From brave first takeoffs to the birth of commercial air travel, Breitling’s history is inseparable from that of flight. In the 1930s, Breitling’s Huit Aviation department made its name inventing precision cockpit clocks. Two decades later, it introduced yet another novel flight instrument, this time in wearable form: the Ref. 765 AVI. That pioneering pilot’s watch provided the technical backdrop for today’s Classic AVI, a collection inspired by the rugged spirit of famed early aircraft. The Classic AVI P-51 Mustang honors one of those legends. When the aircraft was built in a mere 120 days, even its developer North American Aviation, didn’t anticipate what a powerhouse it had on its hands.
The P-51’s low-drag wings and engine-cooling system—considered experimental when the single-seat fighter first took off in 1940—gave it unprecedented speed and range. The addition of a Merlin engine, expanded the plane’s performance to high altitudes, making it the best all-purpose fighter of its time. As a true pilot’s watch designed to withstand the rigors of a vintage cockpit, the Classic AVI P-51 Mustang features large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel. The knurled bezel on the 42mm case provides optimal grip, even in a pilot’s gloved hands. Top-stitched calfskin straps give a nod to the seams found on classic flight gear, while the stainless-steel bracelet provides an elegant alternative. Pilots and other travelers will appreciate its legibility, wearability, and understated style. The engine of the Classic AVI is the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 23 movement, which provides approximately 48-hours of power reserve.
A pilots watch throwback inspired by the legendary P-51 Mustang Aircraft. 42mm, stainless steel, chronograph, black dial, brown calfskin leather strap
Breitling has been pioneering the way to a superior chronometer since 1884. Esteemed manufacturing practices and an obsession with quality have positioned the Swiss heritage brand as one of the elite few to ensure each watch holds the superior status of COSC-certification. Above all else, Breitling honors the spirit of innovation, which has become a driving force for the brand as it holds a global reputation for high quality watchmaking.
The Classic AVI P-51 Mustang honors one of those legends. When the aircraft was built in a mere 120 days, everrits developer North American Aviation, didn’t anticipate what a powerhouse it had on its hands. The P-51’s low-drag wings and engine-cooling system–considered experimental when the single-seat fighter first took off in 1940-gave it unprecedented speed and range. The addition of a Merlin engine, expanded the plane’s performance to high altitudes, making it the best all-purpose fighter of its time.
As a true pilot’s watch designed to withstand the rigors of a vintage cockpit, the Classic AVI P-51 Mustang features large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel.
The knurled bezel on the 42mm case provides optimal grip, even in a pilot’s gloved hands. Top-stitched calfskin straps give a nod to the seams found on classic flight gear, while the stainless-steel bracelet provides an elegant alternative.
Pilots and other travelers will appreciate its legibility, wearability, and understated style. The engine of the Classic AV is the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 23 movement, which provides approximately 48-hours of power reserve.
Technical Details
Caliber : Breitling Calibre 23
Movement : Self-winding mechanical
Power reserve : Approx. 48 hrs
Case material : Stainless steel
Dial : Black
Caseback : Steel/ Screwed In/ Print Of the Plane
Water resistance : 100 m (330 ft)
Bezel : Bi-Directional/ Steel
Crystal : Sapphire
Diameter : 42.0 mm
Strap material : Brown Calfskin Leather
Clasp : Folding Clasp