A Closer Look at the Breitling Aerospace Evo Titanium Volcano Black
The Breitling watch company has a rich and storied history that goes back to the 1800s. The Swiss company was handed down from father to son and changed hands briefly, before the third generation would take the helm. A shared ancestral passion for chronograph timepieces built the foundation of the brand which eventually left the family but the name was maintained and the traditions from earlier times upheld with the current Breitlings sharing the same DNA with their predecessors. The Breitling Aerospace Evo Titanium Volcano Black is a model that was first launched in 1985 in its original form as the Aerospace Evo.
The return of a classic
The Aerospace Evo was brought back in 2014 with a re-design of the case in a slightly bigger size. This edition with reference number E79363101B1E1, is arguably one of the finest pilot watches created by the brand and it is deserving of a closer look and inspection, to truly understand its grandeur. The Titanium Volcano Black is a variant of the new design with siblings which are also available, all coming in at a manufacturer’s suggested retail selling price in the neighborhood of $4,375, give or take, and depending on the strap/bracelet style. This was a welcome announcement, made a year in advance of its arrival. The second run of the Aerospace Evo has been met with eager anticipation.
The Aerospace Evo Titanium Volcano Black
The latest iteration of the line follows along the lines of its predecessor with a multi-functional chronograph featuring the latest and greatest innovations in Swiss watchmaking technology. While the technical style and dynamics remain the same, there are a few changes, which in our estimation, have improved the newest member of the family. It’s rare for a quartz movement to be certified, and this is just one of the new features of the watch that makes it so special. This is the way that it goes in the evolution of a solid line. New innovations and improvements, whether slight or on a grand scale are necessary to maintain continuity and forward progression to infuse more modern technologies into the traditional platform of such classic timepieces. A favorite at its initial release in the middle 1980s, the new edition is also catching on with Breitling enthusiasts.
The specifications
- The case – A larger 43mm case with a 1080 mm thickness, holds the internal workings of the latest Breitling Aerospace Evo model, crafted of titanium material which gives a nod towards the aeronautics program. This serves as the foundation which aids in the water resistance to 330 feet, finished in a satin brushing with a solid case back. Engraving of a conversion scale in both metric and Anglo Saxon measurements adorns the back casement which is held in place with screws.
- The dial and front – This version of the Aerospace Evo is available with a choice of three dials. Our focus is upon the Volcano Black example, but it is also available in a Tungsten gray or a Mariner blue option. The Volcano Black has a lovely black background which sets up the re-designed hands and numerals for magnificent legibility and contrast. The bezel is a ratcheting style which rotates in a single direction. These are covered with a sapphire crystal which has been treated for glare resistance on both sides, further enhancing dial readability, and the glass has been beveled which is a new feature which adds yet more spectacular detail to the timepiece. The crown is a non screw locked style with an integrated pusher and two gasket design.
- The movement – The Aerospace Evo Titanium Volcano Black watch is powered with a Caliber 79 movement which is the brand’s “SuperQuartz” movement. It is COSC chronometer certified for increased accuracy in timekeeping. The functions of the watch are controlled through the pull out crown and these include, setting the analog, the 12/24 hour digital LCD displays of time, and aviation functions including the 1/100th second chronograph, the second time zone (GMT), the audible time signal, minute repeater, the alarm, battery end of life indicator and calendar functions. This is yet one more unique feature of this highly desired edition of the Breitling Aerospace Evo.
- Other features – This watch is lightweight with the titanium bracelet coming in at just 3.5 ounces. This makes it a comfortable fitting watch. Other examples are available with alligator and other straps, but the Titanium Volcano Black comes with a matching titanium bracelet with links made of 3 pieces to make sizing the bracelet a buildable endeavor for self fitting. The clasp is a folding style made of the same material.
Final thoughts
It’s always a pleasure to see a new addition to a distinguished line of fine quality high end watches, at least for those of us with a passion for such things. The Aerospace Evo Titanium Volcano Black is one of three new iterations of the original aviator’s watch which was released for sale to the public in 1985. In the natural progression of the line, changes were made to bring the Aerospace Evo back for another production form with a slightly larger case, a beveled crystal and with a certified chronometer SuperQuartz movement, and tons of features that pilots would find both practical and easy to access. This is a complex watch and it bears the quality of materials and workmanship that Breitling has come to be known for delivering. This attractive black example is versatile and is suitable for wear in casual and even casual dressy social situations. It bears the Breitling logo on the front face which stands as a symbol for those familiar with the brand and further explanation of the value of the piece is not necessary.