Breitling Super AVI: A Not So Obvious Hot Take.

[@WingsofWendysChilli]

I love my Super AVI 46mm Tribute to Corsair. I’m a bit bigger at 6’3 225 but fits well where other 42mm options seem a bit small on my wrist. Stoked to get a new look going, changing out the black strap for a breitling light brown leather one.

[@garyboyle695]

I like the watches as I buy a watch for myself not for anyone elses approval. A 46mm case would fit my wrist just fine and the thickness is not an issue as you don't notice it while you are wearing it. Excellent video as always.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Yeah, on that thinkness its a worry but not a show stopper - definately willing to try it.

[@66048fishn-huntin]

With as much information as is on this watch, doubt they could go much smaller. Tried on the blue Corsair model at the AD. It is a beautiful watch that didn’t seem to wear as big as the dimensions would have led me to expect. Quality finishing details.

[@edwardkollar448]

I was looking forward to the release, and think they are great looking watches, but then the size disappointed me. But IWC did similar with the new pilot watches out in 44.5mm, the Top Gun Lake Tahoe edition. But IWC does have great ones in 41 and 43. I wish Breitling would do what IWC has done, and have some smaller ones, so the whole size range is covered.

[@raysway1897]

GREAT PREDICTION as the Classic AVI line was launched this week. So right!!!

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Boom! I think it was always inevitable. Got to say I was a little surprised they went with a 7750 based movement - wonder what thats about?

[@raysway1897]

@@PeteMcConvillWatches odd, isn't it, with the B01 movement so versatile

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

@@raysway1897 my guesses - btw total guesses: 1. supply - as Breitling has moved to more and more inhouse they simply cant make enough? 2. intro pricing - the top times came out with ETA based movements at 7k (australian) but when established where released at 10k with the B01. Perhaps this gets it out, in the hands of ADs relatively cheaply before a later upgrade? They are now the cheapest chronos Breitling sells I think.

[@howardgum5645]

Pete, I always love your videos and commentary! I am a Breitling fan and own a few, including the Super Chrono in blue. This one will be on my radar and as soon as my local dealer has them in stock I'll see what it looks and feels like on my wrist. 46 is about my max I think but I'm not all that put off by the thickness--my Omega Seamaster 300 Chrono is similarly thick and I don't mind it at all. Thanks again for your contributions to our shared hobby. I know you favor travel watches, but I tend to collect chronographs.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

thanks Howard - this watch could challenge me I I bought it. I collect travel watches and I've started collecting breitling chronos. which box does this go in?

[@howardgum5645]

@@PeteMcConvillWatches Purely your preference. It can check both boxes, but if you like your travel watches or chronographs to be without other complications it won't work. I kind of like having the GMT added to the Chronograph, but that's just me. Like you, I don't "flip" watches. While I've passed on a few to my adult sons I don't sell them. My collection is in a pretty good place right now, but there are so many temptations out there!

[@inglebybhoy3293]

These are gorgeous watches. I think this release affirms that Breitling is THE most improved watch company, by some margin. There are several models I’m considering. Also, we heard similar criticism about the dimensions of the Tudor FXD. I’m sure we wouldn’t have heard complaints about ‘large’ watches 2 years ago. They way people are so easily influenced makes me chuckle. Great video again Pete. ‘Really enjoy your analysis.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

thanks

[@madman94]

Gorgeous line, too big for me sadly, I've been loving everything out of breitling last few years, I think they are doing great things

[@bp4402]

I own one and it fits great on my 7 inch wrist.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

thanks for that insight - I should say that measurements only get you so far in considering fit and feel - case shape/weight distribution, lug articulation can be far more important

[@johnforex1697]

Saw this watch yesterday at the breitling store in Chadstone shopping complex, Melbourne. Absolutely love it. Was wondering if the strap can be replaced with a stainless steel bracelet

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

there is a bracelet for the navi 46 with the same lug width (24mm) so maybe?

[@WingsofWendysChilli]

Yes, I confirmed with my breitling dealer. The metal band runs $1200 US though. About to swap my black band to the light brown breitling leather one. Stoked to see how it changes the look of my Super AVI Pro Corsair.

[@maryblack8706]

Bought it for my man fits him perfectly

[@davidjb3671]

Hi Pete, like you I'm a large guy and fine with large watches so long as they're not too thick. I've got a couple of 45mm watches but they're under 13mm thick, and when I bought the Omega Diver 300M Chronograph at 17.4mm I realised I'd made a big mistake, although the watch was beautiful, well finished and very accurate. Considering that Bulgari make an excellent steel GMT automatic chronograph less than 9mm thick the other chronograph manufacturers really need to get their acts together and produce some thinner movements. But for Breitling I think they'd have been better off updating and expanding the 43mm AVI range.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

I kind of agree. I say kind of because that bulgari (which is very nice) is also double the price and has employed a bunch of tricks to keep it thin - that is the finissimo calling card - so dead flat crystal, remove the timing bezel, flat untextured dial etc. Dont get me wrong a) I like the bulgari and b) I think the breitling is too thick but direct comparisons are tricky. I also know which one I'd like to own come service time and its not the bulgari.

[@davidjb3671]

@@PeteMcConvillWatches Hi Pete, I just chose the Bulgari as the most extreme example of what can be done, but the more obvious comparison would be with the Daytona at 12.3mm thick. Habring even manage a $8K rattrapante chronograph at 12.3mm thick, and that's based on a modified 7750, so there's really no excuse for the pork on some of these chronographs. Breitling themselves have other models at just over 13mm.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

@@davidjb3671 Like I said I'd like it thinner and as you said Breitling can do it thinner - it just doesn't seem a priority for them, get rid of display case back and rotating bezel - there's 1.5mm, go for a flat dial, another .25, the GMT another .25, give it a flat crystal another .5 , the date an another .25 saved, and the watch is now a little over 13mm and still 2/3s the price of a daytona (and probably cheaper to make). Like I said just not their priority obviously.

[@brysoga]

I saw these in the boutique a day or so before they were released and have to be honest my initial impression was "but isn't it meant to be an entirely new collection?" I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

got to admit - while these are ok its not what I'd hoped for and it feels a little deflating.

[@michaelriera6277]

Shame these beauties can’t be worn my 6.25 wrist. I was hoping Breitling would be bringing out something in the 41mm range. Otherwise gorgeous.

[@michaelfierman3256]

Hey Pete, did they discontinue the 765 1953 Re-Edition that these deem somewhat similar to? Great episode as always

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Hey Michael - no I believe the 765 re-issue is still available.

[@scottc6946]

To me they are a Breguet Type XX homage … but they do look good. If they could only shrink it down to 40 mm like Breguet were able to do.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

unfortunately calling them a breguet homage says more about the commentor than Breitling .

[@scottc6946]

@@PeteMcConvillWatches just saying the two watches are strikingly similar. I know both companies came out with their watches in the early 1950’s, but Breguet Type XX is probably more well known.

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

This version looks like a homage to citizens eco drive

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

every now and then I get a comment that makes me really confused - today thats yours - I dont understand

[@bert4768]

@@PeteMcConvillWatches He has to be trolling 😂😂😂😂

[@WeibenWang]

The jeans analogy doesn't work. If I pull the 34" off the rack, I can probably find an identical pair in 30" next to it. Brands that start at 32" are really annoying. In general, the size is the size and, if I like a watch (and I kinda like this one, from your pictures), it's not like I can ask the salesperson to look in the back for my size. When you said 46mm, I shut down; no point even thinking about it. But I kept watching, and the context you gave help it to make sense. I guess I do have choices (though the other watch isn't identical). But I'm still not excited, and I can still grouse.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Grousing that a company doesnt make you size is absolutely cool - hey, I get annoyed at company's following the lastest trend and going small only. I suspect the bigger brands will be doing more and more in offering multiple sizes.

[@jeremyrice3719]

The thickness of chronographs is, in general, an issue for me. However, I appreciate watch companies that make larger watches - even watches that are too big for me (like this one). I’m not wearing a 38 or certainly a 36mm watch EVER. So when a brand focuses on the tiny sizes the brand becomes dead to me. I don’t love every watch from any company, but if you are focused on a different customer that’s fine - I just won’t be your customer. Back to these - like, but don’t love them. I was hoping for something modern, but I’m probably not going to buy a Brietling anyway. Always get a kick out of people who get so worked up about brands they like, but don’t love, and aren’t going to own anyway. I simply enjoy watches as long as there is something about them I can appreciate. These are sharp.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

agree - its possible to have mixed feelings about something and even recognise that something might be good but not for you.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Not my cuppa, but looks very true to Breitling DNA. Not cheap though at €9700

[@jwrappuhn71]

That's a great looking watch.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Quality content, as always.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Glad you think so!

[@bjjrhino]

I love it. I think I size is just about right.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

for me its fine but I dont understand people thinking it might be too much for them.

[@markwheeler4417]

They are too big for me. I can't wear a 46mm watch unless there is a wet suit (or flight suit) underneath it. As small boats make me seasick and I'm not a fast jet pilot, I'm not a customer. Not too thick necessarily. My Seamaster Chronograph GMT is of a similar thickness. I'm not a fan of arabics on dials and I wonder about the rectangular bocks in the sub dial at 3 o'clock. I wonder what the commercial agreement between Kenissi and Breitling was. If Breitling are reducing the use of the Kenissi movement it will keep money "in-house" but does limit Breitling's choices of models going forward. It's all vry well to say that "we make what sells" but are they limiting future growth? And, btw, you broke all the social media laws by admitting you were wrong. Blaming someone else for this is not unusual. Another great hot take.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Thanks Mark - its funny how we are all different. Size is less important (after all its only 52mm lug to lug) but thickness can be irritating. I'll ALWAYS go for arabics if they are available over inidicies. On the Kenissi deal - look Im really guessing. Here's my thinking The only movement Kenissi seems to be making available outside of tudor is the fat boy in the original black bay not the newer smaller movement in the 58. For a brand like fortis - big deal - for a brand like Breitling thats a problem because if you over (say) a three hander navitimer in 35-38-41 sizes you'll have different movements in different sizes which I certainly wouldnt do if I were a watch brand.

[@robertbachmann8141]

too big and too thick indeed. hopefully they will bring a new CEO soon.

[@life-onmars8223]

Too big for me, so the computer says no. Is it really a complete new collection? I can't se how. I also wont be so trusting what comes from Georges Kerns in the future - please don't follow Panerai and rely on semantics and parsing to formulate your brand's truth. Huge B fan but this wrist slab has me underwhelmed.

[@j.burgess4459]

Hm, the shadow of the back-catalogue still looms large, methinks. Re. the size issue - people are happy enough to tolerate this if the brand starts with "R"! Even a Submariner is too big for a good 20% of people who wear them. But wear 'em they do, all the same... 46mm is conceptually right for an aviator's watch, I guess - can be read at a glance, worn outside thick flying suits, etc.

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

I totally agree - 99% of people that comment on brands they dont follow carefully are wrong 99% of the time - thinking about old stuff no longer (if ever) true they heard from a guy somewhere.

[@CraigG21]

Meh… they don’t speak to me.