When the Wright Brothers pioneered the first successful motor-operated aeroplane, little did they know that it would also change the face of warfare. Aeroplanes used in warfare initially were used to scout for enemy locations. But adding guns and aerial bombing capabilities, and you have a formidable presence in the air. A thunderbolt from the heavens; a fury from the skies.
Pilots manning these fearsome aircraft need all the help they can get. Tool watches were useful during the stressors of combat: readable dials; navigation; altitude signalling, and so on. Since Georges Kern’s appointment to Breitling as CEO, one of his mandates was the revitalisation of the Avenger series.
The Avenger series was a homage to Breitling’s link to aviation. In the world of timepieces, where innovation meets timeless elegance, Breitling took the reimagined Avenger series to new heights. Eschewing the adage of “the sky’s the limit,” Breitling’s Avenger watches isn’t just for daredevil fighter pilots navigating the air; it has now gripped the attention of grounded aficionados with its striking design, baton indices, reduced case sizes and unparalleled functionality.
Among the series stand the 44mm chronograph, the 44mm automatic GMT and the 42mm automatic models. Each offers the choice between a robust military leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet and a water resistance of up to 300 metres—testament to the resilience of the aviators who sport them.
The Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 holds the beating heart of the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer boasting a remarkable 70-hour power reserve and a five-year warranty. Adorned with a diverse range of coloured dials—azure blues, lush greens, classic blacks, and desert sands—the Avenger series breaks away from its conventional colour palette. The inclusion of rotating 60-minute bezels in stainless steel, complemented by baton indices and a highlighted red-tipped chrono hand, accentuates the watch’s dynamic appeal. Not to be overlooked are the innovative square pushers designed for seamless timekeeping, aligning effortlessly with the crown and bezel.
For those inclined towards a bolder statement, the Avenger Night Mission chronograph presents itself in scratch-resistant ceramic, available in striking yellow or carbon black dials. Sharing the same Manufacture Caliber 01, the Avenger Night Mission is crafted from solid titanium, its robust structure symbolises strength, with a black dial crafted from resilient carbon fibre, paying homage to precise aircraft design.
Embraced by pilots and adventurers alike, the Avenger Automatic GMT 44 offers quick, at-a-glance readings facilitated by its distinctive red GMT hand and 24-hour rotating bezel. With a profile matching its chronograph counterpart, encased in steel and available in black or naval blue dials, this timepiece embodies both utility and sophistication. A COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 32 powers this marvel and promises an approximate 42-hour reserve and is backed by a two-year warranty.
The Avenger Automatic 42 stands as a testament to refined robustness within its 42mm frame. Fashioned from steel and available in bold hues—classic black, deep naval blue, or adventurous camo-green—this watch is both a balance of yin-yang of strength and style.
Housing the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 17 automatic three-hand movement, the Automatic 42 is guaranteed up to 38 hours of uninterrupted power, ensuring reliability and enduring performance.
Breitling and Deus have teamed up on a line of adventure-ready clothing and accessories that fans of the brands can only get their hands on at Breitling flagships worldwide. From a range of T-shirts and carriers and caps, the collection is only available at Breitling Flagship Boutique Raffles City.
What used to be a tool watch, the Breitling’s Avenger collection transcends its station as a mere timekeeping companion. Now, it is the embodiment of the spirit of aviation—a tribute to the thrill of flight, the legacy of precision and dogged innovation.
Photography: Shawn Paul Tan
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistant: Xie Feng Mao
Grooming: Zoel T using KEUNE and CHANEL BEAUTY
Model: Spencer L at MANNEQUIN
