FEATURES

 From daring first flights to the birth of commercial air travel, Breitling's history is inseparable from that of aviation. In the 1930s, Breitling's Huit Aviation Department made its name by inventing precision cockpit clocks. Two decades later, it introduced another new instrument for flight, this time in wearable form: Ref. 765 AVI. This pioneering pilot's watch provides the technical backdrop for today's Classic AVI, a collection inspired by the robust spirit of famous early aircraft. The Classic AVI Mosquito honors one of these legends. In an era when aluminum and steel shortages were common, the engineers behind the de Havilland Mosquito used a still-abundant material: wood. The “Wooden Wonder” caused a shock when it outperformed its metal contemporaries, becoming one of the fastest aircraft built between 1940 and 1950. Its superior maneuverability allowed it to perform many tasks in various roles, such as light bomber, night fighter, transport and photo-reconnaissance aircraft. As a genuine pilot's watch, designed to withstand the rigors of a vintage cockpit, the Classic AVI Mosquito features large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel. The knurled bezel on the 42-millimeter case ensures an optimal grip, even for a gloved pilot's hand. The calfskin leather stitching is reminiscent of the stitching on classic flight gear, while the stainless steel bracelet offers an elegant alternative. The model stands out for its legibility and understated style. The Classic AVI's movement is the COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 23, which provides approximately 48 hours of power reserve.