Aviation navigation, for example, has evolved considerably since dead reckoning was the order of the day. When time, speed, and heading were the basis of navigation, the importance of a quality timepiece as an essential flight instrument could not be overstated.
While most pilots rely on global positioning to navigate the world today, having a premium chronograph close at hand is as important today as it was decades ago. In fact, the role of precision timekeeping was so essential in early aviation that Breitling introduced a chronograph in the 1950s dubbed the Co-Pilot.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of those trusted timepieces, Breitling introduced the Classic Avi Chronograph 42 collection, a series of collectible timepieces with timeless style, functional attributes, and the ideal size to wear daily.
Military aviation enthusiasts will also appreciate that each timepiece pays homage to one of what are perhaps the four most iconic warbirds in history—the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito. The design of each 42 mm chronograph is inspired by its namesake warbird, whose silhouette is engraved on the caseback.
The black dial and gold brown leather strap of the Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Mustang represents the versatile P-51 with its throaty V-12 power and haunting gun port whistle that often revealed its presence on station.
Instantly recognizable by its unconventional yet masterfully engineered gull wing dihedral, the Vought F4U Corsair was the inspiration for the Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair with a blue dial and black strap.
The venerable Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, often adorned with a menacing shark mouth around its engine intake, inspired the Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss Warhawk. The khaki dial with brown strap represents the camouflaged look of the P-40 in various theaters of operation.
Before stealth, the cover of darkness helped warbirds evade detection. The elegant black dial and black ceramic bezel with brown band of the Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Mosquito pay tribute to the Mosquito in its night fighting role.
Trusted by aviators and mariners since 1884, every Breitling chronograph makes a powerful statement. The Breitling Co-pilot, originally introduced in 1953, has been refined for today’s discerning aviation enthusiast and collector with this new Classic Avi Chronograph 42 collection. Times change, quality doesn’t—Breitling, since 1884.