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Breitling Avenger Seawolf Stainless Steel (ref A17330), circa 2011
The more I look at this diver rated 3,000m/300bar, the more I am convinced Breitling makes some of the best looking diving watches in the world, and among all Brietling divers, the Avenger Seawolf emerges as the ultimate king.
Breitling signature on the iconic Seawolf crown
Weighing a hefty 160g without bracelet (or 210g with the Pro II bracelet), the watch sits amazingly comfortable on my 6.75" wrist. It is a tad lighter than the rolex DSSD (220g), but the overall feel is more balanced, probably due to the thicker bracelet (22mm straight Pro II bracelet, compared to DSSD 21/18mm tapered bracelet). The reason why I compare the Seawolf and DSSD is because both have similar underwater rating , Seawolf 3,000m and DSSD 3,900m. Cost wise, the DSSD retails SG$15,700 while the Seawolf SG$6,000 at the time of this review (Sep 2012)
Of course, price wise, it is unfair to compare Breitling to Rolex because they belong to different tier. However, in terms of technical specs and build quality, the 2 are comparable and each has its own uniqueness. Both are great diving watches.
Polished thick case and signature Seawolf crown
I prefer the stainless steel version of Seawolf than the titanium predecessor, reason being the hefty weight. You feel you are wearing something substantial on your wrist with the SS Seawolf. The 18.4mm thickness and 45.4mm case width tells onlookers this is a no-nonsense professional diving watch. There is a helium release valve on the 9 oclock position of the case.. looks cool but not much practical purpose if you dont do diving with this watch. Another thing I like about the new Seawolf is the dial design, especially the gray dial. Looks a different shade under different lighting condition. In darker lighting, it looks black; in bright sunlight, it looks slate gray. Makes the dial presentation really interesting. Afterall, a wolf is gray, isnt it?
The lugs are well designed, looks really balanced with the 45mm case diameter and 18mm case thickness. The overall proportion is just right. I have a feeling the A17330 is the best-designed best-looking Breitling divers of all time. Photos dont do justice to the quality of the finishing. You have to look and feel this watch to appreciate its beauty.
Beautiful dial presentation and a bluish tint on the crystal
The literature on the dial says 3,000m/10,000ft, COSC Chronometer and Automatic. The Breitling logo at 12o'clock is a beautiful signature. The index is raised numbers (except at 6 and 9 oclock positions which are raised bars). Compared to the other variation of A17330 with all bars, I prefer this numbers version, as it looks more rugged. Afterall, the Seawolf is designed to look rugged and intended for rugged use. The bars version doesnt work for me.. look more dressy than a tool watch. Another nice feature is the date window - it is surrounded by a nice polished frame.
The markings on the uni-directional bezel has a subtle look compared to the predecessor, with shorter markers. It is a better design. Gives you the 'less is more' feel. The bezel turns solidly, with nice clicks. Although matt, the finishing on the bezel gives a satin and bling look.. not sure how Breitling manage to achieve this.
The Pro II bracelet with the slanted links looks elegant and unique to Breitling. It complements the Seawolf really well. The clasp has a solid build, and secures the watch tightly.
What do I dislike about this watch - practically nothing. If I really have to pick something, it would be the fact that the lume is weak. Breitling makes pretty decent watches, but as far as lume is concerned, it is weak. Not sure what is the brand of the lume used, but it pales compared to the rolex superluminova.
That being said, at the SG$6k price range, there are few makes that can rival the Seawolf, in terms of technical specs, quality, design, look and feel.
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