The introduction of the classic Replica Breitling Aviator 8 chronographs (at that time still under the old name Breitling Navitimer 8) was ill-fated from the start. Because it was a nasty faux pas that the newly appointed CEO Georges Kern made with the favorite model of many Breitling fans shortly after taking office in 2017: The classic, simple design of the newly introduced Navitimer 8/Aviator 8 models has visual appeal has absolutely nothing to do with the real Navitimer design with a slide rule bezel. Die-hard Breitling fans were – to say the least – “not amused”. A Breitling Navitimer simply has to be full to the brim with indices and numbers. Point! 😉
After all: Georges Kern showed insight and rowed back again – with a new model series (parallel to the Navitimer), the Breitling boss brought about a clearer separation between the playful Navitimer design and the new, more classic pilot chronograph design, which is now available found in the “Aviator 8” model series.
Let’s take a look below at how the Breitling Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 performs in terms of quality and how the design relates to Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department from the 50s…
Key data Breitling Aviator 8 Chronograph 43:
Caliber Breitling 13 (base caliber ETA 7750), quality level chronometer
30-minute and 12-hour counters at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions as well as a small second hand at the 9 o’clock position
Diameter 43mm
Height 14.7mm
Sapphire crystal, cambered and anti-reflective on both sides
Weight on the steel strap (with all strap links): approx. 200 grams
Band links screwed together
Water resistance up to 100 meters / 10 bar (suitable for swimming)
Swiss made
Breitling Aviator 8 – inspired by the Breitling 765 AVI
From a purely business perspective, it is understandable that Grenchen wants to appeal to a broader target group with new, more classic models such as the Aviator 8 or the new SuperOcean diving watches. Since the Breitling takeover in 2017 by the investor CVC Capital Partners, who appointed Georges Kern as managing director, it is clear where the journey is heading. Because even if you, as a die-hard watch freak, don’t like it: Breitling is not a non-profit organization and wants to make money (and of course not just since the Kern/CVC era).
Of course, you can still critically question whether a “core” Breitling like the Aviator 8 still has real Breitling DNA in it – I too initially raised an eyebrow in question. On the other hand, the Swiss have to be credited for reviving classic designs from the company’s history in particular, making Breitling a much more accessible watch brand for many watch enthusiasts.
In this respect, the Aviator 8 model series fits into the picture: The pilot’s watch design is much simpler than that of the Navitimer and is clearly reminiscent of the Breitling 765 AVI (AVI = Aviation) from the 1950s, also known as the “Co-Pilot”. The Breitling 765 AVI Co-Pilot, in turn, was visually based on the on-board clocks that were developed and manufactured by Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department in the 1930s and 1940s.