Aviator 8

Breitling’s 2018 tribute line to Reference 768 (1953) and the Huit Aviation Department (founded 1938). The B01 chronograph 43 carries a slimmed pilot-style dial vocabulary with the in-house Breitling 01 caliber; distinct from the Navitimer in its absence of the slide-rule bezel.

Year introduced: 20181 reference

References in this family

Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 · AB0119131B1X1
luxurymodernBreitling Cal. 01 -- in-house automatic chronograph, 28,800bph, 70h PR, 47j; column-wheel, vertical clutch; COSC-certified; used in Navitimer, Chronomat, Premier43mm2018–presenteditorial
Open

Which ref to buy

Aviator 8 is Breitling's homage to their 1938 Eight Aviation Watch -- a cleaner, more restrained pilot watch than the Navitimer. The family appeals to buyers who want the Breitling pilot heritage without the busy Navitimer layout. The B01 version brings genuine manufacture execution.

1
Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 · AB0119131B1X1Consider
Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 -- the pilot chrono for buyers who find the Navitimer too busy.
The case for it:
Cal. B01, 43mm, clean three-register dial without the slide rule bezel. If the Navitimer's layout is the primary objection to owning a Breitling pilot watch, the Aviator 8 solves that problem without giving up the manufacture movement.
Consider instead if:
Without the Navitimer slide rule, the Aviator 8's identity story is weaker. The IWC Pilot Chrono and Longines Legend Diver occupy similar space with stronger watch-specific narratives.
Open

Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.

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