Exclusively for the Middle East region, Breitling has released three limited-edition Aviator 8 models: the Chronograph 43, Automatic 41 and the 41. Distinguished by their bold numerals in Arabic script, the three models are available in a limited series of 100 or 250 pieces. The Aviator 8 family of watches are the contemporary interpretations of the design DNA and technical features of Breitling’s first pilots’ watches.
Managing Director, Breitling Middle East, India and Africa, Aed Adwan commented: ”Our Aviator 8 collection is much loved within the region, we, therefore, choose to develop three watches from this collection in a special series exclusively for the Middle East market. The series, which is now available across the region, includes two watches with a military green dial and one with a striking blue dial.”
The Chronograph 43 of the Middle East edition is the stand out model of the presentation as it has the most complications. The dial, military green with a matte finish, hosts the central hour, minute and second hands, along with the date and day-of-the-week displays in Arabic script at the 3 o’clock position. It also has three tone-on-tone chronograph subdials to indicate the 1/4th second, 30-minute and 12-hour counters. The 43mm watch is powered by Breitling’s proven mechanical movement Caliber 13, with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Presented on a green leather military strap, this Chronograph 43 model is available in a series of just 100 pieces.
The other two models, Automatic 41 and 41, are identical in their construction but are differentiated by their aesthetics. The Automatic 41 of the Middle East edition has a military green dial and is presented on a green leather military strap, a combination similar to the Chronograph 43. The 41, a direct descendent of Breitling’s legendary watches from the 1930s and 1940s, has a striking blue dial and is presented with a choice of black or blue leather strap.
Both are powered by the more compact Breitling Caliber 17 with a bidirectional rotor winder. It has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Because of Caliber 17’s smaller size (25.6 x 4.6 mm), as compared to the Caliber 13 (30 x 7.9 mm), the Automatic 41 and 41 both have 41 mm cases. They have a date display featuring numerals in the Arabic script at the 6 o’clock position. Bot hare limited to 250 pieces each.
All three models have several features in common. The case and caseback are constructed in DLC coated steel. The bi-directional rotating bezel has a subtle red pointer. While the bezel on the Automatic 41 and 41 are bare, the Chronograph 43 bezel has indexes and numerals in Arabic. The hour and minute hands are black nickel-plated. The central second hand has a touch of red at its tip. To improve legibility under low lighting, the central hands and the large numerals on the dial are coated with Super-LumiNova. All three timepieces are COSC-certified chronometers with water-resistant up to 100 meters.
