Breitling BLS Aviation Chronograph Silver Dial Perpetual Calendar Review

The BLS Factory has earned a reputation for producing high-quality collectible timepieces. Their take on the Breitling Aviation Chronograph, featuring a silver dial and perpetual calendar, offers the essence of the original at a more accessible price point. This review covers design, movement, materials, and key factors to evaluate before making a purchase.

Design and Dial: Silver Sophistication Meets Aviation Utility

The silver dial stands out with a sunburst brushed finish beneath a sapphire crystal, delivering a bright and clean aesthetic. Recessed subdials for the chronograph and calendar are meticulously printed, closely mirroring the genuine Breitling layout. Polished hands are proportionate, with luminous material applied to both markers and hands. The 41mm stainless steel case provides a robust yet comfortable presence, and the solid caseback features aviation-themed engravings, complemented by a signed crown.

Movement: Mechanical Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

This is powered by a mechanical movement that manages time, date, chronograph, and a full perpetual calendar. Unlike standard date complications, the perpetual calendar automatically adjusts for varying month lengths and leap years. In practice, the movement maintains respectable accuracy, typically within ±15 seconds per day after regulation. Chronograph pushers operate with a crisp response, and the reset function snaps back cleanly. Given the price range of 2000–10000 yuan, this level of complexity is impressive, though long-term reliability should be approached with realistic expectations compared to Swiss calibers.

Strap and Wearability

The dark leather strap is comfortable from the first wear, featuring contrast stitching that reinforces the aviation theme. The buckle is engraved with the Breitling logo, a common hallmark of quality collectibles. On the wrist, the silver dial paired with the black leather strap transitions seamlessly from business casual to weekend attire. The watch weighs approximately 160 grams depending on the chosen bracelet, offering a solid yet not overly heavy feel.

Buying Tips: What to Look for in a BLS Aviation Chronograph Super Clone

• Movement finishing: Inspect the rotor for decorative engraving and a signed logo. Avoid sloppy craftsmanship.
• Dial printing: Ensure the 'Automatic' text and subdial markings are sharp and aligned. Blurry printing signals a lower-tier copy.
• Crown action: When setting the time, the crown should pull smoothly without resistance or grinding.
• Chronograph operation: Test start, stop, and reset functions. The seconds subdial should initiate immediately; hesitation indicates poor movement quality.
• Lume test: Expose to light and check if the lume persists for over 10 minutes. Quality replicas use Super-LumiNova C3, while inferior ones rely on cheap paint.

Fake vs. Real: How to Spot a Low-Quality Replica

Even within the category, tiers exist. Genuine BLS feature accurate case dimensions (41mm, 14.5mm thickness), sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating (a blue hue at angles), and an engraved clasp with crisp lettering—cheaper fakes often have shallow stamping. The perpetual calendar function should operate correctly: adjust the date quickly through two months to verify; if it fails, the movement is not a true perpetual.

Who Should Buy This Super Clone?

This timepiece appeals to aviation enthusiasts, collectors desiring a complex dial without a five-figure investment, and those new to collectible. The BLS factory's solid reputation for finishing and movement reliability makes it a dependable entry point.

Styling Notes

Pair the silver dial with darker shirt cuffs—navy, charcoal, or black—to make the watch stand out. The leather strap complements blazers or leather jackets. Avoid bright colors that clash with the silver dial. For a sportier look, a black rubber strap (sold separately) is an alternative.

Final Verdict

The Breitling BLS Factory Aviation Chronograph with silver dial and perpetual calendar is a compelling for its price. While it may not deceive an expert under close inspection, it delivers the look, weight, and functional feel of the original. As with any, purchase from a trusted dealer who honors movement guarantees and anticipate potential servicing in the future.