December 2013


A month or two ago Panerai announced a new 8 Day in-house movement named the P.5000. This movement is featured currently in two Luminor Marina Watches (The PAM510 and PAM511), and has no complications yet.. Just small seconds, hour and minutes… oh, and an incredible 8 day power reserve. They are handwound movements, and are pretty awesome.

A power reserve of eight days and hand-wound: the P.5000 calibre combines these two characteristics which are part of the history of Panerai watches since the first models created for the commandos of the Italian Navy. With a diameter of 15¾ lignes (35.7 mm) and a thickness of 4.5 mm, the P.5000 calibre has 21 jewels, it is made up of 127 component parts and its balance wheel oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz, equivalent to 21,600 vibrations/hour. Its original, very strong structure recalls that of old movements in which the mechanism was contained between two plates concealing most of the wheels and allowing only a few details to be seen, such as the balance cock and the intermediate wheel.
The P.5000 calibre has a variable inertia balance, its period of oscillation being adjusted by turning the little timing screws on the outside of the balance wheel. Using this system the balance spring is free, without the curb pins which would otherwise be used to modify its active length. The bridge supporting the balance is fixed by two screws beneath which are threaded rings which turn in both directions, the purpose of which is to adjust the endshake of the balance staff pivots. This technical solution helps the escapement to continue running perfectly in the event of shocks.
The long power reserve of 192 hours, that is 8 days, is achieved by coupling the two spring barrels with toothed rims in series. The twin assembly enables longer, thinner springs to be used, resulting in a longer duration and greater uniformity in delivering energy to the movement.

Functions
• Hours, minutes, small seconds
• Hand-wound
• Power reserve 8 days
• 127 components
• 21 jewels
• 15¾ lignes
• 4.5mm thick
• Two barrels
• Oscillation frequency 3 Hz
• KIF Parechoc® anti-shock device

Really digging this new LE from Breitling.. not just a Blacksteel case, but they threw in a 24hour movement, the Breitling Caliber 22. Combine that with the cool stenciled 24-hr arabic dial and you have a winner. I personally like the extra effort put into this model. Additionally, they released a new strap called the offroader for it, which is a canvas military style strap.

super-avenger-military

SUPER AVENGER MILITARY LIMITED SERIES
An elite force

A concentrated blend of power, precision and functionality, the new Super Avenger Military chronograph by Breitling certainly lives up to its name. Its rugged steel case, water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 ft), features an ultra-resistant carbon-based black coating. The result is a non-reflective stealth look clearly geared up for the most extreme missions. The equally black dial provides a 24-hour “military time” display to avoid any potential confusion in the heat of action. The offroader strap is made of a durable and comfortable synthetic fabric such as those adopted for their operations by the elite armed forces. Issued in a 500-piece limited edition, the Super Avenger Military is also distinguished by its screwed-in pushpiece guards, its large screw-locked crown with non-slip grip guaranteeing maximum functionality; its thick glareproofed sapphire crystal, as well as the oversized hands, hour-markers and numerals ensuring optimal readability. A true instrument for professionals, it is equipped with a selfwinding movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – the highest official benchmark in terms of precision and reliability, as well as the only one based on an international norm. Super Avenger Military: an elite force on the wrist.

See the watch on the official Breitling Website:
http://www.breitling.com/en/models/avenger/super-avenger-ii/versions/limited-editions/