It’s no surprise to find Breitling at the top of the list of oversized watches. The Swiss manufacturer is beloved by military pilots and special forces, who rarely release anything shy and retire from their fortress in Grünchen.
Released in 2023, the Avenger Hurricane 12H is the successor to the more military-minded Hurricane of the previous year, which featured a 24-hour digital display. The 12H has a more traditional, civilian-friendly design, meaning that the hour hand points to three o’clock, indicating that it is actually three o’clock, rather than 06:00.
However, one feature of the Breitling Avenger Hurricane 12H is that it is not small. There are two sizes to choose from: a very small 45mm version, and a 50mm version that is almost man enough. Both are made of Breitlight, Breitling’s own patented material – a high-tech polymer that is claimed to be six times lighter than steel and more than three times lighter than titanium, while being stiffer than both.
The use of Breitlight makes this generously proportioned watch surprisingly wearable, although it is certainly not cheap tag heuer replica for all workplaces. At 17mm, it’s at the chunky end of the spectrum and won’t slip under any shirt sleeves.
The dial-in volcanic black or bright cobra yellow is very clear – as you’d hope, considering the amount of real estate on hand. Three subdials take up much space, and the 30-minute scale has a splash of colorful accents to help with reading. The tips of the chronograph seconds hand are similarly colored; orange for the black version and red for the yellow version. In addition, there is a small date display window at 4:30.
Surrounding it all is a familiar-looking unidirectional Breitling bezel with four rider labels at the 15-minute markers. The dial is covered with sapphire crystal on both sides and treated with an anti-reflective coating for good readability at all angles.
The interior is where the biggest difference between this watch and the original version lies. Replacing the B12 movement of the old model with the excellent in-house B01 movement gives the Hurricane 12H a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch, thus eliminating any sign of chattering when the central second’s hand is started, stopped, or reset. It also boasts Breitling’s own self-centering system and a shock-absorbing escapement wheel, making the entire watch more resistant to shocks. To top it all off, this 28,800 vph, 47-jewel movement also offers a 70-hour power reserve.
If you have doubts, this is a watch for testosterone-fueled action men. It even has a unique military textile fiber strap with a rubber lining. In addition, the chronograph’s pushers and crown are covered with a non-slip material so that they can be easily operated with gloves on.
Overall, though, and especially for a 50 mm best swiss replica watches, the Hurricane 12H is not particularly visible. The stealthy case material helps it stay relatively concealed, and the black dial version, in particular, does a great job of staying hidden – perfect for all the SEALs and the SEAL wannabes in the office.