Breitling Introduces The Avenger Models To Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary

Breitling’s Avenger collection was originally launched in 2001, and they were then and still are, sort of the more extreme version of the Chronomat. The Avengers share some of the Chronomat’s design cues, including the rider tabs, but in general they were designed specifically for professional use, both as aviator’s watches and as dive watches, Cases therefore have been historically on the large side (up to 46mm, as in the Super Avenger 46 B01 Chronograph) and often with cases made of performance materials like titanium and ceramic, and water resistance is at least 300M across the collection, and sometimes quite a bit more; the Avenger 45 Automatic Seawolf has a water resistance of 300 atmospheres, or 3000 meters, just in case you’re the sort of person who likes having a little extra insurance.

The collection was streamlined in 2019 under Georges Kern, who sensibly reduced the number of models from 41 to 14, and today Breitling’s adding another couple to the lineup. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, Breitling’s launching the Avenger Automatic 42 America 250 Limited Edition, and the Avenger B01 Chronograph 42 America 250 Limited Edition.

These are very straightforward watches and the association with 1776 is handled in a more discreet than not fashion, which is all to the good as it makes for watches which have the connection but don’t overstate it. The 250th anniversary branding’s subtle and largely consists of the use of a red, white and blue color scheme, but the red stitching and chronograph center seconds hand, blue dial and strap, and white subdials as well as the white rehaut, or inner flange, all come together to make a very attractive watch. The most overt connection to the 250th anniversary is on the back, where you’ll find an engraving of the Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell, as everyone should know, was placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, and it is likely (although not proven) that it rang to call citizens to the State House when the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the public for the first time on July 8th, 1776. The Bell bears the legend: “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof,” which is scarcely less well known than perhaps the most well known statement of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ”

The Avenger Automatic 42 America 250 comes in at 42mm x 12.15mm, with 300M water resistance and a one way elapsed time bezel; its obviously perfectly suited for swimming, or for that matter diving to just about any depth you are likely to reach while scuba diving; recreational scuba takes place at depths usually not greater than 40 meters.

The Avenger B01 Chronograph 42 Night Mission America 250 is a little more unusual.

This is essentially a 250th Anniversary edition of the Breitling Avenger Night Mission B01 Chronograph, which has a black ceramic case and anthracite dial. Here we have the same basic construction, with a 42mm x 15.15mm ceramic case and bezel and titanium caseback. The story topside is the same as with the Automatic 42 America 250, with touches of red, white, and blue nodding to the Anniversary theme without overdoing it, and on the back, while there’s no Liberty Bell, there is a sort of flaglike ribbon spelling out “250.” This is actually the logo of America250, which is the official, nonpartisan, congressionally-created initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, culminating on July 4, 2026. Both watches handle the connection to the Anniversary very tastefully and are a great reminder that you can often make a much more positive impression through quiet good taste than exaggerated hyperbole.

I’m in New York but The 1916 Company is of course, headquartered in Philadelphia and while I think these are both fine looking watches, I have to admit I feel a little home team pride-by-proxy at seeing the Liberty Bell on the back of the Automatic 42. These are limited editions, by the way; 250 of the the Automatic 42, and Breitling’s making just fifty of the Night Mission 42. If you’re looking for a tastefully handled horological call back to 1776, these are hard to beat. And available only in the United States.

The Avenger Automatic 42 America 250: case, stainless steel, 42mm x 12.15mm, water resistance 300M, one way elapsed time bezel with “Liberty Bell” caseback. Movement, Breitling Manufacture 17 caliber, automatic with 38 hour power reserve, chronometer certified by the COSC. Blue calfskin strap with folding clasp. Limited edition of 250 pieces; price, $5100.

The Avenger B01 Chronograph 42 Night Mission America 250: ceramic case and ceramic one-way elapsed time bezel with titanium caseback, 300M water resistant. Movement, Breitling B01 automatic chronograph, column wheel with vertical clutch, running at 28,800 vph with 70 hour power reserve; chronometer certified by the COSC. Limited edition of 50 pieces; price, $9700.

The Breitling America 250 watches are produced in cooperation with America250.

The 1916 Company is proud to be an authorized retailer for Breitling watches. Please contact us for current pricing and availability.