A clever update to the oversized pilot’s watch.
Breitling has redesigned the Avengers series of big and bold pilot watches. Originally launched in 2001, the original version is probably best known for being the watch worn by Leonardo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond, and now, the Avenger ) is (very) slightly smaller in size, features a cleaner dial and better case details, and is powered by an in-house movement. Chronograph.
Comprised of the B01 Chronograph 44, GMT 44 and Automatic 42, the new Avenger collection still retains its iconic size and style – the watches remain oversized, sturdy and functional, with thick rotating bezels and 300m water resistance.
Breitling is known for its oversized pilot watches, and the Avenger is exactly that. Stronger and more modern than the older Navitimer, the Avenger is an undeniably big and bold “tool” watch. The facelift slightly simplifies the design, giving it a cleaner, more modern look, while retaining key elements of the Avenger, including a fully matte brushed case and a rotating bezel with a rider label.
While there are technically three models in the collection, the key model has always been the chronograph, and the Avenger Chronograph with its in-house B01 movement emphasizes this point. It is now the only chronograph in the range, which previously included ETA-powered and in-house versions.
While this chronograph is the most expensive in the range, it’s definitely the most technically complex thanks to the B01 movement inside. It’s worth noting that the new Avengers Chronograph is also available in a “Night Mission” style, which means the black ceramic case perfectly fits the Avengers aesthetic.
Of course, size and design exclude some, which is probably why Breitling offers more traditional pilot watches in its Navitimer and Premier collections.
Built for military pilots
Breitling describes the Avengers series as being designed to be worn by fighter jets and is the pinnacle of the brand’s offerings. The collection consists of three models: a 44mm chronograph, a 44mm GMT watch and a 42mm time and date watch.
Compared to the previous generation, the latest model is more wear-resistant, the case size has been reduced by at least 1mm, and the oversized 48mm chronograph has disappeared. But perhaps more importantly, the case has been refined with details such as the grooves along the lugs and the polished bevels of the rider’s label on the bezel.
Another notable design tweak can be found on the dial, which features a cleaner aesthetic. The “template” Arabic numerals that have long defined the Avengers have been replaced by baton markings (except for the night mission chronograph). replica watches review
The flagship product of the series is the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44. It comes with a case measuring 44mm x 15.2mm and a sapphire case back, so the B01 movement can be viewed. The movement features a column wheel, vertical clutch and a 70-hour power reserve, and like all in-house movements comes with a five-year warranty.
The chronograph is available in two styles, with the basic model featuring a steel case and a blue, green, black or sand dial.
The Night Mission version, on the other hand, features a ceramic case and bezel, with a dial in black carbon composite or yellow. The Night Mission’s case back, crown, pushers and buckle are all made of titanium. Personally, I would prefer a black coating on the crown and pushers to maintain the all-black look of the case.
Next up, the Avenger Automatic GMT 44 is available with a navy blue or black dial, and the case diameter is the same as the chronograph but slightly thinner at 12.05mm. discount replica watches
Inside is Caliber 32, which is actually ETA 2893-2, offering a 42-hour power reserve as well as GMT functionality.
The independently adjustable GMT hand reads the second time zone function via a bi-directional rotating bezel. However, since it’s the GMT hand that’s adjustable, not the hour hand, setting the time zone requires more steps than true GMT.
Finally, the Avenger Automatic 42 is the simplest model in the series, with all the design elements of the GMT. The dial is available in black, blue or green, and the movement is Caliber 17, or ETA 2824-2, with a power reserve of just 38 hours.
It has the smallest case diameter in the range at 42mm, but is slightly thicker than the GMT at 12.15mm due to the movement.
Breitling Avenger B01 Chrnograph 44
Ref. AB0147101B1X1, AB0147101B1A1, AB0147101C1X1, AB0147101C1A1, AB0147101L1X1, AB0147101L1A1, AB0147101A1X1 or AB0147101A1A1
Diameter: 44 mm Height: 15.2 mm Material: Stainless steel Crystal: Sapphire Water resistance: 300 m
Movement: Cal. B01 Functions: Hours, minutes, date and chronograph Winding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 bph (4 Hz) Power reserve: 70 hours
Strap: Leather strap with folding buckle or matching bracelet