Marking seven decades of the "Co-Pilot" model, Breitling unveils three fresh additions to its collection.
Barreling Through Time: Breitling's Rebirth of the Legendary "Co-Pilot"
Celebrating 70 years of aviation elegance, Breitling has unleashed three new additions to its collection, each rooted in the original Ref. 765 AVI. The classic meets the cutting edge with the 42 mm Classic AVI, the colossal 46 mm Super AVI, and the AVI Co-Pilot. These masterpieces not only pay homage to mid-century design codes but also make the collection more accessible than ever.
What Lies Beneath
Tracing its roots back to the 1930s, Breitling's Huit Aviation Department made a name for itself crafting precision cockpit clocks and specialized wrist chronographs for the rapidly emerging aeronautics industry. Fast forward two decades, and the groundbreaking flight instrument, the Ref. 765 AVI, emerged. This pilot's chronograph, featuring a rotating 12-hour bezel for recording flight times, was an instant game-changer for aviators. Known as the "Co-Pilot," the Ref. 765 AVI became iconic for its ease of operation and high legibility. The Super AVI, launched in 2021, is a modern tribute to this legendary watch, showcasing four of history's greatest aircraft: the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, Vought F4U Corsair, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and de Havilland Mosquito.
Chunky yet Cute
But the Super AVI proved too much for some customers, so Breitling came up with a compromise. "Individuals adore the rugged, minimalist appearance of the Super AVI, but not everyone possesses the wrist size necessary to pull off its imposing stature," says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. The Classic AVI strikes a balance, diluting certain features to achieve the simplified aesthetic customers have been asking for. With the Classic and Super AVI models standing side by side, customers have a broader range of choices to suit their style. The Classic AVI abandons the GMT complication that adds bulk to the Super AVI while employing the Breitling Caliber 23 chronograph movement, further trimming the profile and making the Classic AVI an attractive option from a value perspective as well.
Timeless Design
The original color schemes, reminiscent of the four aircraft, remain for the Classic AVI collection. The black dial with gold-brown leather strap honors the versatile Mustang, the blue dial with black strap is a tribute to the naval Corsair, the khaki dial with brown strap mirrors the camouflaged Warhawk, and the black dial with black ceramic bezel and brown strap captures the Mosquito plane, affectionately known as the "Wooden Wonder." The aircraft's roundels and markings are subtly reflected on the hands and subdials. The aircraft's engraved silhouettes decorate the back of the cases, available in stainless steel for all models and an 18K red gold option for the Mustang. Customers have the freedom to choose between a top-stitched calfskin leather strap or a five-row metal bracelet. A quick scan of the dial reveals the hidden GPS coordinates of Breitling Chronometrie, while references to vintage cockpit clocks are scattered throughout, including the ones crafted by the Huit Aviation Department.
An Aviator's Stealth
In an era of aluminum and steel shortages, the engineers behind the de Havilland Mosquito made use of wood, which was abundant. The "Wooden Wonder" caused a stir when it outperformed its metallic contemporaries, becoming one of the fastest planes of its time. The Super AVI Mosquito Night Fighter, modeled after the Night Fighter 2, pays tribute to the plane's dark livery with a black ceramic case, black military leather strap, and black dial with anthracite subdials. The overall monochrome design contrasts remarkably with the titanium pushers, crown, and buckle.
As with all Super AVI models, the design showcases large, legible Arabic numerals and a robust 46 mm case. A knurled bezel and fluted crown ensure optimal grip, even when worn with gloves. A second timezone is accessible through the 24-hour scale inner bezel, and the grey-tipped GMT hand assists with navigation. Its COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04 movement offers approximately 70 hours of power and is visible through the open titanium case-back, etched with the Night Fighter's outline.
Retreading the Past
First released in 1953, the original Ref. 765 AVI was a workhorse in the often unforgiving conditions of a single-seat cockpit. By the 1960s, the AVI's simplified style and oversized proportions made it a watch fit for both the cockpit and everyday wear. One particular Ref. 765 AVI from 1964, boasting a black bezel and reverse-panda dial, earned fame among celebrities and sports stars, especially French skier Jean-Claude Killy who sported it while winning gold in all three alpine skiing events at the 1968 Winter Games. Today, a limited re-edition of 164 pieces authentically replicates this model's design, retaining true-to-the-time hesalite crystal, baton indexes, and lumed pencil hands while introducing modern improvements like the ADLC-coated black bezel and a case engraved "One of 164."
"Everything about this re-edition is so Breitling because you can see our aviation tool-watch roots coming through, yet it's precisely that simplicity that gives it its universal appeal," Georges Kern explains. "That's also why the AVI, in all its forms, has stood the test of time to become one of our most emblematic collections."
www.breitling.com
- In the realm of wearables, Breitling's Fashion-and-Beauty section boasts the iconic Co-Pilot watch, a testament to the brand's roots in sustainable-living and technology.
- For tech enthusiasts and pop-culture aficionados alike, the Entertainment section on Breitling's website offers insights into the brand's journey and its influence on American-Football, with features on NFL legends wearing the Co-Pilot.
- If you're a food-and-drink connoisseur, you might enjoy the culinary lifestyle experiences and recipe shares available on the Breitling Blog, where the Co-Pilot watch is not just a timepiece but a symbol of life's adventures.
- In the Home-and-Garden segment, Breitling collaborates with renowned interior designers to incorporate Co-Pilot-inspired designs into modern and classic home settings.
- For sports enthusiasts, especially Football fans, Breitling's Sports section offers updates on the brand's partnerships with football legends, as well as exclusive watches designed with the sport in mind.
- In the world of Gadgets, Breitling's Co-Pilot watch stands out as a statement piece, blending mid-century design codes with cutting-edge technology.
- Bookworms can delve into stories of aviation, innovation, and design in Breitling's Books section, where books on the Co-Pilot's history and impact are available for purchase.
