A high-flying tribute to classic military aircraft

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 Super AVI, a collection inspired by the rugged spirit of famed early aircraft. The Super AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair honors 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 400 mph (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 Super AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair features large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel. The oversized crown and knurled bezel on its sturdy 46mm 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. Pilots and other travelers will appreciate the ability to track a second time zone using the 24-hour marking on the inner bezel and the red-tipped GMT hand. The engine of the Super AVI is the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04 movement, which provides approximately 70-hours of power reserve.