Schwarzesbrett » Breitling Aviator 8: Inspired By Vintage Pilot's Watches

If you haven't heard, Breitling makes pilot's watches. A lot of pretty cool ones, too. The Breitling Aviator 8 collection takes this aviation inspiration the brand is known for and strips back everything else. This means the dial designs are simpler and the cases are often smaller, with the various complications of the range communicating only what's absolutely necessary. They're not for today's pilots, strictly speaking – most of them have computers to help with flying nowadays instead (unless you're a Southwest pilot, that is) : but the Aviator 8 line is certainly pilot-inspired. The Aviator 8 selection relies on these vintage styling cues, but updates everything else with modern technology, materials, and build quality. The actual time-only Breitling Aviator 8 features a 41mm stainless steel case that sits 11mm in thickness, seen here with a blue dial. The particular date at six o'clock fits nicely alongside the Arabic numerals, about as uncontroversial as well as useful as a date window can be. The slightly knurled bezel evokes Breitling's aviation heritage, without being overbearing.

The Aviator 8 collection also features a range of problems - most notably a chronograph, but also a day-date, because seen right here, with the day rendered atop the switch at 12 o'clock, much like a more famous Day-Date from you-know-who. In all, the Aviator 8 series offers a wonderful compromise for those who love Breitling's aviation-inspired tool watch traditions, but who want it all in a more modern, wearable package.