Timeless Aviation Meets Technological Evolution: Breitling's Navitimer Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar

Published: 17 Oct 2025
Dive into the exquisite design and exceptional mechanics of Breitling's Navitimer Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar, a masterpiece of horology.

A flagship release during Breitling’s 140th anniversary festivities in 2024, the Navitimer Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar is a testament to the brand’s commitment to technological evolution and timeless design. Its centerpiece is the in-house caliber B19, a complex piece of machinery that ingeniously melds a perpetual calendar with a chronograph. The timepiece is encased in stainless steel measuring 43 mm x 14.94 mm, with a lug-to-lug span of 49 mm. Additionally, it sports a bidirectional bezel, meticulously fashioned from 950 platinum.

The Navitimer Chronograph’s signature circular slide rule bezel is a nod to its pilot watch heritage. This interactive feature enables the wearer to execute calculations like unit conversions, multiplication, and division. It’s composed of a rotating outer scale and a fixed inner scale working cohesively, facilitating computations such as flight time and ground speed or unit conversions like miles to kilometers.

The watch’s ice-blue sunburst dial shines complimenting the black flange and polished platinum bezel. The result is a visually captivating play on contrast and light. Fitted with a premium black alligator leather strap and stainless steel clasp, this ensemble weighs a modest 108 grams. For those desiring a weightier feel, an option of a 7-link stainless steel Navitimer bracelet is available, adding $500 to the retail price and bringing the total weight to 169.54 grams.

Powered by Breitling’s caliber B19, the 4Hz, 39-jewel, automatic winder boasts a 96-hour power reserve. It exhibits a perpetual calendar, a column wheel, and a vertical-clutch-actuated chronograph. Chronograph minutes and seconds are displayed with 1/4th of a second accuracy, and the calendar needs no manual intervention. A moon phase indicator and a leap year indicator further enhance the watch’s multifunctionality.

The Navitimer Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar retails at $30,200. It encapsulates Breitling’s technical supremacy, with an enchanting ice blue dial and advanced functions like a perpetual calendar, moon phase, and a COSC-certified chronometer that guarantees an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. This masterpiece of horology that intertwines aviation heritage with modern advancements is worth a serious look for enthusiasts.