A tourbillon houses the balance wheel, balance spring and escapement in a rotating cage, setting the entire assembly in perpetual motion. This action corrects for the pull of gravity, which affects a watch’s accuracy differently in different positions (you can read more about the tourbillon and its history
Named for each of the Breitling founders, Leon, Gaston and Willy, the three watches come in 42 mm x 15.2 mm cases with stylized square pushers and a large non-screwed crown. Their water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 ATM (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet).
The Léon Breitling ref. RB2120211G1P1 features a solid 18k red gold case with a silver dial and brown, semi-shiny alligator strap.
The Gaston Breitling ref. B2120A61B1P1 combines a solid 18k white gold case with an anthracite dial and black alligator strap.
The Willy Breitling ref. LB2120171C1P1 comes in platinum with an admiral-blue dial and black alligator strap.
All dials are characterised by Arabic numerals that are hallmarks of the Premier line and protected by cambered sapphire crystals glareproofed on both sides.
The open sapphire crystal caseback is domed to allow for full appreciation of the B21 movement, where the oscillating weight and reverse side of the tourbillon appear in contrasting 18k gold.
Developed in collaboration with the specialty movement maker Manufacture La Joux-Perret, this 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) movement offers 55 hours of power reserve.
The new Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Léon Breitling in rose gold and Gaston Breitling in white gold have prices of Euro 56,000 / US$ 57,000 while the Willy Breitling in platinum retails at Euro 66,000 / US$ 67,000.