A high-flying throwback to the mighty Mustang

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 P-51 Mustang, which, when it was originally conceived and built in a mere 120 days, even its developer North American Aviation, didn’t anticipate what a powerhouse it had on its hands. The P-51’s low-drag wings and engine-cooling system — considered experimental when the single-seat fighter first took off in 1940 — gave it incredible speed and range. The addition of a Merlin engine, expanded the plane’s performance to high altitudes, making it the best all-purpose fighter of its time.

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 full 18k red gold bracelet provides an elegant alternative. The engine of the Classic AVI is the tried-and-true COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 23 chronograph movement.