Breitling recently came out with three band new watches created to celebrate the ever-lasting legacy of one of aviation’s most historic fighter airplanes, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. Produced by Curtiss Wright right around the same time Breitling and its Huit Aviation Aviation department began creating on-board instrument clusters for places used by the RAF and other air forces, it seemed only fitting that Breitling would recreate that historical connection with the 43 Curtiss Warhawk collection.
The first piece of the trio is the Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss, featuring a stunning military green dial with a matte finish within its 43mm wide stainless-steel case. The Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss also features an in-house COSC-certified automatic calibre visible through the caseback which is actually inscribed with an image of an airborne P-40 Warhawk.
The second piece is the Breitling Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk. Featuring similar design cues as the Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss, the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk’s main point of differentiation is derived from its ébauche movement. Instead of having the chronograph sub-dials laid out in the conventional horizontal manner, the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk’s sub-dials are oriented vertically, a by-product of the use of the Valjoux-produced COC-certified automatic movement. I actually prefer the look of this model, along with its day-date indicator. But, in-house will always win me over...
The third and final piece is the Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic Curtiss Warhawk. Again, and like its chronograph brothers, the Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic Curtiss Warhawk carries the same identifiable features as its kin. This looks to be a very functional, very purpose-driven timepiece, and it definitely ticks all the right boxes for me. Powering the Aviator 8 Automatic Curtiss Warhawk is Breitling’s in-house COSC-certified automatic manufacture Caliber 17 movement.
Each piece is relatable, and there’s a consistency between each of these three pieces that relays continuity, consistency and specific thought. Inspired by heritage, Breitling’s 43 Curtiss Warhawk timepieces are superb.
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