WATCH & JEWELRY /
WATCH NEWS
December 24, 2021
Breitling's Essence Unleashed: The "Masculine Elegance" Coveted by Masters of the Sky
BREITLING
New "Super AVI" Collection Arrives with Five Models, Honoring Vintage Aircraft with Rugged Design
Breitling has released the latest "Super AVI" series, comprising five distinct models. This collection pays homage to aviation history, inspired by the original "Ref. 765 AVI" launched in 1953, a pioneer in pilot's watches, and four legendary aircraft: the North American P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito.
A New Watch Blending Vintage Aesthetics with Uncompromising Precision and Robustness
In the 1930s, Breitling's Huit Aviation department earned renown for inventing precise cockpit clocks for the nascent aviation industry. Approximately two decades later, in 1953, Breitling introduced an even more innovative aviation instrument designed to be worn on the wrist.
This "Ref. 765 AVI" quickly gained prominence, inspiring pilots and many others, soon becoming known as the "co-pilot." In 2020, Breitling honored the legacy of this classic chronograph by releasing the "Ref. 765 AVI 1953 Re-Edition," meticulously recreated after extensive research.
Drawing inspiration from this pioneering timepiece, the "Super AVI" was born as the debut series of the Classic AVI collection.
The exterior of this timepiece immediately captures attention with its large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel, a generously sized 46mm case, and an oversized crown at the 3 o'clock position. Functionally, it is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04, boasting a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It features a second time zone display via an inner bezel and a red-tipped GMT hand indicating 24-hour time.
The calfskin strap, featuring stitching, is inspired by the leather flight gear of the era, lending the watch a unique vintage aesthetic.
The collection unfolds with five distinct models, each celebrating one of the memorable and powerful aircraft. The silhouette of each aircraft, rendered in filigree, adorns the sapphire crystal case back, adding a captivating touch.
The "Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 P-51 Mustang" pays tribute to the ultimate all-around fighter of its time, offered in two versions. One features a stainless steel case with a black dial and a gold-brown leather strap. The second, with an 18K red gold case, anthracite dial, and black leather strap, is exclusively available at Breitling boutiques and Breitling.com.
The "Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair" draws inspiration from the distinctive color scheme of the record-breaking naval aircraft. It features a blue dial, matching chronograph counters, and a black leather strap.
The "Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Curtiss Warhawk" features a military green dial with contrasting white chronograph sub-dials and red accents on the hands. It is distinguished by the iconic shark mouth nose art, a signature of the Warhawk.
The "Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Mosquito" is characterized by its polished and satin-finished black ceramic bezel and contrasting white chronograph sub-dials. Red and orange accents evoke the round windows and markings of the "wonder of wood" all-around fighter.
Sylvain Berneron, Breitling's Creative Director, stated, "This collection highlights the watchmaking DNA embedded in Breitling. Furthermore, the interpretation of the four aircraft lends sensitivity and a bold visual appeal to the series. By combining these elements, we can evoke the spirit of early aviation."
The "Super AVI" collection boasts robust beauty and unwavering precision, serving as a significant reminder of an era when watches were the most crucial flight instruments for pilots, before the advent of digital instruments.
Ref. | AB04453A1B1X1, RB04451A1B1X1
Movement | Automatic (Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04)
Power Reserve | Approx. 70 hours
Case Material | SS (AB04453A1B1X1), 18K RG (RB04451A1B1X1)
Case Diameter | 46mm
Strap Material | Calfskin Leather
Water Resistance | 10 bar
Price | ¥1,232,000 (AB04453A1B1X1), ¥2,882,000 (RB04451A1B1X1) (incl. tax)