BASELWORLD 2009 BREITLING

First Fully In-House Chronograph Movement
Proudly Unveiled: "Caliber 01"

Starting from a small watch workshop opened by Léon, then just 24 years old, in 1884,Breitlinghas pursued the ideal of the chronograph.chronographThis year, celebrating its 125th anniversary, Breitling has finally announced its first fully in-house chronograph movement, the "Caliber B01," and its accompanying models, pouring all of its technology and expertise into them. The company has become one of the few movement manufactures in Switzerland (watchmakers with an integrated production system down to the movement).

By Yasuto Shibuya

A New Milestone in Mechanical Chronographs

Chronomat B01
CHRONOMAT B01

The latest movement, "Caliber B01," born from a thorough study of the challenges in existing mechanical chronographs over approximately five years, is搭載 for the first time. A new generation of mechanical chronographs that opens a new page in watchmaking history has arrived. The column wheel chronograph mechanism that ensures smooth chrono operation, the vertical clutch that resolves needle jump and accuracy degradation during chrono operation, the 70-hour power reserve for stable accuracy, the system for worry-free time correction at any hour, the 500-meter water resistance that surpasses divers' watches, and the structural design considering functional evolution and maintenance—all the latest mechanisms that impress engineers are beautifully crystallized.

Automatic winding, stainless steel case & bracelet, chronometer certified, 43.5mm diameter, 798,000 yen.

Reproducing the Taste of the "Navitimer" Golden Age

Navitimer 09
NAVITIMER 09

Since its debut in 1952 as a historical standard for aviation chronographs, loved by pilots worldwide for its onboard computer bezel, the "Navitimer" has been a historical standard for aviation chronographs. This special limited edition model revives the atmosphere of its golden age, the 1950s and 60s, for Japanese Breitling fans. In addition to an attractive dial that highlights the Navitimer's character with silver and anthracite black subdials, the case, which is usually polished on standard models, is given a satin finish, resulting in an elegant and chic taste unlike any other.

Automatic winding, stainless steel case & bracelet, 41.8mm diameter, 30m water resistance, chronometer certified, 693,000 yen, limited to 400 units in Japan.

New Stencil Font Dial Arrives

Super Avenger
SUPER AVENGER

The "Super Avenger," a representative of Breitling's diver's chronographs, boasts a commanding 48.4mm diameter, a sharp military-inspired design, and a high-spec 300-meter water resistance. This model, which is more popular overseas than in Japan, now features a new dial. The Arabic numeral part of the "double hour index," which combines Arabic numerals and dot indexes, has been changed to a larger, more legible "stencil font." This gives it a more functional and impactful impression. For those who are not satisfied with ordinary diver's models in terms of size and design, this is a very attractive option.

Automatic winding, stainless steel case x crocodile strap, chronometer certified, 483,000 yen.