Calibre B03 is an automatic rattrapante chronograph movement produced by Breitling since 2017.
Breitling introduced their calibre 01 (commonly called Cal. B01) in April 2009 in the Chronomat. It is a modern automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch. It operates at 28,800 A/h, boasts a power reserve of 70 hours, and is a COSC-certified chronometer. The movement shares many characteristics with the Rolex Cal. 4130, and it has been reported that many of the same engineers worked on both movements.
Cal. B03 adds a split seconds (rattrapante) mechanism, and is one of the most common rattrapante movements in recent times. This added function adds just under 2 mm height to the movement, bringing it to 9.15 mm. The split seconds button is located coaxially in the crown, an unusual but aesthetically beneficial design.
Functions and Complications
Cal. B03 features the following displays on the dial:
- 30 minute chronograph counter at 3:00
- Date window at 4:30
- 12 hour chronograph counter at 6:00
- Small seconds at 9:00
The rattrapante hand is controlled using a button located coaxially inside the crown.
Cal. B03 Applications
Breitling used Cal. B03 in a number of Navitimer Rattrapante models starting in 2017. Most were unlimited pieces and were available in a large number of dial, case, and strap configurations.
Breitling B01 Family Overview
Starting in 2017, Breitling began supplying a version of Cal. B01 to Tudor. The resulting movement, Cal. MT5813, has a free sprung balance with a silicon hairspring, as is common in modern Rolex and Tudor movements. It is also decorated differently. Strangely, it is often quoted as having different dimensions: 30.40 mm diameter and 7.23 mm thickness.
| Calibre | Year Introduced | Jewels | Height | Winding | Date | Complications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B01 | 2009 | 47 or 41 | 7.20 | Automatic | Yes | Some Without Hour Counter |
| B02 | 2013? | 47 | Manual | Yes | 24 Hour | |
| B03 | 2017 | 47 | 9.15 | Automatic | Yes | Split Seconds |
| B04 | 2011 | 47 | 7.20 | Automatic | Yes | GMT |
| B05 | 2013? | 56 | Automatic | Yes | World Time | |
| B06 | 2015 | 47 | Automatic | Yes | 30 Sec Chrono | |
| B09 | 2019? | 47 | Manual | No | ||
| B12 | 2016 | 47 | 7.30 | Automatic | Yes | 24 Hour |
| MT5813 | 2017 | 41 | 7.23 | Automatic | Yes | No Hour Counter |