Alongside a slew of more aggressively styled, Avenger pilot watches, Breitling has also announced a gentler, retro-themed chronograph in its Aviator 8 collection that is meant to draw upon its history. Solid and handsome, it features an in-house movement and the seductive vintage chronograph look that’s so popular across the industry. Called the Mosquito, its design references a wooden airplane from the 1940s of the same name.
While firmly in the brand’s Aviator 8 collection in terms of features, Breitling actually names multiple influences on the Mosquito’s style. First, and most obvious, it its 765 AVI “Co-Pilot” watch from the 1950s and 1960s with a similar 12-hour bezel and large white subdials against a black main dial. The brand further highlights “inspiration” taken from onboard aircraft instruments designed by its Huit Aviation Department in the 1930s and 1940s — seen in the dial’s orange highlights — as well as the British de Havilland Mosquito airplane itself.
The new Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito watch that brings all these influences together is a bold 43mm wide in steel and is water-resistant to 100m. Certain elements are black ADLC-coated, which is said to provide an even darker look than the more common DLC. Visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition case back is the in-house Breitling Calibre 01 automatic chronograph movement with around 70 hours of power reserve.
On a leather strap with a tang-style buckle, the Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito has a price of $7,710, and it’s just a bit more with the folding clasp option at $7,960.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Maen Skymaster Automatic Chronograph Watches (~$700)
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono Watch ($2,195)
TAG Heuer Heritage Heuer 02 Chronograph Watch ($5,300)
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