In recent years, Breitling has expanded its already extensive fleet of aviation-centric timepieces to include a series of models in its Aviator 8 collection that are inspired by some of the world’s most storied aircraft, including the de Havilland Mosquito and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. Last year, in another blast from its past, Breitling resurrected a beloved model from 1953, the so-called “Co-Pilot” watch, in the form of the AVI Ref. 765 Re-Edition. This year, these initiatives dovetail to establish the launch of an all-new watch series from Breitling, called Super AVI. Kicking it off are five timepieces with “Co-Pilot” designs, celebrating four classic planes.

The Breitling Super AVI collection

Aviation history buffs will instantly recognize the inspirations for the watches. The Super AVI P-151 Mustang is the only model available in both steel and 18k rose gold variations, while the other three are in exclusively stainless steel cases; they include the Super AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair, the Super AVI Curtiss Warhawk, and the Super AVI Mosquito.
Super AVI P-51 Mustang in rose gold (left) and steel

Positioned as the “debut series” in a larger planned Classic AVI collection, the watches that comprise the Super AVI family share a host of design elements derived from the 1953 model. The cases measure 46 mm in diameter, with oversized screwed crowns and knurled bidirectionally rotating bezels; the dials and bezels feature...