A high-flying throwback to a rebel of the skies

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 and spiritual backdrop for today’s Classic AVI, a collection inspired by the rugged spirit of famed early aircraft.

This Breitling honors a true legend in aviation: the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. Conceived as a pursuit aircraft, the Warhawk first flew in 1938 and quickly proved itself as a master of agility. It wasn’t just the plane’s capacity for pulling jaw-dropping turns that gave it an in-flight edge, its robust structure meant it could tolerate harsh weather conditions and even many mid-air collisions. The Warhawk’s defiant shark-mouth nose art sealed its reputation as the rebel of the skies.

As a true pilot’s watch designed to withstand the rigors of both a vintage and modern cockpit alike, this Classic AVI features highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel. The oversized crown and knurled bezel on its sturdy 42mm case provide 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 optional stainless-steel bracelet provides an elegant alternative. The engine of the Classic AVI is the tried-and-true COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 23 chronograph movement.