Breitling can sometimes be accused of producing clunky watches with simply too much information crammed into the dial, but not with this offering released towards the end of last year. Known as the Seawolf Avenger Blacksteel Code Yellow, it’s a new addition to the quality Seawolf collection of Breitling divers.
The rationale behind the name is ‘Avenger’ for its power and sturdiness. ‘Seawolf’ for its water resistance to an impressive 3,000 metres(10,000 ft). ‘Blacksteel’ for the black case achieved by a highly resistant carbon-based treatment, and finally ‘Code Yellow’ for the original touches of yellow enlivening the seconds hand, the inner bezel, and the Automatic inscription on the dial.
The watch is produced in a limited edition of 1000 pieces, and the unconventional design works in its favour. The diver features an ergonomic case sporting a design based on digital simulations. Like the original model, the Code Yellow watch has a screw-locked crown with non-slip grip, unidirectional rotating divers’ bezel, oversized hands and large luminescent accents, a domed, glareproof sapphire crystal, and a COSC-certified chronometer movement, Breitling Calibre 17. Not to mention the security valve to balance out the differences between the case exterior and interior.
The watch is available with either of two rubber straps, a perforated “Ocean Racer” (around £3,450) or a raised-ridge “Diver Pro II” (around £2,980).
The unexpected design twist is the original use of stencil-type numerals which give the watch a distinctly masculine and powerfully graphic appearance.
As with all Breitling movements, the watch runs on a mechanical self-winding movement that is officially chronometer-certified.
Specifications
Movement: Breitling Calibre 17, officially chronometer-certified by COSC, self-winding, high-frequency (28,800 vph), 25 jewels. Calendar.
Case: Black steel
1,000-piece limited series
Water-resistant to 3,000 m (10,000 ft)/300 bars
Screw-locked crown
Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel
Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides
Diameter: 45 mm
Dial: Volcano black
Straps: Rubber Ocean Racer (perforated) or Diver Pro (with raised central ridge)
