Breitling honours elite U.S. naval aviation forces with new Avenger Night Mission collection

Zach Blass

• Breitling debuts three Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Missions that pay homage to elite U.S. naval aviation forces.
• The watches feature dials inspired by (and co-branded with) the US Naval Academy and the VX-30 Bloodhounds and VX-31 Dust Devils test squadrons.
• Each uses 44mm black ceramic cases, COSC-certified B01 movements, and military leather straps, priced at US$10,200.

When polled what watch brands are most tied to the world of aviation, Breitling is irrefutably a brand situated at the top of the list. While currently celebrating its 140th anniversary, Breitling’s connection with aviation can be traced all the way back to 1930s, when third-generation founder Willy Breitling formed the HUIT Aviation Department dedicated to creating precision aircraft instruments and pilots’ chronographs.

In 1952, after being approached by the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to create a new chronograph for its members, Breitling developed its legendary Navitimer watch with its signature multifunctional logarithmic slide-rule bezel. This creation, among many to follow, would cement Breitling’s place as the aviator’s watchmaker, whether civilian or military. Today, Breitling not only honours its own heritage and ties to the world of aviation, but also three elite U.S. naval aviation forces with three new Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission U.S. Navy Editions that pay homage to the USN Dust Devils, USN Bloodhounds, and US Naval Academy.

Breitling explains: “The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland is America’s flagship institution for naval training. Established in 1845, it has consistently produced top-notch leaders for the global naval community. the Bloodhounds, VX-30, stationed at Point Mugu, California, are experimental test pilots of the highest order, pushing the limits of naval aviation to advance its capabilities. Aptly nicknamed the Dust Devils, VX-31 has its base in the desert landscape of China Lake, California. It’s a squadron at the pinnacle of U.S. naval test flying, driving aviation to new frontiers.”

The emblems and colours of each of the elite U.S. naval aviation forces have been incorporated into Breitling’s stealthy Night Mission variant of the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44. As its name suggests, the black ceramic cases of each configuration clock in at 44mm in diameter, and it certainly has a commanding wrist presence with a thickness of 15.2mm and a lug-to-lug span of 53mm. Subtly, the case is technically two-tone as its pushers and crown are fabricated in contrasting titanium – likely to keep more sensitive components as sturdy as possible.

The USN Dust Devils edition uses a matte black dial with red accents, while the USN Bloodhounds edition goes for a matte anthracite dial with yellow accents. The US Naval Academy piece ditches the accented monochromatic look for a matte blue dial with yellow accents. They all have their chronograph counters executed in black, creating a tone-on-tone look for the Dust Devils edition and adding panda-style flair to the USN Bloodhounds and US Naval Academy editions. Each of the respective emblems is embedded into the 9 o’clock counter which serves as the running seconds sub-dial. The hands tied to chronograph functionalities are coloured in the corresponding accented colour, making them distinct and easy to discern.

Surrounding the exhibition caseback, you will notice that each of the U.S. naval aviation forces are engraved into the outer perimeter of the titanium caseback. The manufacture automatic B01 chronograph movement, however, has not been specially customised. I actually love the fact Breitling elected to do it this way, as  some sort of laser-etching on the crystal would have obscured the view of the handsome, 70-hour, vertical clutch, column-wheel chronograph. Each of the watches is outfitted on a military leather strap, 22mm in width, that then tapers down to 20mm. The Dust Devils and Bloodhounds sport a black strap with stitching that is colour-matched to the accent colour of the dial. The US Naval Academy model, however, is affixed to a blue military leather strap with tone-one-tone blue stitching. All of these straps are secured to the wrist via a titanium folding pin buckle.

Anyone interested in both watches and aviation likely already found the standard Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission attractive. Therefore I laud Breitling’s strategic decision to tastefully co-brand these special editions in a manner that does add just enough branding. They remain faithful to the more standard model while distinguishing themselves enough to add value and feel special. While these U.S. Navy Editions do add a US$550 premium over the regular Night Mission, US$10,200 for a ceramic-cased watch driven by a manufacture, COSC-certified column-wheel chronograph remains reasonable in my view. It is also neat to see the Avenger collection expand further as the line got its first overhaul since 2019 just before the end of 2023. I imagine fans of the brand and collection will be glad to see more configurations enter the mix.

Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission U.S. Navy Editions pricing and availability

The Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission US Naval Academy, USN Bloodhounds, and USN Dust Devils watches are available now for purchase. Price: US$10,200

Brand	Breitling
Model	Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission US Naval Academy Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission USN Bloodhounds Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission USN Dust Devils
Case Dimensions	44mm (D) x 15.2mm (T) x 53mm (LTL)
Case Material	Black ceramic, titanium
Water Resistance	300 metres, screw-down crown
Crystal(s)	Sapphire front and back
Dial	Blue and yellow, anthracite and yellow, black and red
Strap	Leather strap, titanium folding clasp
Movement	Breitling B01, in-house, automatic
Power Reserve	70 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Availability	Now
Price	US$10,200