Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito Watch Review
Thursday - 26 September 2019
Breitling bring a new Co-Pilot to the wrist complete with a highly legible black dial and contrasting silver subdials. Nostalgic for an era of aviation that captures a period of innovation in the history of flight, the new Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito watch pays tribute to two influences of the 1930s and 1940s.
Inspired by the onboard clocks designed by Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department and the Ref. 765 AVI watch, the latest release reimagines the retro aesthetic for a new generation. The latter being a popular choice amongst aviators, Breitling nods to the bold aesthetic, rotating bezel and extremely readable dial with its oversized Arabic numerals. Taking its role as Co-Pilot seriously, every feature has a part to play as it takes to the skies.
Named after the de Havilland Mosquito, the new release honours the British aircraft, which is known for its unique lightweight wooden construction. It is recognised for being one of the fastest planes of the early 1940s due to its innovative use of materials. It is an icon of the skies that Breitling commemorate with the stunning Aviator 8 Mosquito. Nicknamed the “Wooden Wonder”, the de Havilland Mosquito was one of the fastest planes in the world, famously flying 20 mph faster than the legendary Spitfire, which was fitted with the exact same engine type. Fulfilling many roles, the speed machine served as a day fighter, night fighter, photographic reconnaissance aircraft and even an airliner. Produced in secrecy, Geoffrey de Havilland’s provided the answer to a shortage of aluminium during WWII with a light bomber made from plywood and balsa wood. Not only would it fly through the skies at an incredible pace but be able to carry a bomber’s load.
Demanding attention on the wrist, the Aviator 8 Mosquito is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 in-house mechanical movement. View their expertise via the transparent caseback that offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve. Stylish and eye-catching, the black dial is framed by the 43mm stainless steel case and a black stain-brushed ADLC-coated stainless steel bezel. As a nod to the night fighter version of the de Havilland Mosquito, the ADLC treatment brings a darker tone than the regular DLC coating. Also, the red and orange accents reflect the colours used on the roundels of the fuselage of the de Havilland Mosquito contrasting against the dial. To guarantee legibility in restricted lighting the striking orange central hour, minute and central second hands are coated with Super LumiNova for a practical finish.
The Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito remains true to their aviation roots paying tribute to an icon that will never been forgotten for its speed, innovative thinking and versatility.
