boasts a 96-hour power reserve, meaning it’ll keep ticking even if you leave it off the wrist for a few days. And with only minor adjustments needed to keep it running for a century, this ice-blue Navitimer B19 isn’t just a watch; it’s a legacy, a timeless piece of horological art that’s ready to tell your story for generations to come.