Within a Split Second

Breitling reveals at Baselworld 2017 its own split-seconds chronograph movement - one of the most sophisticated horological complications

The Navitimer Rattrapante red gold limited edition equipped with a transparent case-back

In developing its self-winding split-seconds chronograph Caliber B03, Breitling worked on the basis of its Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, an intelligent platform that has already enabled the addition of other useful functions such as second time-zone or world-time displays featuring unprecedented user friendliness. The B03 therefore picks up all the advantages of this high-performance ‘engine’, including a 70-hour power reserve (guaranteeing enhanced rating regularity) as well as an innovative modular-type architecture.

To highlight its exceptional new ‘engine’, Breitling has chosen its famous Navitimer, the doyenne of all mechanical chronographs produced worldwide (since 1952). Equipped with a 45mm case, the Navitimer Rattrapante comes in steel as well as a 250-piece red gold limited edition (equipped with a transparent case-back). Both watches are distinguished by their exclusive bronze-colored dial, serving as a backdrop for the silver-toned counters and inner bezel reflecting the classic Navitimer look. In an extremely refined detail, the B logo with its anchor symbol generally adorning the base of the Navitimer chronograph hands is in this instance divided between the seconds hand: with the B on the red chronograph hand and the anchor on the split-seconds hand. This means the two elements are separated when the split-seconds hand is stopped, before reforming the brand signature when the hands are again overlaid. The split-seconds pusher, housed in the 3 o’clock crown, serves to stop and restart the split-seconds hand as often as desired during a timing operation - in order to measure split times or to compare the results of several competitors.

Equipped with a 45mm case, the Navitimer Rattrapante also comes in steel

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