Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as Piaget, Bulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

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Introducing Breitling Unveils Its First Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Movement

Celebrating its 140th Anniversary, Three Iconic Models Powered by the New B19 Caliber

ByWaqt

2 weeks ago

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Breitling has introduced its first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph movement in three of its most celebrated models: the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat. These timepieces are powered by the new manufacture caliber B19, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Breitling, like many other watch manufacturers, embarked on a journey to produce its own movements several years ago. When asked about the reasoning behind this initiative, CEO Georges Kern emphasized the desire for independence and uniqueness. You can watch the full interview here.

To commemorate its 140th anniversary, Breitling has taken a bold step forward with these three limited-edition models, all powered by the exclusive B19 caliber. Each watch—the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat—features a luxurious 18k red gold case and is limited to just 140 pieces. The B19 caliber is visible through a sapphire caseback.

The caliber B19 is Breitling’s first perpetual calendar chronograph movement, building on the brand’s expertise in manufacture movements that began in 2009 with the introduction of the caliber B01. Since then, Breitling has developed numerous calibers to power its collections. The B19 stands out with its full calendar, moon phase complication, and an impressive 96-hour power reserve, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz. The movement is COSC-certified for precision and features a column-wheel, vertical clutch chronograph mechanism—preferred than the cam mechanism for its precise control of the chronograph’s start, stop, and reset functions. The 22k gold rotor, visible through the caseback, is engraved with an image of Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Each of the three limited editions shares the same movement and dial layout. At 3 o’clock, a subdial displays the day of the month alongside the chronograph minute counter. At 6 o’clock, another subdial shows the month and features a leap-year indicator, while the 9 o’clock subdial displays the day of the week and running seconds. A moon phase complication is prominently positioned at 12 o’clock.

The Premier B19 Datora 42 boasts a 42mm x 15.6mm case with a 50mm lug-to-lug measurement. Its elegant black dial features applied Arabic numerals and concentric detailing on the black subdials. The outer gold seconds track is brushed, and the watch comes on a black alligator strap with a folding gold clasp.

Technical Specifications: Breitling Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary

Reference: RB19401A1B1P1
Case: 18k red gold, fixed bezel, cambered sapphire glass, glare proof on both sides, screwed 18k red gold caseback with sapphire crystal
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Water resistance: 100 meters
Dial: Black with tone-on-tone chronograph counters, Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands
Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B19, self-winding mechanical with 22k red gold rotor engraved with Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory, COSC-certified, column-wheel, vertical clutch
Power reserve: 96 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Functions: Chronograph, hour, minute, second, perpetual calendar, moon phase
Bracelet/Strap: Black alligator-leather strap with 18k red gold folding buckle, size 22/18 mm
Availability: Limited to 140 pieces

The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar measures 43mm x 15.6mm (49mm lug-to-lug). While the dial layout is similar to the Premier, the Navitimer features a striking red gold dial with matching indices and includes the signature slide rule bezel. The moon phase on this model offers a more realistic depiction of the moon.

Technical Specifications: Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

Reference: RB19101A1H1P1
Case: 18k red gold, bidirectional bezel with circular slide rule, cambered sapphire glass, glareproofed on both sides, screwed 18k red gold caseback with cambered sapphire crystal
Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 15.62 mm
Water resistance: 30 m
Dial: 18k red gold, with Super-LumiNova luminescent indices and hands
Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B19, self-winding mechanical with 22k red gold rotor engraved with Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory, COSC-certified, column-wheel, vertical clutch
Power reserve: 96 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Functions: Chronograph (1/4th second, 30-minute), hour, minute, second, perpetual calendar, moon phase
Bracelet/Strap: Black alligator-leather strap with 18k red gold folding buckle
Availability: Limited to 140 pieces

The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar measures 44mm x 15.3mm with a 53.5mm lug-to-lug measurement. This sporty timepiece features a rotating bezel with black ceramic inserts, screwed pushers, and distinctive raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks.

Technical specifications: Breitling Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

Reference: RB19301A1G1S1
Case: red gold case, unidirectional bezel red gold with black ceramic insert, sapphire crystal on the top and on the case back
Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 15.35 mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Dial: Gray skeletonized dial with black sapphire chronograph counters, applied indices
Movement: Manufacture Caliber B19, 22 k red gold rotor
with an engraving of Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory, components 374, column-wheel, vertical clutch, COSC-certified
Power reserve: 96 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Functions: Chronograph, hour, minute, second, perpetual calendar, moon phase
Bracelet / Strap: Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap with an 18 k red gold folding clasp
Availability: Each watch is limited to 140 pieces

Each of these anniversary limited editions is presented in a suede-lined wooden watch box, accompanied by additional accessories including a storage drawer, travel pouch, and a deluxe edition of the book Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories. Priced at $59,000 USD (approximately AED 217,000), each of the three models is limited to just 140 pieces worldwide.