Classic AVI

What is the Breitling Classic AVI?

The Classic AVI is Breitling’s aviation line, a modern re-edition of the 1953 Co-Pilot Ref. 765 AVI. It keeps the oversized bi-directional rotating bezel and the highly legible dial of the original, and comes in three sizes: 41 mm for the Re-edition, 42 mm for the Classic AVI Chronograph and 46 mm for the Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT.

Breitling Classic AVI FAQ

What is the difference between the Classic AVI and the Super AVI?

Super AVI is the larger, more technical half of the same family. It runs 46 mm and carries the in-house B04 calibre, a self-winding chronograph with a 24-hour second time zone, and each reference pays tribute to a specific aircraft — the Mosquito, the Curtiss Warhawk, the P-51 Mustang and the Vought F4U Corsair. The Classic AVI proper is 41–42 mm and stays closer to the 1953 design.

Is the Classic AVI automatic or hand-wound?

Both. The 41 mm Re-edition uses the hand-wound Breitling B09 with a 70-hour power reserve, faithful to the original manual chronograph. The 42 mm Classic AVI Chronograph and the 46 mm Super AVI B04 are self-winding.

What is the AVI bezel for?

The bi-directional rotating bezel is a pilot’s tool: line the marker up with the minute hand and you can read elapsed time at a glance, the way flight crews timed legs and fuel burn before digital instrumentation.