Breitling Unveils New Classic AVI and Super AVI Watches, Paying Homage to Aviation Heritage
Breitling, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, proudly presents its latest timepiece offerings with the introduction of the 42 mm Classic AVI and the expanded 46 mm Super AVI assortment. These exceptional watches draw inspiration from the iconic aviation chronographs of the past while incorporating contemporary design elements.
The Classic AVI
Breitling Classic AVI - Credit Breitling
Available in a more accessible 42 mm format, this model builds upon the design legacy established by its larger counterpart, the Super AVI. Crafted with durability in mind, the Classic AVI caters to a wider range of wrists without compromising its rugged appeal.
Venturing back to the origins of the AVI, Breitling's Huit Aviation Department gained recognition in the 1930s for its precision cockpit clocks and dedicated wrist chronographs designed for the emerging field of aeronautics. In 1953, Breitling unveiled the Ref. 765 AVI, a pilot's chronograph featuring a rotating 12-hour bezel for flight time recording. This timepiece proved indispensable for aviators, earning the moniker AVI "Co-Pilot."
Breitling Classic AVI - Credit Breitling
The Super AVI
Introduced in 2021, it pays homage to this pioneering pilot's watch and honours four legendary aircraft: the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito. With its 46 mm robust construction and distinctive colour schemes inspired by these aircraft, the Super AVI became a coveted choice among enthusiasts.
Breitling Super AVI - Credit Breitling
According to Breitling CEO Georges Kern, "The Classic AVI addresses the demand for a more streamlined format without compromising the timeless design elements. By offering both the Classic and Super models, we provide our customers with greater versatility and choice."
The Classic AVI, free from the GMT complication of the Super AVI, showcases the introduction of the Breitling Caliber 23 chronograph movement, reducing its profile while enhancing its value proposition.
Embodying the spirit of the legendary aircraft, each watch in the Classic and Super AVI collections features dedicated color schemes. The Mustang variant boasts a black dial with a gold brown leather strap, while the Corsair edition showcases a blue dial paired with a black strap. The Warhawk model features a khaki dial complemented by a brown strap, and the Mosquito Night Fighter edition captures the essence of the "Wooden Wonder" with a black dial, black ceramic bezel, and a brown strap. Vibrant colors inspired by the aircraft's roundels and markings adorn the hands and subdials, while engraved silhouettes of the planes grace the casebacks. The Classic AVI models are available in stainless steel, with an additional 18K red gold version of the Mustang. All timepieces can be worn with a choice of top-stitched calfskin leather straps or five-row metal bracelets.
For avid Classic AVI enthusiasts, a delightful surprise awaits—each dial conceals "hidden" GPS coordinates, paying homage to the vintage cockpit clocks of yesteryears, including those created by Breitling's Huit Aviation Department.
Introducing the Super AVI Mosquito Night Fighter
Breitling Mosquito Night Fighter - Credit Breitling
An impressive addition to the collection. Inspired by the de Havilland Mosquito, the "Wooden Wonder" aircraft renowned for its exceptional speed and construction using wood during an era of metal shortages, this timepiece exudes stealth and elegance. Its black ceramic case, black military leather strap, and black dial with anthracite subdials evoke the dark livery of the Night Fighter 2 aircraft.
Legendary Mosquito Fighter/Bomber - Wiki/Common/Unrestricted
Titanium pushers, crown, and buckle provide striking contrast against the monochrome aesthetics. The Super AVI Mosquito Night Fighter features large, legible Arabic numerals, a sturdy 46 mm case with a knurled bezel and fluted crown for optimal grip, and the ability to track a second time zone with its 24-hour scale and GMT hand. Equipped with the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04 movement, this timepiece offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The Night Fighter's silhouette graces the open titanium caseback, showcasing the intricacies of the movement.
Breitling Mosquito Night Fighter - Credit Breitling
Breitling also presents a limited re-edition of the revered Ref. 765 AVI from 1964, a watch that transcended aviation circles to become a beloved timepiece worn by celebrities and sports stars, including the renowned French skier Jean-Claude Killy. Faithfully reproducing the design of the original watch, each of the 164 pieces showcases a hesalite crystal, baton indexes, and lumed pencil hands. Modern enhancements include a durable amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC) coating for the black bezel. Powered by the manual wind Caliber B09 movement, this re-edition maintains its vintage character. The caseback proudly displays the engraving "One of 164," reminiscent of the watch's original release.
Breitling AVI 1964 Re-Edition - Credit Breitling
George Kern concludes, "The re-edition exemplifies Breitling's aviation tool-watch heritage, showcasing simplicity that resonates with a wide audience. The AVI, in all its forms, remains an emblematic collection that has stood the test of time."
