Slideshow = 13 photos to see this watch from every angle
Foreword
Most manufactures have been seduced by the current "all black" trend and Breitling is no exception.
To date, two models have been selected to benefit from this very special treatment and become Limited editions: the Super Avenger and the Avenger Seawolf.
We tested the first one, introduced onto the market in the end of 2009 for a limited edition of 3,000 pieces.
Black in Black!
The Breitling Super Avenger Black Steel doesn't require a userguide...
Massive and heavy, it has been designed for men's wrists, and strong ones.
With its generous dimensions (48.4 mm), don't count on it being a discreet partner at a corporate meeting: its size prevents any shirt to be closed at the wrist!
The plastic strap is flexible and pleasant to wear and the choice of material perfectly sums up its favourite destinations.
It can go out jogging with you, diving, climbing, or any other sporty activity that may come to mind.
The size of the push buttons allows the owner to use them in any situation, even with big diving or skiing gloves.
The crown is also secured: don't try to turn it like you're used to, you first have to unlock it by several turns before it is functional. In the same sporty manner, the stop & go buttons of the chronograph require a strong push before being effective.
Virile and secured in every aspect, you won't turn the Super Avenger on by chance!
Functional and exclusive
The Super Avenger is part of the Aeromarine collection of Breitling, which is dedicated to air and sea professionals.
Therefore, readability is key and explains why Breitling gave the Super Avenger large SuperLumiNova hands.
On a day-to-day basis, it ensures a perfect legibility both night and day - for approximately 6 hours when the hands and index are filled with light – and can even be seen from a distance.
The white design of the chronograph's meters clearly stands out against the bezel, ensuring a perfect readability of each of the counters.
A date aperture at 3 o'clock completes Breitling's standard Calibre 13 mechancis which fuels our Super Avenger. Even though it's clearly visible, we should mention that it has no magnifying glass for the less accurate eyes.
A tower of strength
The black case is made of carbon nitride, a highly resistant treatment distilled right into the steel.
The cambered sapphire crystal is anti-reflective coated on both sides and offers the same level of resistance.
Consequently, it's resistant to pretty much anything except a very violent shock or a particularly rough blow.
During day-to-day usage, we did not notice anything that could leave a scratch on the Super Avenger.
The whole watch is surrounded with a unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel for the recording of hours. Its movement is firmly set and you will be hard pressed to move it by chance.
On a day-to-day basis
On the wrist, this Breitling radiates a sensation of strength.
It always stays on top of its owner's mind by its weight, as well as to outside looks by its design not yielding to fashion.
Its rounded lugs make it “comfortable” to wear, yet the weight can't be ignored and sometimes you will have to take it off just to free your wrist at the end of the day.
The Super Avenger has been tested while diving, in mountains and on a temperature scale from -5° up to 40° C. Its functioning has always been beyond reproach.
Even though, the plastic strap can become uncomfortable when wet. But it can be replaced without any problem.
The movement
C.O.S.C. certified, it's power reserve goes beyond 40h, which is a standard for from the Valjoux 7750. It's a safe and resistant movement, just like the watch it powers.
As usual with this kind of a piece, if by any chance the watch comes to stop, you'll have to set the right date again at any time except during the 8:00 pm – 2:00 am period which is not recommended for any operation on a watch equipped with such a Valjoux.
Conclusions
Breitling displays this model among the super-operational range of its collection. The brand clearly provided the watch with the specs and strength required for dedicated daily use.
Nevertheless, an exclusive watch is made for an exclusive use. It might be hard to have it as a daily watch, considering its weight, its design and the fact that no shirt can be closed over it.
In fact, the personality of this watch is so strong that it won't be the watch which will have to get used to your life style. On the contrary...
The +:
- consistent ensemble
- excellent readability
- robustness
The –:
- important weight and size on the wrist
- a second strap would have been welcomed
Further information:
- journalist's wrist = 17,5 cm
- brand website : Breitling
