In recent years, there has been a trend in watch design towards smaller case sizes, even in sports watches, with the latest example being the Breitling Classic AVI collection. First introduced in 2021 in 46mm cases, the historically inspired collection of pilot’s watches, a tribute to the ref. 765 AVI Co-Pilot born in 1953 as well as four legendary airplanes, is now being extended with four 42mm executions. In addition, Breitling announced a new variant of the Super AVI Mosquito Night Fighter.

Classic AVI 42mm

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ref. 765 AVI Co-Pilot that first took to the skies in 1953, Breitling releases new editions of the Classic AVI in 42mm stainless steel cases. Like the 46mm diameter versions launched two years ago, they pay homage to four aircrafts, the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, Vought F4U Corsair, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and de Havilland Mosquito.
A black dial and golden brown leather strap represent the versatile Mustang, which is also available in pink gold. A blue dial combined with a black strap is a tribute to the Corsair naval aircraft. A khaki dial along with a brown strap signifies the camouflage look of the Warhawk. A black dial with black ceramic bezel on a brown strap recalls in color the Mosquito aircraft known as the “Wooden Wonder.” The hues of the airplanes’ official insignia and markings add bright accents to the hands and subdials of the luminescent dials.

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