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 Mosquito honors one of those legends. In an era when aluminum and steel shortages were common, the engineers behind the de Havilland Mosquito made use of a still plentiful material: wood. The “Wooden Wonder” caused shockwaves when it outperformed its metal contemporaries to become one of the fastest planes built between 1940 and 1950. Its superior maneuverability allowed it to multitask in roles as far ranging as light bomber, night-fighter, transport and photographic reconnaissance aircraft.
As a true 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 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.
Movement
Caliber: Breitling 23
Movement: Self-winding mechanical
Power Reserve: Approx. 48 hrs
Chronograph: 1/4th second, 30 minutes, 12 hours
Vibration: 28,800 v.p.h
Case
Case Material: Stainless steel
Caseback: Screwed in
Water Resistance: 10 bars
Bezel: Bidirectional ratcheted
Crown: Screw-locked, two gaskets
Crystal: Cambered sapphire, glareproofed both sides
Dimensions
Product Weight (Approx.): 108 g
Watch Head Weight (Approx.): 85.5 g
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 14.7 mm
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 48 mm
Lug Width (in-between lugs): 22 mm
Strap
Strap Material: Calfskin leather
Strap Colour: Brown
Strap Type: Straight
Lug: 22/18 mm
Buckle Material: Stainless steel
Buckle Type: Folding clasp
Buckle Size: 18 mm
Reference
Y233801A1B1X1
