Breitling Classic AVI Buying Guide
Classic AVI is Breitling's Ref. 765-inspired aviation-chronograph family, distinct from Navitimer because it uses bold registers and a 12-hour bezel instead of a logarithmic slide rule.
The current collection divides into 41 mm hand-wound Re-Editions, 42 mm automatic Classic AVI chronographs and 46 mm Super AVI chronograph GMTs.
A 1953 reference, not a Navitimer derivative
Breitling describes the family as inspired by the 1953 Ref. 765 AVI Co-Pilot. Current Classic AVI revisits the design in an everyday 42 mm format, Super AVI enlarges it and adds GMT, and the 41 mm Re-Editions pursue closer period character.
Those labels must remain precise. A Super AVI B04 GMT is not merely an oversized Classic AVI, and a hand-wound Re-Edition is not a current automatic chronograph.
Forty-one, forty-two or forty-six millimeters
The verified current catalog includes 41 mm AVI Ref. 765 Re-Editions, 42 mm Classic AVI Chronographs and 46 mm Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT references. The Re-Edition is collector-led, Classic AVI is the practical middle size, and Super AVI is the largest and most functionally expansive.
Manual ritual, automatic simplicity or GMT
The selected Ref. 765 Re-Edition uses hand-wound Manufacture B09 with approximately 70 hours. Classic AVI 42 uses Breitling 23 automatic chronograph movements. Super AVI uses Manufacture B04 automatic chronograph GMT with approximately 70 hours.
Choose among manual interaction, a simpler automatic chronograph and explicit second-time-zone functionality rather than ranking solely by case size.
Leather changes mass, not span
The selected 41 mm Re-Edition is 14.05 mm thick. The selected Super AVI references are 46 × 15.9 mm and intentionally large. Aviation-style lugs and the rotating bezel amplify wrist presence.
A leather strap reduces attachment mass and visually softens the case, but it does not change the 46 mm case span. Try Super AVI before purchase where possible.
Two different second-time-zone methods
Classic AVI's bidirectional 12-hour bezel can track an additional hour offset. Super AVI adds a dedicated 24-hour GMT display through B04. Check bezel indexing and action on every pre-owned example and test GMT setting on Super AVI.
Material follows the reference
The selected Re-Edition uses Plexiglas and is rated to 30 m to support period character. The selected Super AVI references use sapphire and are rated to 100 m. One is steel on bracelet; Night Mission uses ceramic with leather.
Ceramic needs impact inspection. Plexiglas shows wear differently from sapphire. Neither should be judged by scratch resistance alone.
Verify the exact aircraft and edition story
Inspect dial/register printing, bezel, pushers, crown, crystal, caseback engraving and chronograph reset. Verify aircraft-themed elements and any limitation claim against the full reference.
| Reference | Configuration | Case | Movement / reserve | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB0920131B1X1 | AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition, leather | 41 × 14.05 mm steel, Plexiglas | Hand-wound B09 / approx. 70 h | 30 m |
| AB04451A1C1A1 | Super AVI B04 GMT 46 Corsair, bracelet | 46 × 15.9 mm steel | B04 GMT chronograph / approx. 70 h | 100 m |
| SB04451A1B1X1 | Super AVI B04 GMT 46 Mosquito Night Fighter | 46 × 15.9 mm ceramic | B04 GMT chronograph / approx. 70 h | 100 m |
Classic AVI and Super AVI examples
Compare the exact reference, size, movement, configuration, condition, and transaction terms before choosing a watch.
Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition Black Dial Black Calfskin Strap AB0920131B1X1 UNWORN 2026
$7,400.00
Available now
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Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair Blue Dial Bracelet AB04451A1C1A1 UNWORN 2026
$9,300.00
Available now
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Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Mosquito Night Fighter Black Dial Black Calfskin Strap SB04451A1B1X1 UNWORN 2026
$10,100.00
Available now
View exact watch
Classic AVI buying FAQs
Is Classic AVI the same as Navitimer?
No. Classic AVI uses Ref. 765-inspired aviation-chronograph styling and a 12-hour bezel; Navitimer is defined by its circular slide rule.
What is the difference between Classic AVI and Super AVI?
Current Classic AVI chronographs are 42 mm. Super AVI is 46 mm and adds B04 GMT functionality.
Is the Ref. 765 Re-Edition automatic?
No. The selected 1953 Re-Edition uses hand-wound Manufacture Calibre B09.
Why does the Re-Edition use Plexiglas?
It supports the period-inspired construction. Buyers should expect a different scratch and wear profile from sapphire.
Is Super AVI suitable for smaller wrists?
It is a 46 × 15.9 mm watch and should be tried on. Leather reduces attachment mass but does not change the case span.
What should I verify on an AVI-themed reference?
Confirm the full reference, aircraft association, dial, caseback, bezel, movement, attachment, chronograph and GMT operation, edition status and service history.
Sources and verification
Breitling official current watch catalog · Breitling Classic AVI collection
Current-reference specifications were checked against Breitling's official US catalog on July 27, 2026. Live price, imagery, URL and availability come from the canonical Superlative Watch Co. Shopify product record on each render.
Editorial review: July 27, 2026. Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury-watch dealer and is not affiliated with or authorized by Breitling. Product availability, pricing and specifications can change. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.