Over the years, the Breitling brand has utilized Baselworld to introduce some truly unique designs, which have challenged watch-making conventions. This year, that self-assured approach has continued with the launch of a variety of new watches, including two limited edition models, and a timepiece constructed from a completely new material, which is exclusive to the manufacturer. Here, we take a closer look at the range of new releases.
Avenger Hurricane
Featuring a large 50mm case size and a predominantly black design with yellow highlights, the new Avenger Hurricane is a watch that commands attention. Breitling aficionados may notice some similarities with the Super Avenger Military Limited Edition, released in 2014, such as the military-style 24-hour display.
The case itself is constructed from a futuristic material dubbed ‘Breitlight’, which is simultaneously ultra-light and ultra-sturdy. This material is an exclusive high-tech polymer, which has been charged with composite fibers to provide rigidity, and testing has shown it to be six times lighter than steel.
Breitling’s Avenger Hurricane has a retail price of around $8,400.
Avenger Bandit
One of the new releases that attracted press attention prior to the Baselworld event itself was the new Avenger Bandit, which embraces the brand’s historic association with naval aviation. The timepiece has a light, robust 45mm titanium case, an understated grey color scheme and a military rubber strap, providing a ‘stealth’ aesthetic.
The dial itself features distinctive stencil-style numerals, which have a luminescent coating, offering excellent visibility in low-light situations. Meanwhile, the screw-locked crown has been carefully designed with a non-slip quality, allowing for easy handling, even when wearing gloves.
Breitling’s Avenger Bandit has a retail price of around $6,000.
Navitimer 01 Limited Edition
A variation of the popular Navitimer 01, this limited edition model has been given a 1,000 piece release and is primarily distinguished by its dark grey dial and black sub-dials. However, its bi-directional rotating bezel, complete with a circular slide rule, ensures that it remains a genuinely useful aviation tool, as well as a stunning watch.
Powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, developed in-house and named the Breitling Caliber 01, the timepiece is able to offer truly excellent precision, gaining full COSC certification. Moreover, the Navitimer 01 LE is available with either a steel bracelet or a leather strap with a number of different color options.
Breitling’s Navitimer 01 Limited Edition has a retail price of around $8,100.
Breitling Exospace B-55
Billed as Breitling’s first connected chronograph, the Exospace B-55 is a titanium pilot’s watch, with a 46mm case size. The timepiece utilizes a SuperQuartz movement and features 1/100th of a second, flight time and lap time functions, as well as a perpetual calendar and a digital tachymeter.
However, the defining aspect of the timepiece is its ability to pair up with a smartphone, enhancing its functionality further. This pairing allows settings to be altered remotely and data to be transferred between the devices, meaning you can download measurements from the watch onto your phone.
Breitling’s Exospace B-55 has a retail price of around $8,900.
Superocean Heritage Chronoworks
Much like the new Navitimer 01, the Superocean Heritage Chronoworks is a limited edition release, which houses the Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01 – although this model is limited to 100 pieces. A dive watch at its core, the timepiece offers water resistance of up to 100-meters, while its transparent back showcases its inner-workings.
Owing to a number of innovations, which have produced efficiency enhancements, the limited edition model is able to boast an increased power reserve of up to 100 hours. Furthermore, its black case, white dial markers and rubber ‘Aero Classic’ strap give it an understated quality, which provides near universal appeal.
Breitling’s Superocean Heritage Chronoworks has a retail price of around $41,000.
