Breitling Avenger

The Super Avenger and Super Avenger II resemble the "normal" models so much that they could be twins. With its 48-mm diameter, the Super Avenger II is well suited for larger wrists. When it comes to straps and dials, Breitling offers similar choices to the smaller models. The automatic chronograph caliber Breitling 13 powers the Avenger II and Super Avenger II. It's based on the ETA Valjoux 7750, which is considered one of the most successful automatic chronograph calibers in the world. Its power reserve lasts 42 hours. The caliber has a small seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. The date is displayed at the 3 o'clock position.

Plan to spend around 4,600 USD for a new Super Avenger II from the current collection. Pre-worn models come in at 3,800 USD. You'll need to dig a bit deeper in your pockets for an older Super Avenger. Depending on its condition, it will cost you anywhere from 4,400 to 5,300 USD.

The Breitling caliber 32 powers the Avenger II GMT. The movement is based on the ETA 2893-2. This automatic movement has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, a date display, and a fourth hand to display a second time zone. The balance wheel vibrates at 28,800 A/h. In good condition, this watch goes for as little as 2,900 USD. You'll need to have an additional 480 USD on hand for a never-worn version.At its introduction in 2003, Breitling offered the Avenger Seawolf in titanium with a 44-mm diameter. The case of the current Avenger II Seawolf has grown by one millimeter and is now made of stainless steel. That being said, both editions are extremely robust. They survive depths up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) , where the surrounding pressure sits at a crushing 300 bar.

There are very few diving watches that can withstand such pressure. One example is the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea, which is water resistant to 3,900 m (390 bar, 12,795 ft). Both the Rolex watch and the Seawolf have a helium escape valve, which equalizes pressure inside the watch. When deep underwater, helium molecules from the air used in diving stations find their way into the watch's case. When the pressure in the surrounding area sinks, excess pressure builds up inside the watch if it doesn't have a helium escape valve. In the worst case scenario, the watch could be seriously damaged.

The case is of the Seawolf is an impressive 12.4 mm thick with a diameter of 18.4 mm and features domed sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. The bezel is uni-directional for the safety of the diver. If the bezel is accidentally moved during the dive, the dive time can only be shortened, not lengthened. The Seawolf is also available in black-coated titanium with a diamond-set bezel. You can choose from a black, gray, or yellow dial. Some older models came with a blue dial. As for the band, you have the choice between leather, textile, rubber, or stainless steel. The watch is powered by the Breitling 17 caliber, which is based on the movement ETA 2824, has a power reserve of around 40 hours, and displays the date at 3 o'clock.

A current Avenger II Seawolf costs 3,500 USD new and 3,100 USD pre-owned. Earlier titanium models are markedly less expensive at between 1,900 and 2,500 USD. Until 2011, Breitling also produced the Seawolf with a chronograph function. Unlike the three-hand variants, the Seawolf Chrono is powered by the SuperQuartz caliber B73. This movement only deviates a few seconds per year. What's more, the chronograph could dive down to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft). Prepare to spend around 4,100 USD on one of these timepieces.

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that form every year in summer or fall. Breitling made their own storm in the form of the Avenger Hurricane. Its case is made of a newly developed material which Breitling calls " Breitlight." The name is a reference to the material's qualities: It's 5.8 times more lightweight than steel and weighs 3.3 times less than titanium. In terms of hardness, Breitlight beats both stainless steel and titanium. Its surface is matte and reminiscent of carbon fibers. Breitling makes cases, case backs, bezels, and even the push-pieces and crowns from this new material.

The watch's matte black dial with large, white stencil numerals goes well with its military look . Its 24-hour dial is especially worth noting. The hour hand makes one full rotation every 24 hours. Conventional watches with a 12-hour dial make two rotations a day. The 24-hour display has the advantage of immediately indicating whether it's day or night. This can be useful in certain environments where it isn't easy to differentiate between day and night such as the polar circle or in a submarine. Thanks to its large numerals, the watch is also easy to read.

With its large 50-mm diameter, the black Avenger Hurricane catches the eye even from far away. Its yellow, military rubber strap – a mix of rubber and anthracite textile – adds to the watch's imposing look. If you want a strap a little more subdued or completely black, you may enjoy the black rubber strap without a textile inlay or the pure textile strap in anthracite.

Breitling's in-house B12 caliber powers the Hurricane. The movement is based on Breitling's B01 caliber, but has a 24-hour display. It has an impressive 70-hour power reserve and is unique in that its escape wheel and balance wheel have shock protection. This results in a movement that can withstand shocks much better. Its balance frequency is 28,800 A/h. Set aside around 7,200 USD for a never-worn, 50-mm Hurricane. By purchasing a pre-owned model, you can save yourself a good 1,200 USD. If you prefer the smaller version of the Hurricane, expect prices of around 6,900 USD.