Breitling: Avengers Reassemble

The updated Avenger line is available in chronograph, three-hand ‘time only’ or 24- hour GMT form. First and foremost, the models are revered for their extremely robust composition and are easily recognisable thanks to the easy-grip crown and rider tabs. The latter serve as useful visual markers, grip aids – helpful when wearing pilot’s gloves – and allow optimal manipulation of the bezel. What’s more, they have become an iconic aesthetic component of the rugged Avenger watches, placed on the unidirectional ratcheted bezel.

Classic features aside, the collection is notably broad and extends far beyond watches for aviators. Take the Avenger Automatic 45 Seawolf, £3,340 - a classic pilot’s watch with a striking yellow dial that’s equipped to descend 3000m beneath the waves. The Super- LumiNova®-filled hands and indexes are a useful feature whether flying high or diving deep, while the unidirectional ratcheted bezel allows for essential calculations to be made by adventurers. The Night Mission edition of the Seawolf features a 45mm DLC- coated titanium case, making it an even more seaworthy aviator adventurer – and, like all Breitling timepieces, it’s COSC-certified.

Then there are the GMT models; the Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 45 and GMT 45 Night Mission are ideal for businesspeople on a tight schedule or constantly on the move. The 45mm models have a second time zone indicator, are water-resistant to 300m, and are powered by the in-house self-winding Breitling 32 calibre offering an approximate 42-hour power reserve. The Night Mission GMT editions add a reminder of the line’s focus on aviation with the incorporation of Arabic numerals, having drawn inspiration from the digits traditionally embossed on the decks of aircraft carriers.

The Breitling Avenger Chronograph is the ultimate pilot’s watch – and an all-time favourite of ours from this collection. The 43mm stainless-steel piece is available with either a black dial, pictured here, £4,550, or blue dial. The black dial models are presented on a matching bracelet or anthracite-leather military strap, secured with either a pin or folding buckle. By contrast, the blue dial version also offers a matching bracelet or alternatively a blue military strap for an old-school naval feel. Both are powered by the self-winding Breitling 13 chronograph movement with an approximate 42-hour power reserve. The calibre integrates a quick-set date function visible at 3 o’clock, as well as the three subdials. True to the multifunctional nature of the Avenger family, it is water-resistant to 300m.

The updated Avenger collection’s success can be credited to the well-equipped, multifaceted nature of the watches, not to mention their robust qualities and recognisable design. The wide variety of options and the potential to personalise the pieces makes Breitling’s refreshed models all the more alluring, whether worn by a world explorer, jet-setting professional or fervent horology enthusiasts like ourselves.