Swiss watchmaker Breitling is best known for its understatedly stylish tool watches, including the Navitimer, SuperOcean, and Chronomat. While Breitling timepieces don’t skimp on aesthetics, function comes first, with the brand primarily noted for its ties to the Royal Air Force as well as its technical prowess in catering to aviation, diving, and land sports.
Now, although you may spot a jewelled index or two on a Breitling marketed towards women, you’re unlikely to find an iced-out Navitimer sitting among the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s stable — the concept of bedazzling seems to sit in stark contrast to Breitling’s functional approach. However, if ‘90s normcore icon — and loyal Breitling fanboy — Jerry Seinfeld can don the streetwear stylings of Kith, anything can happen.
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To commemorate the 55th anniversary of family-owned Gregory Jewellers, Breitling has teamed up with the prestige Australian diamond company to release two unique interpretations of one of the watchmaker’s signature timepieces. Limited to 25 pieces each, the Avenger B01 Chronograph Gregory Jewellers Limited Edition releases see the bezel of the pilot’s watch adorned with 104 diamonds.
Initially introduced in 2001, the Breitling Avenger is a performance-inspired pilot’s watch with a distinctly contemporary appearance, offering a modern alternative to the more heritage aesthetic of the iconic Navitimer. Its striking yet pared-back style, easy operability, and optimal legibility make it a favourite for pilots and leaders in the aviation industry as well as the style-conscious crowd.
The Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph Gregory Jewellers Limited Edition takes on a hefty 45mm case size and bears the unidirectional ratcheted bezel and knurled crown of the original, which are crafted to be operable while wearing gloves. However, the 104 diamonds coating the bezel are likely to make the wearer of the timepiece take a slightly more delicate approach to operation. The dial layout features a trio of chronograph sub-dials in a contrasting colour, with stencilled Arabic numerals that are easy to read under limited lighting conditions.
Powered by a Breitling Calibre 01 movement, the Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph Gregory Jewellers Limited Edition is water resistant to 300 meters and boasts a weekend-friendly power reserve of 70 hours.
“We’ve always taken pride in being a heritage-rich, local label, and feel strongly about bringing our craftsmanship and destination for luxury to a broader audience. This collaboration epitomises our brand,” Edward and Helen Gregory, co-CEOs of Gregory Jewellers, said in a statement. “We are jewellers and diamond experts by trade and having this represented with a diamond bezel in this project was a perfect way to pay tribute to our heritage.”
Although the diamond-heavy approach to the Avenger seems at odds with its purpose-led approach, if Jerry Seinfeld can shed his mid-wash straight-leg jeans, chunky white sneakers, and plain button-down shirts in favour of floral shirts, varsity jackets, and hypebeast-approved sneakers (he kept the Breitling watch though), perhaps we can accept a bedazzled Breitling.
The Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph Gregory Jewellers Limited Edition is available with either a black or white dial, with each model presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp, and priced at $21,900AUD. Each timepiece is limited to 25 pieces and is available via the Greogery Jewellers webstore.
Words by T. Angel
