Breitling redesigns the iconic Avenger watch

Ready to know all there is to know about the new redesigned Breitling Avenger watches? Here are the details you’ve been waiting for…

You can scour the luxury watch market and turn it upside down, but it's unlikely you’ll find many brands that can boast such enduring and impressive links to the world of aviation as Breitling. Since as early as the 1930s, the Swiss watch manufacturer was establishing itself as a leading manufacturer of aviation watches and was producing on-board clocks and other key pieces of equipment for the industry to a very high standard. Willy Breitling founded the HUIT Aviation Department having already created his first two pusher chronograph. He followed this up by filing a patent in 1934 and producing a special chronograph for aviators.

To mark this outstanding relationship with mechanical airborne timepieces, Breitling has announced a redesigning of its popular Avenger series. The models are ready for adventure and promise values of robustness, strength and endurance. Living up to their bold name, which first entered the scene in 2001, these new Breitling Avenger watches represent yet another transition of one of the boldest collections in the company’s history. The change allows for its design to be rediscovered by a younger generation of watch wearers whilst still keeping a firm hold over the collection’s most popular attributes.

What’s new?

The new Avenger watch series for 2023 comes in three formats. A 44mm chronograph version with four dial options and two Night Mission watches in black ceramic, a GMT 44 version in two dial colours, and an automatic 42mm version in three dial colours. All of the new models share some characteristics. The cases are all integrated with a 300-meter water-resistant rating. Also, the watches come with an option of a stylish military calfskin leather strap or a three-link stainless steel bracelet. Those that are offered on the metal band option come integrated with the brand’s innovative micro-adjustment system on the clasp.

Despite sharing these similarities, there is plenty of variation to be enjoyed across the range. The Chronograph 44 watches are powered by Breitling’s COSC-certified Manufacture B01 movement, whereas all other options are powered by a modified ETA movement. The dial options for the various models are military-inspired and come in shades of dark blue, rich green, classic black and a vintage-looking beige colour. The Night Mission watches are crafted from black ceramic making them particularly stealthy in design, not to mention highly scratch-resistant. Also, the simple three-handed time-and-date models come in a smaller 42mm size. Let’s take a look at the models in a little more detail…

The Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 watches

The Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 watches are offered in a tone-on-tone black dial version, along with three coloured dial versions. The blue, green and beige models all feature black-filled chronograph counters and emphasise a military-infused design with touches of red seen in the chronograph counters and hands. A tachymeter scale is also supplied around the edge of the dial for measuring speed based on distance. If that isn’t enough, the watches come on a choice of a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with the aforementioned micro-adjustment clasp, or a military calfskin leather strap to match their respective dials. The watches are also powered by the Manufacture B01 movement, which was developed by Breitling back in 2009 when the brand made the leap into developing its own engines.

The Night Mission watches are altogether bolder, more powerful looking and stealthier. Crafted from black ceramic but with lightweight titanium elements, these two models in black or yellow are sure to get noticed on the wrist. Measuring the same 44mm diameter, they are suited to those with larger wrists and come fitted on the calfskin leather option only. The vivid yellow leather band for the vibrant yellow Night Mission watch makes for a particularly striking feature in the new range.

The Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 44 watches

The Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 44 watches speak to those who frequently travel on business or for leisure. The models are offered in a deep blue or classic black dial option and enable you to track three different time zones at once. Firstly, you get the main timekeeping hands on the centre of the dial, which points to a 12-hour track. Secondly, the bi-directional rotating bezel features a 24-hour scale that can be aligned with an arrow-tipped GMT hand. Then there is an additional 24-hour track on the flange, which coincides with a completely red-coated GMT hand for referencing Zulu time. These models come on the two different strap options (military calfskin or steel link bracelet) and are powered by the Calibre 32.

The Breitling Avenger Automatic 42 watches

Lastly, the Breitling Avenger Automatic 42 watches are probably the most classic of all, the simple three-handed models offer a time-and-date layout. The date window is located at 3 o’clock, dressed against a white background and is accompanied by central hands and baton hour markers that have been treated with plenty of Super-LumiNova material. Equipped with the same 300-meter water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel, these models are perfect for underwater exploration as well as keeping time in the cockpit. The unidirectional bezel features the distinctive four rider tabs, as seen in all the new models, and can be manipulated to align with the minute hand. Once aligned, this feature enables you to measure elapsed time effectively whilst underwater without the risk of accidentally extending dive time whilst you’re down there.

The Takeaway

The new Breitling Avenger watches are just as robust and masculine as before, yet the redesigned models are notable for their striking military-inspired looks. The calfskin leather straps are soft and supple for hour-upon-hour of wear. Opt for a bracelet option though, and you get to enjoy a more sophisticated iteration, complete with a micro-adjustment system.

With some models powered by an in-house movement and other designs fitted with an ETA-based movement, there are options to suit all budgets here. Plus, the added GMT complication will certainly appeal to those who are constantly on the go. For more information on the range of new 2023 Avenger watches from Breitling, call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453.