New 2023 Breitling Avenger - Out of Touch?

[@Motibreva]

This new Avenger is my first Breitling. I love the toned down design and the logo is the same as my dad’s 1960s chronograph, so it’s all good!

[@jimg518]

Nice. The size is there now. I will pick up the black 3 hand version at some point. Good job Breitling. I have no problem with the ETA movement in my Superocean 2. After 6 years it still runs at +1. I’m sure this Avenger will run great too. Breitling does a great job fine tuning these movements. I get it about the price point of this movement, but when they run like mine (and my wife’s ETA movement at -2), the price point doesn’t bother me. And I don’t buy watches for value retention, I keep mine.

[@drpepper3838]

I'm glad I have the old avenger 43 with winged logo

[@ianclayton2651]

British army veteran here ,my Avenger 42 in green and green strap ( military influence ) is absolutely stunning ,cant stop looking at it and is only 5 days old ( present from wife for my 60th in august but gave me it early )

[@urbanracer032]

I bought my first Breitling Chronomat GMT yesterday and am quite happy with it. Looking forward to see how Breitling carries on in the future.

[@urbanracer032]

@@dsdf_fdp1858 l gotta ask, how has the bezel held up for you? Is it a scratch magnet or does it hold up after a year of wear?

[@BruceWilliams]

Excellent!

[@ConstanTime]

Selita and ETA were perfectly fine for all major watch brands for decades until we all started knowing everything and think in-house is the only way to do it. I would personally much rather my car have Brembo breaks than VW made breaks if I have the option. Also the value is in the eyes of the beholder. Yes, selita is in Oris, Breitling as well as many other microbrands but you have to add factors as case, bracelet, crystals functions, specs, built quality and manufacturing costs based on location. Breitling makes all their bracelets cases hands and most dials in-house but I never hear anyone commenting on that. It to mention that you can spot most breitlings from miles away and all that without trying to imitate Rolex.

[@franky3fingers337]

The avg consumer is more educated now and the completion is fierce. Theres no reason why someone would pick an 42mm avenger vs a Tudor Pelagos with a metas certified movement and 70hrs of power reserve vs what 38hrs?

[@franky3fingers337]

@@dsdf_fdp1858I agree for the most part and having been through multiple Breitling and Tudors I would not consider my self the avg watch consumer. The first timer buyer is most likely going for perceived value and brand vs other attributes. The initiated buyer (me, you) buy what we like and have many watches. Personally I love the new super ocean line compared to these, will be looking at deep discounts on the preowned market if I buy.

[@ConstanTime]

@@franky3fingers337 with the same reasoning why would anyone buy Rolex vs JLC or Glashutte Original? They are objectively better watches than Rolex but yet there’s no comparison out in the open market. Name, popular culture and design just to name a few play an even bigger role is one’s decision on what to buy. Breitling has the history that Tudor will never have (I owned a couple of Tudors so I’m very familiar with their great quality) has the brand recognition, the human touch in the construction unlike most of Tudor’s robotic assembly line and finally Breitling is an independent watchmaker that has been competing directly with the likes of Omega and Rolex for a over a century while Tudors sole purpose according to its founder (and based on previous and current offerings) is to provide consumers with a cheaper alternative to Rolex. I hear all the criticism on Breitling on the Selita movements but there’s more to a watch than it’s movement

[@DWilliam1]

You get it. I’ve been collecting watches for over 35 years and always make similar comments. ETA makes solid movements.

[@DWilliam1]

@@franky3fingers337Your best point is power reserve, but doesn’t ETA make the movement for the Longines ZULU Time GMT and I believe it’s either 68 or 70 hours? Also, Omega’s 8800 Co-Axial only has 55 hours of power reserve and it’s considered a great movement. That said, I do have an issue with the 38 hours of power reserve since I do have a large collection, but that is the only flaw in the movement to me…it’s rock solid otherwise.

[@BJester91]

As a big dude I appreciate the heft of Breitling watches. I have an older SO44 and the new Avenger Chronograph looks great to me!

[@MyCCW]

My new 2024 Avenger GMT (black dial) just arrived yesterday. Absolutely love the watch. I love the slide micro adjustments. All Breitling quality but I will say the Professional II bracelet on my 2011 SuperOcean 44 seems to have more heft. Nothing wrong with the bracelet on my new Avenger GMT, just find it to be a bit lighter.

[@cfrezphd]

Reminds of old tag aquaracers. Even though the quality is higher, still has a look of 1990s aquaracers

[@BruceWilliams]

I can see some similarities

[@pbuehner]

I love the direction that Breitling is going. My only gripe is that I would love to see a 40 or 41-mm case. Many of their watches are simply too big for me and aren't following the trends (IMHO).

[@donaldneo4317]

Go try them, I bought the new SuperOcean 42 last year. With a 6.5" wrist, I usually stay away from 42mm but their redesign case shortens the lug to lug and curve downwards, together with the case which is less than 13mm thick, its wear smaller than the size suggests. I suspect the Avanger is the same, all the other revamped line is going towards this direction. True 42mm case but wears very easy.

[@DWilliam1]

Pick up the 40mm Chronomat GMT…great watch.

[@dissident_mantis7]

I think I am buying the older model with the winged logo

[@nightstalker824]

At first, I disliked the "B" logo on the professional line. But since I had the last gen model with the winged logo, im ok with them going to a simpler logo. Anytime someone commented on my watch, it sounded like this..."thats a nice watch, is that an Invicta?" For real, from 12inches aways the winged B starts to resemble the Invicta wings...

[@TJHolland-kw6zo]

Would you please share the Breitling model that is shown at 0:34 with the day and month windows?

[@SnorttySnortSnort]

Its the Premier B25 Datora 42

[@maldomar79]

Hello Bruce, I have always been a watch aficionado, I own a few watches (Seiko, Bulova and Citizens). However, as much I love watches, I has never made the move to the big names. After sometime doing my research, I have my eyes almost set on the Breitling Automatic GMT 44". I'm lucky enough that I have an Official Breitling Boutique near me so I visited, but I was not completely sold because of the profile, it's a little to high for my taste. FYI, I'm on the bigger size, I have a 8.2" wrist, I do understand that I need a bigger diameter because of my wrist size but like I said, I'm not completely sold in the high profile. Any suggestions? Take care and Happy Holidays...

[@chrisr850]

I love these new Avengers but ONLY 38 hour power reserve? Less than two days?! Sad

[@christiancupitt6972]

I have just ordered a breitling avenger gmt 45 red arrows edition i think its 2020-21 this is my first ever watch and cant find any reviews on youtube does anyone know if it is any good or should i have saved up for a base rolex

[@TheBrendonian]

Great review as always! I like your reviewing style. My only disappointment is you didn’t get to show the ceramic Night Mission models as I’m seriously tempted by the carbon dial version.

[@BruceWilliams]

I appreciate that! I would have loved to see a ceramic night mission in person

[@TheBrendonian]

@@BruceWilliams I did try one on a couple of weeks ago, and immediately fell in love with the ceramic case. I just love the sheen on the brushed case sides. The mix of materials and finishes is amazing. If I wasn’t already waiting for delivery of a green dial Santos, I think I’d have bought it on the spot. I must be patient!

[@BruceWilliams]

@@TheBrendonian I can definitely relate

[@craigwoolbert2443]

Great job Bruce! Merry Christmas

[@BruceWilliams]

Merry Christmas Craig!

[@philc1773]

I have been a Breitling fan and owner of multiple models for over 20 years. I don't agree with quite a few posters.... Why? Prior to Kern, my view is that they were going in the wrong direction. To substantiate, the very first b01 chronomat had a bezel that was just, well pants. It replaced the chronomat evo that was infinitely better looking and was a benchmark watch. So good it bloodied rolexs nose! The b01 movement and consistency of bracelets maintained the chronomat sales. That was it but design was lacking. The design direction of Chronomat, Avenger, Colt etc... was also blurred. The historic chronomat bezel and rider tabs were on them all. It diluted the value in each model. The navitimer required dial improvement too and therefore the SO heritage was left to saving the brand. That was not enough. Kern corrected it all. He binned the colt (lovely watch as it was) it detracted from the Avenger which today, is an updated Chronomat Evo minus screwdown pushers and legendary onion crown! Fact. Avenger has been vastly improved and maintains the tool direction Breitling always had. Miss those screwdowns and 500m dive capabilities though, please sort that in the SO models Georges!!! The current chronomat has been updated sensibly, the rouleaux is a work of art, my only criticism being, the bezel on the superchronomat didn't need to be ceramic. A 44mm solid steel or gold bezel is enough. Ceramic tipped pushers are a no too! On the normal chronomat, screw down pushers are also a miss, for me, otherwise they absolutely nailed it. The new Navi and SO are incredible designs. Industry leading and 100% Breitling DNA! Sort the movement in the SO Georges too, a longer power reserve is needed but I appreciate the watch thickness could be impacted by a b01. So I think what they are doing is awesome. I'm a customer for life. The AVI is a work of art but I'd prefer baton indexes as opposed to Arabic numerals. Sort that option too Georges! The man has even brought gold (try a bit of yellow too Georges!) and diamonds back! He is doing a tremendous job and should be given credit. Its due in abundance in his case. Rolex and Omega will be worried!

[@markq1]

I just purchased an RB0134 18ct Gold Chronomat 42 on rubber. £18500 retail, but i paid £10000 pre-owned. Absolute bargain!

[@BruceWilliams]

Excellent!

[@andrew811ful]

Can a person with a smaller average sized wrist 6.5 pull off the chronograph?

[@luisbecerra8128]

I’d say that’s completely up to you. I too am a 6.5 and almost daily a 43 MM Navitimer. I love it. Best recommendation is go and try it on!

[@omar10213245]

soooo, what's the MSRP for the new chronograph version?

[@omar10213245]

@@Pler1978 not bad. To be expected

[@bnick25352535]

All of them look really nice but that chronograph is really nice.

[@bodrulm1]

I love the Avenger series and actually prefer these new ones. Is the red GMT and Avenger print a little off around the edges? They look stamped. They don't look clean or refined.

[@excelerater]

I got to try one. Not a bad looking watch and they deal $$ on these but i thought it felt cheap. Tudor same price point feels much more substantial

[@BruceWilliams]

Tudor is probably the leader in their price segment

[@ABCDEFGHcreator]

Awesome video. As always. Beautiful watches.

[@marlonr391]

I like breitling navitimer 38mm, but again, the price, I'm eyeing up the 38mm navitimer black dial but only on the used market

[@Pler1978]

Recently got the avenger 42 and really it's a great watch....however I bought it new with warranty etc and paid 40 percent less. I don't care about weak pr as its not important if worn as a daily or part of a collection...I use a watch winder and find that the higher pr really only helpful if have a weekday and weekend watch and the higher pr has to be the weekday watch ...but once you have 3 plus watches it's not relevant...perhaps if pr always 150 hours

[@ivodepievo9481]

Thanks for this video Bruce! I, for one, would love to see a comparison between the Avengerer and the latest version Colt 41 before they replaced it with the Avengerer.. On paper there are so much similarities and would love to know if that is false or true.. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Peace..

[@BruceWilliams]

Merry Christmas

[@LinusWatches]

I love my black avenger, so good looking

[@rdrodriguez32]

Please do the Top time next. Merry Christmas

[@BruceWilliams]

Huge fan of the top time. I've only ever reviewed the Corvette, and would love to feature the other versions

[@roybatty6368]

Market ignores these.

[@followyourpassion8378]

1:58 looks like a TAG Heuer. A 13356 crushes nearly all post 2017 sports models. I like the Japan model of the AB0115, though. Wings logo, however, without the ugly rectangle on the dial.

[@CollinB_EDC]

Wow, I’m still towards the beginning of the video but those watches look great!

[@nmfl100]

These new Avengers are the bomb ❤

[@5OclockSharp]

Breitling has come a long way since Kern took over. The only thing they’re missing here is a true GMT. I really think that would have brought the Avenger GMT to the next level and if lower brands like Longines and even Hamilton and Tissot are doing it, there’s really no excuse here. Not as big of a deal with the three hander, but a 2893-2 in a GMT these days is extremely outdated, especially for $4-$5k retail. They have the dials and ergonomics of these watches down, like you said they need to step up the movement game if they want to keep the momentum going.

[@BruceWilliams]

Agreed, I don't care to see dual time complications over 3k. I've been spoiled with true gmts at this price

[@TheRealTrueFabio]

Previous version was way way better! I also miss the wings on the "B". I will go for the previous second-hand dfor sure

[@ericmoss8344]

I like the direction of the design's, thinning the case down and of course the new quick adj clasp. However, the finishing on the hands and dial look like a cheaper Seiko and nothing special on the movement. They're over-prices now given what they used to be. Secondary markets will likely make these more reasonable, but not buying new for me.

[@cadrniadrctkers]

Sorry. Not feeling it. I love their Navitimers and Premier line, but these remind me of a Fossil watch. I do applaud them on COSC movements, though. I don't understand how IWC charges what they do and has in-house movements now and still can't consistently regulate or provide that level of accuracy, so I have to give Breitling credit there.

[@serifdincer208]

Breitling is doeing a good job good looking watches the new avenger

[@jodysilvia2]

I've been mulling over a new chronomat gmt . Edit: I bought a blue avenger 42mm and it's great.

[@ryan_chandler]

Aside from the aesthetic being awesome w the chronomat, why would you want to pay $6k for a “GMT” that doesn’t have a true GMT complication? Genuinely curious

[@jodysilvia2]

@@ryan_chandler I like that watch.

[@ryan_chandler]

@@jodysilvia2 good answer 🙏🏼

[@Alex-Rainmaker]

Breitling hasn't been flying even since they lost their wings! 😂

[@flaviusjurj6960]

What pilot still wears gloves these days?

[@tockingwatches2377]

Breitling is making a mistake with their GMTs. It feels like they’re trying to convince their customers of a premium product but with a non-premium movement. I’ll buy a Chronomat when it’s available with a flyer GMT movement while keeping the case thickness below 13mm.

[@BruceWilliams]

Breitling does need a true gmt complication in the lineup

[@lihanou]

Changing date is a pain for travelers gmt. I don’t wanna wear it when I need to wind 60 rounds for the date😢

[@BruceWilliams]

@@lihanou simple- wear your gmt or keep it running :) problem solved.

[@chonklife]

Don't like these new designs, they look like they're for people 50+ (which actually maybe their target demographic). The 2010s designs were much more cool IMO.

[@niklasolsson-wv9eu]

Really poor detailing on the dials. Stamped dials and sloppy paintjobs on the markers and lume. I like these watches but if this is what they deliver they really should lose the last 0 on the price tag.

[@RMA_432_]

For the price of $4850, they are way out of touch with reality if they think 38 hours of PR is acceptable when Tudor is absolutely destroying the competition at this price point.

[@RMA_432_]

Even the Formex Reef comes in at under $2K and is a COSC Chronometer with 56 hours of PR…

[@DWilliam1]

There is more to a watch than power reserve…

[@marekmusil8645]

​@@DWilliam1exactly. Its not competiton of bigger power reserve. Quartz model Casio has for few dollars battery more power reserve that any luxury Rolex model. My Tissot got 72 hour of power reserve 🙂 👌

[@jimt7292]

Breitling doing a great job! However the price creep has kept me away. So I picked up a 41mm NOS Colt, recently, for $2,500ish.

[@BruceWilliams]

Steal of a deal. Congrats

[@jimt7292]

Thank you!@@BruceWilliams

[@TaiwanLYC]

It's 2024 and luxury watch without any sort of anti-magnetic components is not up to today's standard

[@cjmcaulay]

Completely out of touch. Breitling have traded “Instruments for Professionals” for “Pastels for Posers.” The loss of the wings logo is a complete stepping away point for me, as it is a continual eff-you to the customers that revived the brand.

[@cjmcaulay]

The “anchored B” missing from the seconds hand is another loss of identity. Also, where is the 0-100 or tachymeter? Isn’t the Avenger the “tool” watch? They aren’t even trying. Who is paying this much for a near-complete lack of traditional features/identity?

[@gregsmith7145]

Just got the Avenger in blue but opted for the old model with wings. Can't stand the B version as the dial looks lost without the wind logo...

[@BruceWilliams]

Lol you have a way with words. I don't agree, but I appreciate your comment

[@donaldneo4317]

I prefer the simple B logo, a return to the original, its not like they redesign a new logo. Other then the "pastel" colours, the Avenger and Navitimer is very much the same DNA, whats wrong with adding colours?

[@DWilliam1]

Certain models still have an “updated” wing logo. It depends on the model. I like the less cluttered looks. FWIW, I have owned 3 Breitlings and still have 2. Excellent movements, top notch fit and finish. I wear them more than my Rolex and Omega.

[@durandsimon5221]

Not a fan of this bezel, design feels very dated, not vintage like the navy, but simple dated. Not the Breitling I like.

[@franky3fingers337]

It seems that Breitling has a few hit and misses. The premier series chronos are lovely but this Avenger series is a bit of a miss. The 42 makes sense but there’s not a lot people knocking down doors for a 44mm 15.5mm thick $8,250.00 beefy chrono right now. At this point the avenger series just looks dated and over priced.

[@omar10213245]

Oh wow, $8250.00?? Yeah, that's a hard pass for me. Thing is, with Breitling, all you have to do is wait a year or so after one of their new models is released, and you can usually find it either with a grey seller, or a preowned seller, for at least 30-35% less, sometimes a bit more.

[@jonathanedwards2983]

Give it some interesting hands and I would be a player.

[@nero8484]

Boring! No wings…

[@tarichar8]

Breitling is now ruined. They were my first high end watch and I loved them, but now, I despise all their designs. They’re terrible looking. They look like trash, cheap trash.

[@davidlmatteson]

I like the old superocean. The new ones are ugly af. That is all

[@carreralicious]

It’s very generic looking. These no longer have the character and charisma of the older generation models. I haven’t bought a Breitling in ages now because of that.

[@ripperx444]

Basically an older chronomat

[@michaelriera6277]

Love these foolish Breitling

[@999NINE99]

That bezel design is just hideous.

[@BruceWilliams]

"Amazing, every word of what you just said was wrong." Luke Skywalker

[@michaelm7557]

Really poor detailing on the dials. Stamped dials and sloppy paintjobs on the markers and lume. Many people try to justify the price by saying the ETA is better for long time service and maybe it is, buy would you like your new Mercedes S Klasse to have a shitty Renault engine?? I pay a premium price and I expect a premium product, if not then lower the price. This watch is 4600 euro in Europe right now and it should be no more than 3600, thats the fair price. People say the New TAG Aquaracer 2024 with the new improved movement with 80hr PR that beats at 28.800 bph is overpriced at 3500 euro, but 4600 is fair for this Breitling, LMFAO.

[@sengo2146]

They finally destroyed Avenger

[@Baqization]

No Wings - No Care Kern can keep his new Genderneutral Collection. What a complete waste compared to the Avengers of old.

[@BruceWilliams]

Breitling needs to bring back the applied wings logo. Nearly every collector I know prefers it to the B logo