Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss WarhawkvsZenith Pilot Big Date Flyback

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss Warhawk at true scale

Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss Warhawk

Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback at true scale

Pilot Big Date Flyback

Diameter

42mm

42.5mm

Thickness

14.7mm

n/a

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

48h

60h

highest

MSRP

$6,050

lowest

$12,800

Movement

Breitling 23

n/a

Case

3 specs
Diameter
42mm
42.5mm
Thickness
14.7mm
n/a
Lug Width
n/a
n/a

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
n/a
Dial Color
n/a
Black

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Breitling 23
n/a
Type
Automatic
n/a
Beat Rate
0 vph
36,000 vph
Power Reserve
48h
60h
Complications
Chronograph
Flyback Chronograph, Big Date, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$6,050
$12,800
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss Warhawk

Owners widely praise the Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss Warhawk's 42mm size as a more wearable option compared to larger predecessors, with reviewers noting its COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 23 automatic movement and 100m water resistance. Some owners find the dial and overall aesthetic appealing, with one reviewer specifically mentioning the khaki green dial. However, the bracelet has been described as sharper than preferred and prone to desk diving marks, leading some to opt for a strap, and the 48-hour power reserve is shorter than some competitors. Owners are split on the dial's appeal, with one finding the green dial unappealing on the bracelet and another expressing concern about the 42mm size being too large for their wrist. On balance, owners and reviewers appreciate the Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph 42 Curtiss Warhawk for its improved wearability and classic styling, despite some reservations about the bracelet and power reserve.

Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback

Owners widely praise the Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback for its visually striking cerulean blue ceramic case and dial, corrugated dial design referencing early aviation, and the satisfyingly smooth action of its flyback chronograph and big date complication. Reviewers and owners alike highlight the exceptional button action and buttery-smooth movement operation, with many noting the big date mechanism's instantaneous, audible, and satisfying change. The 42.5mm case is generally considered to wear slimmer and smaller than its dimensions suggest, though some find the flat wear and lug curvature less than ideal for wrist comfort. One owner notes the watch's impressive lume-filled numerals and artificial-horizon bar at six. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback highly for its functional pairing of a high-frequency flyback chronograph and big date complication within a modern and visually appealing design.

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