Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic Blue Dial 42mm Stainless Steel Watch

From brave first takeoffs to the birth of commercial air travel, Breitling’s history is inseparable from that of flight. In the 1930’s, 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 Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair honours one of those legends. As a WWII naval aircraft, the Corsair had to make tricky takeoffs and landings from carriers and remote landing strips. Speed and lift were of the essence, and the plane came through with flying colors, becoming the first single-engine fighter to crack the 400mph (640 km/h) mark, while also providing an exceptional rate of climb. Its “bent-wing” design, oversized propeller and signature blue livery make it an emblem of aviation history.

As a true pilot’s watch designed to withstand the rigors of a vintage cockpit, the Classic AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair 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. Pilots and other travelers will appreciate its legibility, wearability, and understated style. The engine of the Classic AVI is the C0SC-certified Breitling Caliber 23 movement, which provides approximately 48-hours power reserve.