Breitling Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk Watch Review
Thursday - 21 February 2019
Taking their devotion to aviation to new heights, Breitling release three new editions dressed in military green. The fleet confirms their commitment to the aviation world and how it remains at the core of their brand DNA. Their pilot watches have built a strong reputation in the watchmaking industry over the years and the launch of the two chronographs and a three hand watch in collaboration with the maker of the iconic P-40 Warhawk airplane adds a new story to their aviation legacy.
The trio pays tribute to Curtiss Wright, a renowned American aircraft manufacturer with the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk being their most famous plane. Manufactured between 1938 and 1944, the new models capture the sprit of aviation in this era. In fact, it was around this time in the 20th century that Breitling and its Huit Aviation Department were designing onboard instruments for the RAF and other air forces.
The new additions represent the perfect pairing between two aviation pioneers by celebrating both brands rich heritage with their modern yet retro character. The Aviator 8 line up includes features from Breitling’s early pilot watches, the Reference 768 such as the rotating bezel and distinctive triangular pointer that was a huge success with aviation enthusiasts and no doubt will be again.
Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk
Some like it green especially with the chronographs distinguished matte finish. Three silver subdials contrast against the khaki dial as does the hint of red. Offering an impressive 70-hour power reserve, the in-house Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 is reliable, accurate and functional and can be viewed via the transparent sapphire crystal case back, which features an airborne P-40 Warhawk complete with the menacing shark’s mouth that was painted onto the aircraft by the American Volunteer Group in the Chinese Air Force’s famed Flying Tigers unit. Striking and stylish, the chronograph will charm its way on to the most sophisticated on gents with its easy to read dial.
Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk
Highly legible even in the most restricted lighting conditions, it’s black nickel-plated hour and minute hands and Arabic numerals are coated with Super-LumiNova that illuminates the green military dial. Ticking inside is the Breitling Calibre 13 offering excellent stability and performance. Not forgetting the 42-hour power reserve. The distinctive caseback is inscribed with an image of the P-40 Warhawk mid-flight including the dramatic shark’s mouth paintwork that made an impact in the air.
Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic 41 Curtiss Warhawk
Dressed in military green, the matte dial and textile strap reflect the iconic colour of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. The aircraft is engraved onto the caseback with the memorable shark’s mouth paintwork. Appealing to gents who appreciate clean, understated dials, the design is highly legible with its hour and minute hands and numerals coated in Super-LumiNova. Precision is guaranteed with the Breitling Calibre 17 movement that boasts a 40-hour power reserve housed inside the BLC-coated stainless steel case.
