We have high expectations when a luxury watch brand collaborates with a major diamond retailer. The Avenger B01 Chronograph Gregory Jewellers Limited Edition does not disappoint and is sure to please Breitling's legions of fans. It's a flashy watch and a memorable way to commemorate Gregory's 55th birthday.
The new collaborative model combines two distinct styles and capitalises on the unusual contrast. Breitling watches are famous for their functionality, and the company is best known for its aviation connections. The Navitimer, its most famous pilot's watch, was used by major airlines and was worn in space by astronaut Scott Carpenter during the Aurora 7 mission. Gregory Jewellers, on the other hand, creates high-end jewellery and is a leading diamond merchant in Australia. This exciting collaboration combines Breitling's robust Avenger pilot's chronograph with the delightfully unnecessary addition of diamonds, resulting in a one-of-a-kind and eye-catching piece.
The Avenger isn't a delicate timepiece; it was designed for aviators. It has a masculine appearance and a substantial stainless steel case with a diameter of 45mm and a depth of more than 15mm. This is a substantial piece, especially when paired with the steel bracelet. It's a relatively new addition to the Breitling lineup, having debuted in 2001 as a performance-inspired pilot's watch. The Gregory Jeweller's variant, like the original Breitling, has a unidirectional ratcheted bezel and a matching knurled crown, both of which are designed to be turned easily with gloves. The dial design is also classic Breitling, with three chronograph sub-dials and large numerals in a'stencil' style.
"We've always been proud to be a heritage-rich, local label, and we're excited to bring our craftsmanship and destination for luxury to a wider audience." "This collaboration exemplifies our brand," Gregory Jewellers co-CEOs Edward and Helen Gregory said. "We are jewellers and diamond experts by trade, and having this represented in this project with a diamond bezel was a perfect way to pay tribute to our heritage." It has been an honour to collaborate with Breitling on this project, and we are excited to see how it is received by our customers."
Gregory's input is what truly distinguishes these watches from any other Breitlings we've seen. They've set over 100 diamonds into the bezel, totaling 0.96ct in weight. It's a lovely marriage of fine watchmaking and the art of gemology. The watches, as expected, are powered by Breitling's in-house Calibre 01 mechanical movement and are water resistant to 300 metres. The watches are now available for AUD $21,900, and each case back is inscribed with the simple inscription "One of 25."