Breitling has taken inspiration for its latest releases from an iconic American fighter plane of the 1940s.

The P-40 Warhawk was a mainstay of the US Air Force in the early part of the Second World War, a time when Breitling itself was dedicated to making precision instruments for allied aircraft.

There are three models in the Warhawk series, the Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk, the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 Curtiss Warhawk, and the Aviator 8 Automatic 41 Curtiss Warhawk.

Retro charm

Each comes with an understated military green dial with a matte finish, a stainless-steel case and a green military strap and all are water-resistant up to 100m.

The caseback features a transparent sapphire crystal printed with Curtiss branding and an image of a P-40 Warhawk, whose design, with its shark’s mouth and colour scheme, is based on the iconic paint job associated with the plane when it was piloted by the American Volunteer Group in the Chinese Air Force’s Flying Tigers unit.

Combining eye-catching retro looks, while highlighting a never-to-be forgotten time in world history, these watches should appeal to anyone who likes a watch with distinctive features and vintage charm.