by Lynette Koh
One of the brand’s aviation-focused timepieces and originally introduced in 2001, the Avenger now gets an update that focuses on three key aspects: a sleeker and smaller look, new materials, and the use of Breitling’s in-house Calibre 01 for the chronograph models.
In the press release accompanying the global launch of the revamped collection, Breitling CEO Georges Kern says, “The Avenger was created to stand up to the relentless conditions of a jet cockpit and to support pilots in demanding aerial manoeuvres. Its redesign demanded nothing less. This collection pairs all the performance with sophisticated modern aviation style.”
Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 and Night Mission models
One of the biggest updates can be found in the chronograph models. Now powered by Breitling’s own Calibre 01, instead of the ETA Valjoux 7750-based Calibre 13, the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 boasts 70 hours of power reserve, a five-year warranty and COSC chronometer certification.
There are several variants: Four 44mm steel models come with coloured dials in blue, green, black or beige. Each features the familiar numbered rider tabs at 15-minute intervals, baton indexes and red-tipped chronograph hand. However, the rotating steel bezels have been updated such that there are numerals at five-minute intervals, instead of just the hash marks found in previous models — a detail seen across the new Avenger models. The chrono pushers are now square instead of round, a detail that gives the watches a more modern and sleeker style.
Rounding out the new chronograph offerings are the Avenger Night Mission variants. Housed in 44mm black ceramic cases with ceramic bezels, the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission features a black carbon or yellow dial. Its caseback, crown, pushers and buckle are made from lightweight yet tough titanium.
Avenger Automatic GMT 44 and Avenger Automatic 42
And what’s an aviation watch family without a GMT timepiece that tracks all those different time zones? Presented in a 44mm steel case, the Avenger Automatic GMT 44 features a red GMT hand, along with a 24-hour rotating bezel. Available with either a black or blue dial, this travel timepiece is powered by the COSC-certified ETA-based Breiting Calibre 32, with 42 hours of power reserve.
Last but not least, the “basic” time-and-date model of the family now comes in a trimmer case size of 42mm instead of 43mm. There are three dial colour options for the Avenger Automatic 42 — black, blue or green. It’s powered by the COSC-certified, ETA-based Breitling Calibre 17 with 38 hours of power reserve.
All the new Avenger watches come with either a military leather strap or a three-row steel bracelet with micro-adjustable folding clasp. They also feature 300m water resistance — making them great choices for those who love adventures in the sky, down in the water, and everything in between.