Stripped of chronograph subdials but keeping a small date window at three, this Breitling Avenger Blackbird replica reduces the Avenger to its most essential form. The V17311101B1W1 reference runs a time-only layout behind a matte black dial, relying on oversized luminous baton indices and a clean three-hand arrangement with a red-tipped seconds hand. Breitling built this as the Avenger Blackbird 44, which means the case stays within a millimetre of the 45mm chronograph variants but removes visual clutter from the face entirely. Without pushers at two and four, the case sides are smooth from crown guard to lug, creating a simpler silhouette than any Avenger chronograph offers. Our guide to titanium versus steel Avenger models explains the black DLC finish used on the genuine versions.

Specifications

• Model: Avenger Blackbird 44
• Reference: V17311101B1W1
• Case size: 44 mm
• Case: matte black finish (genuine: DLC-coated titanium)
• Dial: matte black with oversized luminous baton indices, red-tipped seconds hand, date at 3 in a red frame
• Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Bezel: unidirectional with rider tabs
• Movement: clone Cal. Breitling 17, automatic, time-only, 28,800 vph
• Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, date
• Power reserve: 36 hours (genuine Cal. Breitling 17: 38 hours)
• Water resistance: 50 m (genuine: 200 m)
• Strap: textile military-style

Matte Black Finish and Military Fabric Strap

On the genuine watch, DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating over titanium gives the case a stealth-black finish that resists scratches better than standard PVD treatments; the clone reproduces that matte black look, and its base metal is not stated by the supplier. The textile strap reinforces the tactical aesthetic while keeping weight low compared to a steel bracelet on the same case.

Why a Time-Only Avenger Wears Slimmer

A time-only caliber occupies less vertical space than a chronograph, and you can feel the difference in case thickness when you lay the watch flat. Without pushers flanking the crown, the case profile is cleaner from the side and less likely to catch on shirt cuffs despite the 44mm width. For a direct size comparison, set this alongside the 45mm steel Avenger B01 chronograph with a grey dial. That reference adds a chronograph and moves the date to six, in a case one millimetre wider. Both sit in the Avenger catalog, but they solve different problems on the wrist.

Blackbird 44 Replica: the Minimalist Avenger

Most Avengers pack the dial with subdials, date apertures, and minute-track rings. The V17311101B goes the opposite direction and keeps only a small date window. The black-on-black palette, broken only by red print, the red date frame and the red seconds tip, means the dial reads as graphic rather than technical, and the textile strap makes it one of the lightest configurations in the 44-45mm Avenger sizes. For nighttime legibility the oversized lume plots carry more charge than the smaller markers on chronograph dials, which compensates for the near-monochrome color scheme. This Blackbird 44 replica represents the minimalist end of a collection known for information density.