Breitling Avenger 43 Review - Welcome Updates

[@ihopetowin]

I think I'd take the Breitling over the Omega. The Avenger looks good coupled with the LV.

[@1Nevergone]

ihopetowin 100% agree

[@Feemy]

I totally agree. This Breitling is sharp as hell!

[@1Nevergone]

This review helped me pull the trigger as I just bought this watch and it arrived this past Monday and it's even more beautiful in person!

[@tangduncan558]

Exactly l liked Breitling Avenger much more than OSP

[@lovykhanna8570]

Finally a legit Breitling review on a channel thats legit!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you

[@lovykhanna8570]

@@BruceWilliams I just received my 2020 Chronomat B01 Silver Dial...can't wait for your review on that... and Superocean Heritage II B01 Blackeye blue

[@phillipmoodie9071]

Like you I still prefer the Omega Seàmaster that you are wearing. But that's an emotional opinion. But the Breitling has certainly addressed the size and Bling issues in an impressive way. The reduction in height makes it an option to wear with a suit. Phil.

[@shaunfarrier9060]

I agree that Breitling is headed in a promising direction.

[@VicDamone85]

Getting mine at the end of August. Cannot wait! Years of research, trial and error comes down to this. Very excited 🎉

[@scwazrh]

Love the breitling wings

[@masterg7895]

Love your reviews Bruce! Looking forward for an "Only Breitling" episode.

[@BruceWilliams]

Sorry Master G, I got so many watches in hand for review the theoretical only topic got delayed. It will happen though!

[@stanmann1984]

I agree!!! Can't wait!!!

[@michaelriera6277]

@@BruceWilliams I'll be first to watch and like that video.

[@Longshore79]

I love this avenger blue dial watch . Do you think you can pull this off with a suit ?

[@BruceWilliams]

There are guys who wear subs with a suit. I see this as no different. Rock it if you like it

[@FaronPharo]

If you are in a suit , you got 90 % of ‘me beat, You got to know the rules to break the rules , supposedly Divers don’t go with suits but it’s your watch, your suit so Rock It with Confidence

[@jeremydahm2124]

At work? Definitely. At a wedding? Not really..... But on a nice leather strap.....

[@samuelball8775]

You’re killing it lately with all these reviews Bruce. I’m a Breitling fan and this piece looks like a great everyday wear option. Cheers 🍺

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you man!

[@samuelball8775]

Bruce Williams just quietly - I think you’ve got some of the best reviews out there. Good length and enough detail. There’s niche reviewers out there who specialise in longer reviews but yours are perfect 👌 for the average guy.

[@shawncnote]

Just got mine after trading in my Rolex DJ yesterday. Couldn’t be happier.

[@MisterMaster4life]

Great review. Thansk for sharing. On a side note, steel bezel doesn't hold up as a ceramic bezel? I think you mean the other way around. Try knocking a ceramic bezel against wall like i did....game over. Steel only a dink or a scratch. Scratches and dinks can be brushed, ceramic not so much.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Thanks for the video Bruce. I like what Breitling is doing to their lineup in 2020 :)

[@ThatBoyMGee]

Breitling is really doing a good job recently. Best release of all watches in 2020 were the Chronomat B01. That is a stunner for sure. I also liked the VC super thin in gold and the Sinn U50. But the Chronomat killed it. Peace from Germany!

[@nils21v]

The Omega Seamaster is definitely my favourite watch, one of the reasons I bought it is because it has that easy micro adjustment, and that beautiful! open caseback, would be great if Breitling had these futures.

[@SIZZO76]

SEAMASTER is a goat watch

[@bradduppstadt7681]

Great review and agree Breitling is finally heading in the right direction again. I also enjoy the updates (minus the polished center links). It makes me miss my Steelfish a little bit. I’ll keep dreaming for a similar model in 38-40mm.

[@Tonysoprano497]

Very sober decent quality tool watch that will suit many ..

[@tonycuroni]

Another great post thanks BW. One of the reasons I like breitlings that doesn't get enough of a mention, is their rubber and leather strap options are both great. It's a real strength of this model you can swap out the strap and have three distinct different looks. I don't think that's equalled by omega/iwc/tag from what I've seen. And as you said their pushbutton clasp on rubber is one of the best available anywhere, esp at this price point. I wish they made this model completely satin finished like the seawolf equivalent tho. Otherwise I think this is the best grab n go do-all watch out there right now 👍👍👍

[@michaelriera6277]

Finally a fair and balanced review of Breitling. THANK YOU!

[@mvjmiranda]

To me it looks like the indices are raised from the dial and not applied, similar to an Orient Mako USA II. Other than that I do like it. Nice review.

[@shmendrik213]

I think, the hour markers are not applied, they look to be embossed. That would also explain the similar texture to the dial.

[@YIZHAKBAICONUR]

I got the same feeling I looked it in person and I can say they are embossed

[@yaddi3434]

Liked and subbed. I’ve had a breitling colt ocean for 20 years and am now deciding between this avenger or the super ocean in blue. I think I’m now in love with the avenger. Great review.

[@dutchpagans]

I had to make the same choice. I choose the avenger on a black strap.

[@shogunfc1]

Breitling has the best bracelet and looks better than the other two.

[@carlhaluss]

Wow! Thanks for your awesome review, as always. I just recently discovered that this watch has a water resistance of 300m. I had often ignored the specs when looking at this Avenger, as I assumed it would be 100m. It really is also a great dive watch. All around tool watch. It is certainly admirable with only 12.2mm thickness as well. I know it lacks a bit when it comes to power reserve. But never mind, the ETA is such a robust movement. And the big thing for me over both Omega and Rolex is the captive bezel (a term used by Sinn). It prevents the bezel from coming off if it catches or is knocked. I also love the old school Breitling stainless steel bezel with rider tabs, not to mention the winged logo. I can easily accept the clasp as it is with 5 micro adjustments as well. Hard to beat this price point. I actually though that if I really wanted a robust diver tool watch with the stainless steel bezel, I would have to go to the Seawolf, but it is huge in comparison. Although not a lot more money! Cheers, Carl

[@pcling5643]

Very handsome watch. Love this Breitling Avenger 43. Would be in my collection soon. Thanks for the review, love it !

[@stanmann1984]

I recently purchased the Breitling colt reference 17388 which is the previous model before the latest and I love it! I had my eye on this exact model and ended up changing my mind and going with the colt which I love it....I just wish it had that new clasp smh. Great vid as always Bruce!

[@simondouglas3519]

Bruce.. I have A Tudor GMT and Steel and yes I have had to concede the height and the top heavy feeling does “Get to you” I have tried to love them but it’s not happening.. This Avenger tho looks great I had the Avenger GMT 2 previously but this one hits the spot. They’re on a good discount in the UK so I think one of the Black Bays will be leaving home to make room for a new member of the family!

[@BruceWilliams]

The black bay family would be so good if they were thin

[@simondouglas3519]

@@BruceWilliams I have the 41mm smooth bezel... that watch is a dream on the wrist.. 👌 Please Tudor put the '58 movement in the Black Bay and slim that sucker down 😅

[@Feemy]

Where in the UK are they at a good discount? I'm interested in this watch too. Thanks :)

[@simondouglas3519]

@@Feemy have a look at Watch Source UK... Watches World Uk.. Not Authorised dealers hence can give good discount

[@simondouglas3519]

@@BruceWilliams Update.. Black bay Gmt and Steel have gone! Smooth bezel 41mm being traded for Black dial Avenger 43mm.. deal just done over the phone will be collecting Avenger tomorrow 👍

[@rockthewatch]

WOW! This might be my first Breitling! 😍 Great video Bruce👍🏻

[@Nexus.Achiles]

Very good looking watch, reminds me of my Seawolf, built like a tank.

[@terrydaigle8356]

Wish more watches would use hands like that

[@CleanClaspCollector]

Crazy long lugs even for a 43mm. They can improve on that

[@smart4141]

Love your reviews Bruce. Very detailed and precise. Truly speaks of your passion for mechanical watches. You're an inspiration for every watch collector. --- Kunal, New Delhi, India

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

I just went to my local Breitling dealer and looked at Navitimer, Curtis and this exact model. I liked the Navitimer, but too blingy for me even though as a pilot, it could be useful. The Avenger I thought was perfect for me. It was model # 19403045 with a black dial. I love the bracelet. She even enticed me by lowering the price 30%. Not sure if it would be a good investment at just over $3,000.

[@truthserum9157]

I love this watch, I almost got it, but i got the Omega, the biggest thing was the adjustable band and the caliber 8800 on the Omega, but I do like it has its own design.

[@MM-bg7in]

Bruce, help please. I’m going to my local AD tomorrow for a Breitling Avenger Automatic 43. There is an AD that is closing and has a great price on discontinued models but this new model I like better. I’ve only spend a large amount once for a watch, Tudor Heritage BB for $3000. I got bored with it and wasn’t comfortable with the expense so I flipped it. Now I’m comfortable but am afraid I may get bored. This is a reward or trophy for myself going through some major changes and want to commemorate it. I could wait six months and more to the wallet for an Omega but I don’t see myself being comfortable spending any more no matter how much I save. Let’s face it, with kids, mortgage, college and retirement, I’m not in a position to not have somewhere else to put money. Did you find as your taste and budget allowance grew that looking back, you needed to go through the our jaw of less expensive watches to be later comfortable to spend on more expensive? That’s my theory. Nothing says I can’t have more than one watch like these. Curious if you could share your experience and how your comfort evolved. Be healthy and safe.

[@mikew742]

Thanks for sharing, looks a nice piece. You have some lovely watches... the Avenger, Seamaster and the Hulk all together is the money shot!

[@nmfl100]

Nice review. Just a note: this is an aviation watch, not a diving watch. It will probably be used up in the air and not on a diving suit.

[@handyman2183]

First “nice” watch was a 2008 Super Ocean. Love the watch and this watch keeps the same vibe, but ups the class factor. Breitlings can be very “blingy,” but I really do not think that is the case here. Great review as always.

[@lexko1783]

Nice review, Breitling is indeed making progress, their newer watches are more appealing.

[@AngSolo]

What is your wrist circumference?

[@mikechan5274]

Thanks for this video. I like the size and silver/white dial on the Colt 41, but I like the specs of this Avenger 43. Which would you recommend?

[@gregshoopman6369]

This would’ve been money at 41 or 42mm

[@TheLumeRoom]

Love the Breitling cap. I'm guessing you're going to competition it off? ;)

[@BruceWilliams]

Haha no this one is my own hat. Wear it from time to time

[@TheLumeRoom]

@@BruceWilliams Well it was worth a shot. Have a fun weekend

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

I love the brand, history, and went to my local dealer and they gave me the 2020-2021 brochure, which was more of a history book. I am a private pilot and wonder , which watch for under $4k would you purchase from Breitling?

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

I am a new subscriber and like your content

[@BruceWilliams]

Welcome John! This would be a contender for me at 4k or under. Really want to see the new superocean heritage when it comes out this fall. Those are my top 2

[@FaronPharo]

Since the Hulk is really an Avenger, where is Thor and Ironman? 😜👍

[@Dougiee1853]

I got rid of my ceramic Superocean. It was to blingy and shiny for a tool watch. But I like this Avenger a lot.

[@jeremydahm2124]

With Breitling, there's always a lot to appreciate in hand and on wrist but usually a little too much for me. This Avenger seems to offer a lot of value if you're looking to get into a Breitling with their classic design traits. It's understated for a Breitling but blingy compared to anything else Nice watch. Seamaster for me though. Even though it has a lot going on, it works better as a whole looks wise.

[@tikibob3339]

Awesome review! 👍

[@alienlife9832]

Good review Bruce, breitling are releasing some nice watches lately.....I have my eye on a b01 premier chronograph myself

[@VVillB]

Panda dial on the black croc? My dream.

[@alienlife9832]

@@VVillB yeah that's the one for me too

[@jamesmahon8292]

I commented on the unboxing video of this watch about being torn between getting the breitling or a seamaster and im still torn, one day the voice in my head is saying the breitling the next day its saying the seamaster, my soul is being tortured ha. great videos btw bruce.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks James!

[@spiesan]

Great review Bruce👌🏻. I missed it on KZbin. I am in the market for this watch or: Black Bay 58, Seamaster 300M or Superocean 42. All with steal bracelet. Suggestions?😊

[@BruceWilliams]

Sorry boring answer- buy the one you feel you would enjoy the most. Each have exceptional qualities. My own favorite is the Seamaster

[@spiesan]

Bruce Williams I think it is going to be a choice between the Superocean ( with extra rubber strap) and the Seamaster 300M. Why don’t you do a Diver watch comparing video 😄?

[@robertasmedu]

spiesan be careful with breitling as i heard they tend to brake very fast due to low QC

[@rossdev]

If you think you may flip it at a later point, the Breitling will probably depreciate more than the other brands. Having said that, I really like the new Superocean 42, especially with the White or Orange dial and it will cost less than the Seamaster.

[@spiesan]

crazyotterhound The AD will have to give a substantial discount on the Breitling to compensate for this. Already spoken 2 AD and both say that we will figure it out in terms of price.

[@tonycuroni]

I don't think you mentioned a timekeeping test of this example? In the past you've praised the b17 for its accuracy and performance from your tests, I presume this example performs the same? Another thing that I think is cool about this watch, if you add the case width and height measurements you get the length. Thats nice symmetry!

[@danipalacios]

Great review! Awesome watch but for this prize, I can't understand the ETA caliber. I think that I prefer the blue SO II with the Tudor movement. Do you know if Breitling is going to redesign the SO II this year? And if they do it, what aspects do you think they would change? Regards from Spain.

[@BruceWilliams]

They will be releasing a more faithful 1950s version later this fall. It will be produced alongside the soh that has the tudor movement. The new one will have a thinner cosc eta

[@nightstalker824]

It's just such a good looking watch compared to the Seamaster. I'm not saying it's better. We all know the Omega is a definitely a notch above especially with the Metas movement. That said, the Omega just has too much going on. Every angle of the Omega just says "look at me." I think I would get tired of the wave dial after a year or so. The Breitling is just so much cleaner, I just wish the bracelet was fully brushed.

[@bernhardsvlog6412]

hi, i find the bottom engraving on the newer Breitling watches a step back, as well as the engraving on the clasp inside. Otherwise, the Watch is beautiful, but I like the old ones better.

[@stevejuliano2488]

For comments saying this is ugly prob can't afford one or really have bad vision. How you can say this is ugly is beyond me.

[@TheShockwave44]

Why are the links are weird angles?

[@blackbob1977]

My Breitling Colt 41 with same movement has a +2 sec per 24h.

[@benlong384]

Does anyone know how to make the micro adjustments on this clasp? The holes are on the inside of the clasp and do not penetrate all the way through, which would be easier using a toothpick etc!

[@BruceWilliams]

Buy a bergeon 6767-f springbar tool. You can use the little fork end to push the spring loaded bar out to the next position

[@benlong384]

@@BruceWilliams Thanks, I'll take a look, didn't want to damage it using a standard screwdriver etc.

[@paulomarcellus]

I think that those indices are not applied, they are stamped. Cheaper process.

[@scottc6946]

Breitling is getting better, but still no cigar. 43 mm with 54mm lug to lug is still just too big for most. It’s gotta get down to 41-42 with 50mm lug to lug max

[@h.n.6641]

Just to large flr women, not for men... I see lots of women wearing daytonas and subs... not Breitlings

[@Feemy]

I measured it in store myself and I got max 52mm lug to lug. But it wears smaller because the lug tips bend down at the ends so the watch lays flat on the wrist. It could fit wrist sizes as small as 16cm

[@bobby7755]

like your intros :) there is some Christopher Nolan action going

[@BruceWilliams]

I love Christopher Nolan! Can't wait to go see Tenet

[@bobby7755]

@@BruceWilliams till it hits the cinemas I will watch Dunkirk for the 3rd time :D

[@jefferyneu3915]

If I was still diving and had the disposable income, I would have that one!

[@shipmate3577]

I'd buy one if I could get one new for $3,000 or less. Otherwise, I'll just buy a Tudor.

[@SIZZO76]

Tudor is a poor man’s Rolex 😂😂😂😂😂

[@philc1773]

The Avenger looks superior to the Seamaster and the Black Bay. I think the bezel and rider tabs make the watch. It's iconic and certainly more eye-catching than the ceramics. If I wanted ceramic I'd compare the supeocean to Omega and Tudor.

[@triniboy05]

Still a big watch, but at this point, that’s Breitling.

[@TheShockwave44]

Not everyone has skinny wrists.

[@fhaquuu]

What’s with 0-24 hour markings on a non GMT?

[@cjmcaulay]

For military time.

[@TomPlantagenet]

There’s no such thing as a perfect watch but this is close!

[@tantu2395]

Strange, Tag heure makes me think of Steve McQueen, IWC makes me think of Tom Cruise and Breitling is JOHN Travolta.

[@thomasschoene9866]

Can also be Brad Pitt

[@michaelriera6277]

I think of Adam Diver, Jerry Seinfeld, Miles Davis with some Charlize Therone Sprinkled on top.

[@ZZZZ-gm5jp]

I just do not get it. Of course everyone has his own right to undisputable taste, which is perfectly understandable, but I clearly remember what you said about the older version of Avenger GMT a couple of years ago in the review praising it so much. And now when the new version looks exactly like the old version of Colt - even the bezel is taken from that Colt, you say you didn't like old avenger being too shiny, too large although it was 43 mm as well, too busy dial? I just do not get it.

[@BruceWilliams]

No need to be confused- A common criticism of Breitling is that that are overly polished, busy and loud. This Avenger, and similar to the re-designed Colt, are a lot more varied in finish and simpler/cleaner in layout. A good move for the brand that many will enjoy.

[@ZZZZ-gm5jp]

@@BruceWilliams Thank you so much for the personal answer. Personally I wouldn't change my old Breitlings for the new ones. But you are much more knowledgeable than me about recent trends, so maybe people will like the current design more . Anyway, I admire your reviews and thank you so much for detailed info concerning horology. Greetings and keep up with the good work.

[@SparkyMarkyMark23]

Are u a fan of The (MCU) Marvel Cinematic Universe?

[@controllergestao883]

Breitling é muito lindo!

[@rohitseth818]

Your wrists have shrunk! 👍👏

[@BruceWilliams]

They are a bit trimmer. Thank you

[@robertl8429]

but its not inhouse...sad

[@tasheemhayes1826]

Really 👌

[@Feemy]

The Breitling looks better than the Omega

[@bomberm8119]

Nah man the Omega look way better The Breitling defo fell from the ugly tree innt

[@Feemy]

@@bomberm8119 nah, definitely the Omega is the ugly duckling. Those hands and that ugly HEV. I mean come on you're trolling at this point INNIT

[@bomberm8119]

@@Feemy Just have a different opinion to you bro. Don't make many comments on youtube & I ain't no troll!

[@craigwoolbert2443]

nice!

[@stevefox8605]

Like it, but Omega has moved the goalposts IMHO. Cheers 👍🏻

[@gianpakasa]

Breitling it's just ok, better to compare it with a Tag Aquaracer...$ 3,750 is at least $ 900 more than it should be. The GMT version now is 45mm!!! To be honest, Breitling since couple of years is just sinking...Only the latest Chrono deserve a well done!

[@BruceWilliams]

Can't agree with you. Retail prices arent good indicators of a watch. The going rate is. Having tried both the aquaracer and the avenger I would still rate the Breitling higher

[@gianpakasa]

@@BruceWilliams mah...i dont see 3750usd in this piece, i dont see how you can put the breitling next to omega...especially under this CEO breitling is only sinking...while TAG somehow reborne under JCB

[@vman7765]

Still too big and blingy for me

[@Longshore79]

Far from blingy and big. It’s quite thin

[@triniboy05]

Nicky T it’s 43mm diameter and 52mm lug to lug. Yeah it’s 12mm thickness but that’s still big.

[@h.n.6641]

@@triniboy05 not for a man's wrist!

[@triniboy05]

H. N. Lol

[@triniboy05]

martyjanderson what if I was 150lbs? How is that an insult? Lol sorry for not being fat? Anyway - my opinion is that the watch is large, if you like big watches, have at it.

[@REDREDStrawberry]

It’s ugly imo

[@Feemy]

Funny, I find the Omega ugly. The older one was better looking. The hands are horrible as is the HEV

[@DavidScott-xr8qg]

Looks ok from a distance but the closer you look the uglier it is

[@perfectjohnboy]

@ David Scott like your partner then.

[@mickeylickey123]

To big, too blingy. For me. Bracelet is funny looking to.

[@1Nevergone]

Mike G How is the bracelet funny looking? It’s a very standard looking bracelet for many watches.