Breitling AVI

«Pilot’s favorite with tradition and new editions»

Since its debut, the Breitling AVI (Ref. 765 1953) Re-Edition has been celebrated by brand enthusiasts: Conceived as a tribute to the legendary “Co-Pilot” of 1953, the re-edition inspires with its amazing closeness to the historic original and combines great tradition with modern mechanics. From 2022, additional emotions will be created by five brand-new Classic AVI watches, which will keep the pilot’s watch company with its XXL diameter and fighter plane DNA.

Comeback of an icon

Outside the world of watches, there are only a handful of timepieces with universal recognition. The Rolex Datejust or the Omega Seamaster featured in the James Bond movies are such examples. And certainly the Breitling Navitimer, often dubbed the most famous pilot’s watch of all time, is one of them. In the unprecedented fame of the classic watch with its distinctive slide rule, introduced in 1952, another icon of post-war history is almost forgotten: The Breitling AVI Ref. 765, which was launched a year after the Navitimer and quickly earned the nickname “co-pilot.” Like the second man in the cockpit, the model is an important complement to the Navitimer at the time.

 

Not everyone likes the complex appearance of the slide rule and is all the more pleased with the simple, robust design. In appearance, the Breitling AVI is a tribute to the Swiss manufacturer’s functional on-board watches from the 1930s and 40s, not necessarily known for their beauty. Few contemporaries would have expected that these watches would receive a tribute almost 70 years later. In 2020, the moment of glory arrives: with the Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition (Ref. AB0920131B1X1), the Co-Pilot returns to the limelight and, with a limited edition of 1,953 pieces, finds its way onto the wrists of aviation enthusiasts and brand fans.

Only the technology is modern – plus two small details

The exclusivity begins on the case back, where the lettering “ONE OF 1953” reveals: this pilot’s watch is not ready-made. But one thing at a time. The stainless steel case of the Re-Edition measures 41.1 millimeters, which not coincidentally corresponds to the exact diameter of the historical prototype – the complete new edition is modeled on the historical prototype down to the smallest detail.

The journey through time continues with the all-black dial, whose Superluminova coating is applied by hand and is identical in color to the luminous color of the 1950s model. The shape of the dial has also been precisely adapted to the first Breitling AVI.

Like the original, the totalizers appear in the same color as the rest of the dial. Even the syringe shape of the central hands is unchanged from the original. Inside the pilot’s watch, modernity reigns supreme. The watches from 2020 are fueled by Breitling’s manufacture caliber B09, which is largely identical to the B01, but replaces its automatic movement with a traditional hand-wound one. The 21st century benefits include COSC certification and 70 hours of power reserve.

Even more strictly limited: Breitling AVI in noble metals

Those who want to celebrate the ticking tradition with an additional prestigious case material can replace the stainless steel case with an 18-karat rose gold version (Ref. RB0920131B1X1). Limited to 253 pieces, it swaps the black leather strap of the regular Classic AVI watches for a vintage-style brown variant. The pinnacle of luxury is a platinum version limited to 153 pieces (Ref. LB0920131C1X1) with a blue dial and gold leather strap.

Both noble metal editions have an exclusive engraving with their respective number of pieces on the case back, are water-resistant to 30 meters and are powered by the same hand-wound movement as the stainless steel model.

Relatives with style: The Aviator 8 editions

All three new versions are grouped under the umbrella of the new Classic AVI collection, whose members have a close historical connection to the early history of the Swiss company. An established family member is the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43, whose name comes from the legendary Huit (French “huit” for “eight”) Aviation Department. Founded in 1938 by Willy Breitling, the special department was responsible for the production of the company’s highest-quality pilot’s watches in its time and established the myth surrounding Breitling’s on-board watches.

Fueled by non-manufacture movements, the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 scores higher on affordability and exists in several special edition models – the most popular being the military green Curtiss Warhawk (Ref. A133161A1L1X1) and the black, red and white Mosquito (Ref. AB01194A1B1X1). Those who prefer simple elegance over elaborate chronographs will also find what they are looking for in the Classic AVI watches: The Automatic Day & Date 41 (Ref. A45330101B1X1) compresses the date, time and day of the week in a timelessly distinguished design.

Next Generation: New Super Aviator in Goliath format

From spring 2022, the Classic AVI watches are complemented by five newcomers that measure a whopping 46 instead of 41 millimeters in diameter and are therefore entitled to bear the name “Super Aviator”. Each model in the new collection pays homage to one of the most important fighter planes of the 1940s, with the legendary North American P-51 Mustang receiving two editions.

Firstly, a stainless steel version with a black dial (Ref. AB04453A1B1X1), secondly, an 18-karat red gold version with an anthracite front (Ref. RB04451A1B1X1). It is the only model made of noble metal.

Back in the steel world, we encounter the elegant Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair (Ref. AB04451A1C1X1) honoring the U.S. fighter plane with gull wings, as well as the military-looking Curtiss Warhawk (Ref. AB04452A1L1X1) in green design.

The most striking is the Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Mosquito (Ref. YB04451A1B1X1) with black ceramic bezel, white contrasting totalizers and red accents. This pays tribute to the legendary De Havilland DH.98 “Wooden Wonder” which, despite being made of wood, was one of the fastest aircrafts of the 1940s.

All five Super Aviator editions are powered by Breitling’s in-house manufacture B04 movement, which adopts the technology of the better-known B01 with its ratchet wheel control and vertical clutch – 70-hour power reserve and COSC certificate included. An added bonus: 100 meters of water resistance, which sets the Super AVI noticeably apart from the 30 meters of the AVI 1953.