The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So I was in the market for a Black face silver dial Chronomat 44.

But am also growing to like the Avenger II black face with silver subs.

There's not many pics out there of the Avenger II so it's hard to see how it wears on the wrist.

Anyone with a chronomat and an Avenger II who can tell me which watch wears larger?

Also, if you guys had a choice, which would you go for?

I had a Avenger Skyland, this is what it was called when it was first offered, when that model first came out and now own a Chronomat 44. I can tell you that the Avenger is a larger watch and wears that way. Not much bigger but noticeable to me as I wore it. It has sharper angles and a very functional or industrial look and feel that I really like. I sold it to help cover the cost of my Blackbird and have regretted letting it go ever since. The 44 is about the same size and weight but is a more refined, for lack of a better term, look and wear. I feel the 44 can be a more versatile watch as I can sport it up with a dive strap, everyday it on the ss and dress it up with a leather or croc. While the Avenger can wear all the same straps I still looks like an Avenger on a leather or croc. It wears and fits the look of the dive and stainless beautifully. If you are looking for a great sport watch that has easy read and strong appearance go for the Avenger. If you are looking for a watch that can cover all the bases I would look at the 44. I sold my Avenger and wish I could get it back from the day I sold it. That said, I would not part with my Blackbird or Chronomat 44 to have my Avenger back but I would move heaven and earth if it came available to me from the buyer to whom I sold it.
Hope this helps, Frank.

My 2 cents:

Avenger II: Not the main icon of Breitling but nevertheless very recognizable a Breitling and one of the more popular models. The most rugged model in the Breitling line. Suitable if you prefer a rugged and masculine looking watch. The most obvious downside of this model is the lack of in-house movement. It's like buying a Bentley car with a Toyota modified engine. Highy reliable and proven, but lacks the exclusivity.

Chronomat 44: The flagship model of Breitling, descendant of its ancestor that revived the Breitling name back to its success. The first head to toe in-house Breitling watch, which no other models can ever replace its title. IMO it contains all the essence of Breitling. Aviator and diver watch, formal and also sporty casual look. Croco strap, calf leather strap, pilot bracelet, mesh bracelet, rubber strap, ocean racer strap, etc...any straps, any color, it will fit asethetically. This is the only model that pretty much covers everything, which so far I don't see a second watch that commands such versatility. If I have to mention a downside, it will be its polarizing design(bezel and centre square) that many dislike. It's not a downside if u don't care what people think of yr watch. But if you prefer a safer design, you can go for Chronomat Airborne instead. However it's just classic looking, that's all, nothing much to talk about. Also IMHO, the rider tab bezel makes the watch looks more solemn and technical, like Navitimer, which doesn't really match that well with sporty outfits(I personally tried it). The bezel numerals on the Chronomat 44 makes it look more sporty and recognizable without losing its refine and elegance, because of its sleek case and sharp looking dial. I have worn it on formal, smart casual, casual, and even sports attire for gym. It matches anything. This watch also doesn't bore me because it contains many details that not many can perceive and understand. I would often stare at my Chronomat for a long time to admire and analyze the design and details, why the centre square is designed in such a manner, why the hour markers are cut to complement the square, why the bezel fonts, how they lower the bezel to facilitate gripping, how the appearance changes as light plays over it, etc. It's like an abstract painting that either you appreciate and understand or you don't. I seldom do that with my Navitimer and Batman because there isn't much details for me to analyze. Everything is just classic and anyone will just say, "nice", and move on. Well not withstanding that I do take out my Navi sometimes so as to practice using the slide rule.

Overall I personally recommend Chronomat 44 for its history and achievement, which will become a legendary classic many years later. It has the in-house exclusivity, design wise it has the versatility. Character wise it is very recognizable and iconic looking that doesn't look like a one percentile watch. Timeless wise I don't think it looks dated that many feels it does, because the design is not over the top, but only several details to add character to the watch. However as indeed several design elements are not something that the past will have, for that I guess it will just have to withstand the test of time.


Good luck with yr choice

_________________
Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

So I finally got to try the Avenger II and a Chronomat 44 together at an AD yesterday and I still can't decide between the two. I like them both!

Both watches I tried on were on a rubber strap, and I think that you guys are right, the Avenger does seem to wear and look bigger on the wrist than the Chronomat does. One thing I don't really get is why this is because on the Breitling website the Chronomat is stated as being 44mm and 16.95mm thick, whereas the Avenger II is 43mm and 16.50mm... so why is it that the Avenger II wears and looks bigger?

"One thing I don't really get is why this is because on the Breitling website the Chronomat is stated as being 44mm and 16.95mm thick, whereas the Avenger II is 43mm and 16.50mm... so why is it that the Avenger II wears and looks bigger"?

The difference to me was the shape of the case. The Avenger is very squared off and the Chronomat is very machined and smooth. Also, I was not aware that the two watches were that close in thickness.
If you have a dress watch go for the Avenger. If not the Chronomat will wear both hats up to not quite a Tux, though I would probably still go there.
Be safe, Frank.

I've owned both, and I have to say that they are just two different pieces, and comparison is apples to oranges. Chronomat is versatile, as stated before, however I feel the Avenger is also versatile and works great on leather, rubber or leather. If your anything like me you will eventually end up with both. The black dial/silver sub is one of my favorite dials, second to black eye grey dial. Good luck with your decision!


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Here is a photo of my Avenger (Skyland) on a croc. In my opinion I see a beautiful sport watch.
The Chronomat 44 on the same strap I think looks more formal or classic.
Just my .02.
Frank.

just picked up a new GMT Avenger II and it's a cool watch -- very easy to like. The casebacks on avenger ii are advertised as titanium and on the wrist it lightens the head weight. I'd say the Chronomat Pilot Bracelet is going to be better than the Pro 3, but I like the Pro 3 so far.

Bezel font is nice on the avenger II and I like the crown detail. Difficult decision I think you should get both lol.