Basel Buzz for Thursday

Today a couple of chronographs caught my eye. They sort of define the spectrum of the genre. A Patek Philippe at one end, and a Breitling at the other.

First up is the Breitling Avenger Hurricane – best described as a cross between the venerable SuperAvenger chrono and the Cosmonaut.

The Breitling Avenger Hurricane

This baby seriously assaults hockey puck territory at 50mm. That’s just a few hairs short of two full-blown inches on your wrist! However, it’s mitigated by the fact that the case is made of Breitlight^®,a new proprietary substance that’s only a third the weight of titanium and significantly harder than steel.

This, from the Breitling website: “this exclusive high-tech material boasts a number of qualities: exceptional resistance to scratches, traction and corrosion, anti-magnetic, thermal stability, anti-allergic properties – as well as a touch that is warmer than metal.”

Can’t wait to try it out!

Then there’s the Patek Philippe ref 5204R-001. This is a split second chronograph for the truly refined. Rose gold or platinum, your choice. No high tech case materials here – that’s saved for the Gyromax® balance in the Caliber CHR 29-535 PS Q movement. And for you voyeurs, the piece comes with both solid and sapphire crystal display case backs.

Patek Philippe 5204R-001 in Rose Gold

Stay tuned for more Basel Buzz tomorrow!

The post Basel Buzz for Thursday appeared first on Bezel & Barrel written by Ed Estlow.