Breitling’s new Tremendous AVI 2021 assortment highlights its ongoing dedication to a foundational pillar of the model: aviation-inspired timepieces.
The 2021 assortment each contains all of the purposeful particulars prized in a sky-worthy watch and celebrates aviation historical past. I used to be lucky to be invited to witness the Tremendous AVI assortment’s dramatic unveiling on the Nationwide Aviation Training Middle (NAEC) in Dallas, the place the Commemorative Air Pressure confirmed off some planes from the Forties together with the 4 namesake Tremendous AVI watches.
2021 Breitling Tremendous AVI Assortment
“This assortment embodies that sense of nostalgia for the early days of aviation when pilots relied on their watches as onboard instruments,” stated Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, who was there as properly.
On the helm since 2017, Kern has been instrumental in broadening the definition of Breitling to extend deal with land- and sea-worthy timepieces whereas persevering with to present its aviation-centric watches their rightful due.
Inspiration
Breitling’s Reference 765 AVI pilot’s watch, launched in 1953 and often known as the Co-Pilot, is the inspiration for this 2021 assortment, which was impressed by 4 classic plane to create 4 new Tremendous AVI watch fashions. The legendary planes honored are the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito. Their silhouettes enhance the watches’ case backs.
Clockwise from left: de Havilland Mosquito, Vought F4U Corsair, North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
“We will’t neglect that Breitling pioneered aviation device watches like Reference 765 AVI,” stated Breitling inventive director Sylvain Berneron. “That heritage is so robust we needed to not solely hold it intact, however rewrite it for the twenty-first century.”
And rewrite it they did with a memorable backstory that has World Battle II written throughout it.
The watches
Legibility being important in a pilot’s watch means that the brand new timepieces are eminently readable. And they’re with massive Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel, and daring Tremendous-LumiNova accenting the numerals, indexes, and arms.
Breitling Tremendous AVI P-51 Mustang
The generously sized 46 mm case, bidirectional ratcheted bezel, and outsized crown at 3 o’clock all present a way of durability with out bulk and stable dependability with out overkill. The red-tipped GMT hand, in collusion with the 24-hour marking on the interior bezel, tracks a second time zone.
Inside, self-winding C.O.S.C.-certified Caliber B04 – you’ll understand it from the Navitimer, Chronomat, and others – drives the hours, minutes, seconds, date, and second time zone. It has a stability frequency of 4 Hertz and gives 70 hours of energy reserve. The column-wheel chronograph includes a vertical clutch and quarter-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour totalizers.
Right here’s the place the watches diverge
Breitling Tremendous AVI P-51 Mustang in crimson gold on the wrist
The Tremendous AVI P-51 Mustang – named for the eponymous bomber that was a relative latecomer to the Pacific Theater – is available in two variations: with a chrome steel case, black dial, and brown leather-based strap and in crimson gold with an anthracite-colored dial and a black leather-based strap. The latter is unique to Breitling boutiques or out there on-line at www.breitling.com.
North American Aviation P-51 Mustang
Breitling Tremendous AVI Vought F4U Corsair on the wrist
The Tremendous AVI Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair with a blue dial, tone-on-tone counters, and a black leather-based strap is designed in honor of the naval plane Corsair, which was the primary single-engine fighter to crack the 400 mph (644 kmh) mark.
Vought F4U Corsair
Breitling Tremendous AVI Curtiss Warhawk on the wrist
The Tremendous AVI Curtiss Warhawk is fitted with a military-green dial, white contrasting chronograph counters, and crimson accents. Its shade scheme is a nod to its namesake’s well-known shark-mouth nostril artwork: so acquainted was it to me from films and books that it actually took my breath away once I noticed it “within the steel.”
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Breitling Tremendous AVI Mosquito on the wrist
Lastly, the Tremendous AVI Mosquito has a black ceramic bezel – the one one among the many new assortment – and a black dial with white counters. Its crimson and orange particulars allude to the markings on the airplane, which is nicknamed “the Picket Marvel.”
De Havilland Mosquito
As a historical past buff I used to be excited to witness the 4 historic plane that translated to the Tremendous AVI assortment together with lots of the different planes on show on the 47,000-square-foot NAEC in Dallas.
4 legendary planes
It was straightforward to acknowledge the weather significant sufficient to turn into a part of the design of the watches. And in talking with the pilots, who have been there to reply questions (and fly the planes), I sensed their respect for the plane and the watches they impressed.
Case again and yellow strap lining of the Breitling Tremendous AVI P-51 Mustang
The pilot-inspired leather-based straps are lined in Breitling yellow, which can seem to be a minor element however make for a extremely seen piece of identification. Permitting myself a second of female allusion right here, they remind me of the brilliant crimson soles on Christian Louboutin sneakers: there’s by no means a query about what you’re carrying, and, as at all times, good style speaks volumes.
For extra data, please go to www.breitling.com.
Fast Info Breitling Tremendous AVI
Case: 46 mm, stainless-steel or crimson gold
Motion: automated Caliber B04, formally C.O.S.C. chronometer licensed, 70-hour energy reserve; 4 Hz/28,000 vph frequency
Capabilities: hours, minutes, seconds; date, second time zone
Worth: $23,650 (crimson gold Mustang); $10,100 (metal Mustang); $10,250 (metal Mosquito); $10,100 (metal Corsair); $10,100 (metal Curtiss Warhawk)
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