There are not many watches larger than 46mm in diameter. And for good reason: If it gets bigger than that, then a significant share of the market gets alienated because the watch simply becomes unwearable. That said, there are some watches that are famously and fabulously oversized, and companies that are particularly worshipped for their predilection for larger proportions. Being a maker of instruments for professionals, Breitling is one such company. In order for its timepieces to fulfil their duty of legibility and reliability, they all have to be big enough. But ever the pragmatist, Breitling understands that while heft is a virtue, heaviness is not, so it set out to make an extra-large timepiece that does not weigh the wrist down. Enter the Avenger Hurricane (which was covered previously, at BaselWorld itself but here’s another go at it).

Imagine a 50mm sports watch with prominent lugs, a robust bezel, and sturdy pushers and crown. The Avenger Hurricane would be very close to that image. Now imagine this watch on your wrist. Chances are that you would expect a significant presence both in terms of volume and weight, but be prepared for a surprise should you have the good fortune to encounter this timepiece in the flesh. In spite of its extreme build, the Avenger Hurricane is super light. Super, almost unbelievably, light. It weighs 68.92 grams. The secret lies in its case material, and no, it’s not titanium; it is a material that’s lighter than even titanium.

Ultra-sturdy and ultra-light, this material is codenamed Breitlight, which is a world’s first according to Breitling. Essentially a high-tech polymer composite, it is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than steel. Yet, it is significantly harder and boasts a number of qualities including exceptional resistance to scratches, traction and corrosion, anti-magnetic, thermal stability, and anti-allergenic properties. It also proffers a tactile feel that’s warmer than metals, while appearing with a black, subtly mottled effect that stands it apart from anything else on the market.

The watch’s all-black look benefits from a dash of colour, yellow from the strap’s yellow rubber core and bits of details on the dial, as well as white from the hands and aviation-inspired stencil-type 24-hour numerals. On the inside, the in-house manufactured Breitling Calibre B12 keeps it animated. Accordingly, the self-winding COSC-certified chronograph tells the time over the 24-hour dial (customary in military timepieces) and as is expected of all aviation watches, the thick sapphire crystal is glareproofed on both sides.

Specs

• Dimensions: 50mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Movement: B12, automatic
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Material: Breitlight
• Strap: Rubber and fabric

This story was first published in World of Watches.