- Breitling Navitimer has been a mainstay for watch collectors since its 1952 debut.
- The Navitimer is now available with the Calibre B19, Breitling’s first perpetual movement.
- Perfect for aviation, or the morning coffee run.
Since its debut in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Breitling Navitimer has been a mainstay in aviation and style circles alike. With good reason – this legendary iteration has benefitted from a cult-like following for more than half a century; a mainstay in the collections of watch enthusiasts thanks to its circular slide rule, notched bezel, and chronograph function.
Of course there are many watch brands out there that profess to a deep aviation connection, but few can reach the lofty heights of the Breitling Navitimer.
These design features made it an indispensable tool for pilots during the jet age and quickly became known as the first wristwatch flight computer as it could perform all onboard calculations during high-pressure situations.
Over the decades, it became an enduring fashion statement, worn by the likes of Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg, transcending its utilitarian origins to cement its status as cultural icon within the world of haute horlogerie… but with 2025 comes a new era for this revered release, featuring a first for the Swiss luxury watch brand.
Breitling Introduces the Calibre B19 to the Navitimer Collection
Whilst other brands are gearing up for another week of releases in Geneva, Breitling has wasted no time, beating them to the first big release of the year by introducing the Caliber B19, Breitling’s first perpetual calendar chronograph movement, to this iconic series.
“It takes a lot for us to use the word icon, but the Navitimer has earned it. 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.”
Georges Kern, Breitling CEO
Previously, this prolific COSC-certified movement was only made available in a limited anniversary edition (just 420 pieces), but has since found a new home in one of Breitling’s most iconic collections. It’s a feat of modern engineering from Breitling, automatically adjusting for months of varying lengths to maintain its inherent accuracy and precision with only the slightest manual corrections, every hundred years – even during leap years.
Visually, this new Navitimer is striking. The ice-blue dial is paired with an illustrated moonphase at 12 o’clock, adding a celestial touch to the already refined aesthetic; a platinum bezel lends an extra level of prestige; while the 43 mm stainless-steel case strikes a balance between presence and wearability.
From its aviation roots to its newfound technical prowess, the Navitimer B19 redefines what a heritage timepiece can be. A perfect fusion of history and innovation, it’s a watch built to last – both whilst soaring to enviable new heights, or during the morning coffee run.
Related Stories
