The Breitling Avenger might not have the same heritage as the Navitimer or the Superocean, the model range is an important collection for the brand. Originally launched in 2001, the Avenger got a fresh Kern-era start in 2019, positioned as the somewhat rugged, military-type of pilots watches. This month the whole range gets a major overhaul, bringing more consistency in the line-up of all references.
The Avenger comes as a time and date, a GMT and a Chronograph and all combinations add up to more than 20 references. All in stainless steel and with case sizes ranging from 42mm (time only) to 44mm (GMT and Chronograph) the watches look accessible in terms of taste and wearability.
Let’s start with the time-date version. This 42mm steel watch is powered by Breitlings’ COSC certified Caliber 17 automatic movement, giving a 38 hour power reserve.
Three dial colours are available: blue, green and the black version shown here. The watch comes on either a stainless steel bracelet or a “military leather” strap.
The GMT-version is displaying, as you might expect, multiple time zones and has more or less the same aesthetics as the time-date, only in a larger 44mm case. Dial colour choices are black or blue.
The Chronograph really stands out in several ways. Starting with the movement, which is Breitlings flagship chronograph Caliber 01, operated by a column wheel paired with a vertical clutch and good for a comfortable 70-hour power reserve. 4 dial options are available for the stainless steel version (black, blue, green and tan), providing a wide choice for the collector.
Piece de Resistance of the Avenger line is the ceramic Avenger B01 Chronograph Night Mission. The bright yellow dial, contrasting with the black chronograph looks give the watch a more “purpose”-driven look, and the option to go all-black with a black carbon forged dial increases this even more. No bracelets are available on the Night Mission, only colour-matching yellow or black straps.
The new Avenger pieces come with a significant price increase, and while still being more affordable than most of Breitlings other collections it clearly indicates that the brand is moving upwards in pricing segment. The time-date starts at $4600 on strap and the most expensive carbon forged black Night Mission will retail at $9500.
