Introducing Five New Breitling Classic AVI, One Super AVI And One Limited Edition AVI
Breitling has just renewed its AVI collection, with five new Classic AVI models, a new Super AVI and finally, a limited edition AVI.
Of the five new Classic AVI models inspired by legendary aircraft, there is little to say, as they are almost a reissue of the Super AVI introduced at the end of 2021, with the “small” big difference that they now come in size more adjusted to reality, passing from the previous 46mm in diameter to the now 42mm.
So we have an F4U Corsair that comes with a blue dial and steel bezel, two P51 Mustangs, one that features a black dial and black bezel, and another with a grey dial with black counters and rose gold case, and then we have a Curtiss Warhawk with reverse panda green dial and steel bezel and finally a Havilland Mosquito with a reverse panda dial and a black ceramic bezel.
The five models share the same 42mm diameter, 14.7mm thick and 48mm lug-to-lug distance (L2L) case, bidirectional bezel, sapphire glass, fluted crown and two pushers, steel case back engraved with aircraft of the respective model and 100m of water resistance.
The B23 automatic movement runs inside, beating 28,800 Vph and offering up to 48 hours of power reserve.
The timepieces are attached to a leather strap with a folding clasp or a 5-link steel/gold bracelet with a butterfly clasp, with prices ranging from €5,800 to €37,000 (for the gold version).
It should also be noted that the lower prices compared to the wider versions do not include the second time zone complication, the date window, the sapphire glass on the case back and the COSC-certified movement.
The new Super AVI Mosquito Night Fighter arrives in a completely black version, wearing a ceramic case with a black coating with dimensions of 46mm in diameter by 15.9mm in thickness. The black dial with grey counters also adds the date and GMT complications of the Super AVI, powered by the B04 manufacture movement which is COSC certified, offering up to 70 hours of power reserve and viewable through the open rear case.
The new Super AVI is attached to a black textured leather strap and can be purchased for €11,950.
Finally, there is yet to announce the re-edition of the AVI ref. 765 1964 in a limited edition of 164 pieces, which is presented in a 41mm by 12mm steel case, with a black bezel that features a red inverted triangle at 12 o’clock and comes with an amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC) finish and just 30m of water resistance. The reverse Panda dial features the same configuration and complications as the Classic AVI with the difference that it comes with beige luminescent material on the hands and hour markers paying homage to the original 1964 model, and lipstick hour markers instead of Arabic numerals. Inside, the manual movement Caliber B09 brings the column wheel chronograph to life, offering up to 70 hours of power reserve.
The limited edition AVI is attached to a vintage-inspired black leather strap and can be had for €8,300.
Our Opinion
The resizing of the AVI collection of legendary aircraft is in our view a smart decision, taking into account that the previous 46mm diameter of the Super AVI collection is less adjustable to the average wrist size than the 42mm diameter of the Classic AVI collection.
Of course, the downsize of the new Breitling AVI is also reflected in the internal movement leaving behind the In-house Caliber B024 COSC certified and some of its complications to embrace the Caliber B23 based on ETA 7753, but not everything is bad, since the price drops from the previous €9,600 to €5,800 for the steel version on a strap, which translates into a price reduction of almost 40%, which could be a gateway for new enthusiasts and if that is one of the reasons we can only applaud the brand effort.
As far as the new all-ceramic Super AVI is concerned, we would say that it is almost a first for the brand if it weren’t for some forays into the past that almost went unnoticed, however and at first glance, it seems to be an interesting option. The same applies to ref. 765 1964 limited edition, appears to be appealing but lacks a more detailed appreciation.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Breitling
Model: Classic AVI, Super AVI, AVI Ref. 765 1964 Re-Edition
Reference: A233803A1B1A1 (P51 Mustang steel on steel), A233803A1B1X1 (P51 Mustang steel on leather), R233801A1B1R1 (P51 Mustang gold on gold), R233801A1B1X1 (P51 Mustang gold on leather), A233801A1C1A1 (F4U Corsair steel on steel), A233801A1C1X1 (F4U Corsair steel on leather), Y233801A1B1A1 (Mosquito steel on steel), Y233801A1B1X1 (Mosquito steel on leather), SB04451A1B1X1 (Mosquito Night Fighter), AB09451A1B1X1 (ref. 765 1964), A233802A1L1X1 (Curtiss Warhawk steel on leather), A233802A1L1A1 (Curtiss Warhawk steel on steel)
Dial: Black, blue, green, grey
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel, rose gold, ceramic
Case Dimensions: 42 mm diameter x 14.70 mm thickness (Classic AVI), 46 mm diameter x 15.90 mm thickness (Super AVI), 41 mm diameter x 14.05 mm thickness (AVI ref. 765 1964)
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Stainless steel (Classic AVI, AVI ref. 765 1964), sapphire glass (Super AVI)
Water Resistance: 100 Meters (Classic AVI, Super AVI), 30 meters (AVI ref. 765 1964)
Strap: Leather strap, stainless steel/rose gold bracelet
Calibre: B23 (Classic AVI), B04 (Super AVI), B09 (AVI ref. 765 1964)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date (Super AVI), GMT (Super AVI)
Winding: Automatic (Classic AVI, Super AVI), manual (AVI ref. 765 1964)
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 27 (Classic AVI), 47 (Super AVI, AVI ref. 765 1964)
Power Reserve: 48 Hours (Classic AVI), 70 hours (Super AVI, AVI ref. 765 1964)
Price: € 5,800 (P51 Mustang steel on leather, F4U Corsair steel on leather, Curtiss Warhawk steel on leather), € 5,900 (Mosquito steel on leather), € 6,100 (P51 Mustang steel on steel, F4U Corsair steel on steel, Curtiss Warhawk steel on steel), € 6,200 (Mosquito steel on steel), € 8,300 (ref. 765 1964), €11,950 (Mosquito Night Fighter), € 19,000 (P51 Mustang gold on leather), € 37,000 (P51 Mustang gold on gold)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 164 pieces (AVI ref. 765 1964)
