Q: What movement powers the Classic AVI and is it COSC-certified?

The Classic AVI Chronograph 42 is driven by the self-winding Breitling Caliber 23 , a COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement offering approximately 48 hours of power reserve . Its compact architecture is what allows the 42 mm case to stay slimmer than the GMT-equipped Super AVI. The 41 mm AVI Ref. 765 Re-Edition instead uses the in-house manufacture Caliber B09—a manually wound, COSC-certified chronograph caliber with approximately 70 hours of power reserve—chosen to stay faithful to the hand-wound caliber of the 1953 model it was inspired by. In both cases, COSC certification guarantees chronometer-grade accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.

Question 1

What is the Breitling Classic AVI?

Accepted Answer

The Classic AVI is Breitling's aviation chronograph collection , inspired by the original 1953 Ref. 765 AVI Co-Pilot—one of the brand's earliest pilot's watches. It revisits that heritage in a refined, everyday 42 mm format, sitting below the larger 46 mm Super AVI in the lineup. Each model is a chronograph with a bi-directional 12-hour rotating bezel —designed to track a second timezone—a solid caseback engraved with the silhouette of a legendary aircraft , and Super-LumiNova for cockpit-grade legibility. The collection celebrates four iconic WWII planes — the P-51 Mustang, Vought F4U Corsair, Curtiss Warhawk and de Havilland Mosquito—making it a true tool-watch tribute to Breitling's roots in the air. To learn more about the history of the original Co-Pilot and its role in Breitling's aviation legacy, visit the Breitling Co-Pilot story .

Question 2

What sizes, models and materials are available in the Classic AVI collection?

Accepted Answer

The core line is the Classic AVI Chronograph 42 , a 42 mm chronograph available in stainless steel or 18k red gold, on a pilot-inspired calfskin leather strap or a five-row metal bracelet. Dial and color options follow the four aircraft tributes : a military green Curtiss Warhawk a blue Vought F4U Corsair a black-dial P-51 Mustang (also offered in red gold) a Mosquito with a black ceramic bezel. The collection also includes the vintage-inspired AVI Ref. 765 Re-Editions in a 41 mm case , which faithfully recreate the 1953 and 1964 originals with period-correct details. This assortment lets you choose between a modern everyday chronograph and a heritage-inspired collector's piece.

Question 3

What movement powers the Classic AVI and is it COSC-certified?

Accepted Answer

The Classic AVI Chronograph 42 is driven by the self-winding Breitling Caliber 23, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement offering approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Its compact architecture is what allows the 42 mm case to stay slimmer than the GMT-equipped Super AVI.
The 41 mm AVI Ref. 765 Re-Edition instead uses the in-house manufacture Caliber B09—a manually wound, COSC-certified chronograph caliber with approximately 70 hours of power reserve—chosen to stay faithful to the hand-wound caliber of the 1953 model it was inspired by.
In both cases, COSC certification guarantees chronometer-grade accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.

Question 4

Is the Breitling Classic AVI water resistant?

Accepted Answer

The Classic AVI Chronograph 42 is water resistant to 100 metres (10 bar) , so it comfortably handles rain, splashes and surface swimming, though it is an aviation chronograph rather than a dedicated dive watch. To prevent water from intruding the case, avoid pressing the pushers when the watch is submerged. The vintage-inspired AVI Ref. 765 Re-Edition is rated to 30 metres , due to the vintage-inspired case architecture, and is best kept away from submersion . The case will protect the watch from rain, handwashing, and regular everyday use. To preserve water resistance on any model, always make sure the crown is fully pushed in before contact with water, avoid using the chronograph when submerged, and have the gaskets checked periodically during routine servicing.

Question 5

How does the Classic AVI bi-directional bezel work and how do I read it?

Accepted Answer

Every Classic AVI features a knurled, bi-directional rotating bezel marked with a 12-hour scale . Its most practical use is tracking a second time zone: rotate the bezel so the marker aligns with the hour hand's reference, then read the offset hour against the bezel. It can also be used to mark an elapsed period —for example a flight duration or a parking limit—by setting the bezel triangle to the current minute or hour and watching the hand advance against the scale. Because the bezel turns in both directions and is gripped by its notched edge, it is easy to operate even with gloves, echoing the watch's pilot heritage.

Question 6

How do I set the time and date and wind a Classic AVI?

Accepted Answer

On the automatic Classic AVI Chronograph 42, pull the crown to its first position to adjust the date and to the fully extended position to set the time, then push it firmly back in . As a self-winding watch, the Caliber 23 winds automatically through wrist motion; if it has stopped, turn the crown clockwise around 30 to 40 turns in the neutral position to restart it. The manually wound AVI Ref. 765 Re-Edition must be wound by hand until you feel resistance. Avoid changing the date between roughly 9 PM and 3 AM, when the date mechanism is engaged. For step-by-step guidance, consult the official Breitling care instructions.

Question 7

What warranty does the Classic AVI come with and where should it be serviced?

Accepted Answer

New Breitling Classic AVI watches are covered by a 2-year international warranty , which can be extended to 5 years free of charge when the watch is registered on the Breitling website within three months of purchase. For servicing, repairs or strap and bracelet changes, always rely on an authorized Breitling boutique or service centre , so that certified watchmakers handle the movement and the warranty is preserved. Breitling recommends a complete service roughly every 4 to 5 years under normal conditions of use to keep the movement and water resistance performing as intended.

Classic AVI

The Pioneering Pilot’s Watch