Introducing: An All-New Breitling SuperOcean Automatic Collection
Breitling’s Dive Watches have long flown under the radar in recent years. With the launch of the SuperOcean Heritage Collection, a little bit of new life was breathed into their more water-centric offerings as opposed to the Pilot / Racing Chronographs they’ve long grown popular for (The new Top Time’s for example). This week, Breitling has launched an all-new Collection of Superocean Automatics in a plethora of sizes and materials.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Breitling
Model: Superocean Automatic Collection
Case Material: Stainless Steel and Bronze
Crystal: Sapphire with Exhibition Caseback
Case Size: 36mm, 42mm, 44mm, 46mm
Water Resistance: 300 Meters
Movement: Breitling Caliber 17
Strap Options: Various Colors of Rubber Strap or Stainless Steel Bracelet
The Juice:
There’s no doubt that dive watches have almost been a weak-link for the brand. Breitling’s heritage largely revolves around aviation watches, which moved into Racing Chronographs lately. It’s not necessarily a band pivot or change-up, but many enthusiasts found it quite peculiar for the brand. With that pivot, the Superocean collections have largely been left untouched besides a few new color variations last year. The updated collection gives a needed face-lift to the watches and provides a slew of new options that I personally feel Breitling Enthusiast’s will be excited to pursue.
For starters, the brand has expanded the sizes as a standard, and not restrict certain sizes to certain models. While personally, I am a bit disappointed that there is no 40mm version of the new Superocean, 36mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 46mm are all represented.
The 42mm will include a really unique 1000-Piece limited edition with Kelly Slater, equipped with a green strap like his father used to wear. Additionally, the 42mm will include the only two-tone variation. Further, the brand has jumped on the Tiffany-Blue train and offered a (most likely) fan favorite version in Tiffany Blue.
The dial and bezel is where everyone is going to notice the big differences. In fact, I’ve already noticed on social media a lot of people comparing it as a mix between the Rolex Seadweller and Tudor Pelegos, and it’s not an entirely unfair comparison if Breitling didn’t already have this dial with the Breitling Slow Motion in the 50’s. Pronounced by the blocky indices and large over-sized minute hand (er….) block, the new Superocean pulls heavily from that model.
Regardless of size, the watch is fitted with a ceramic bezel insert, and screw down crown - As expected from a modern dive watch. Additionally, regardless of size, the watch is equipped with the Calibre 17 - a 28,800 VpH movement with a fairly respectable 38-hour power reserve. For a tool watch, the specs definitely check out for the price.
Overall, I’m excited to see an entirely new dive offering from the brand. As much as Breitling has expanded their dive collections, I find an all-new take on the collection the right approach.
So, how much is the new Breitling SuperOcean Collection?
Price and availability depends on model, material, and bracelet selection. But ranges from $4,600 to $6,700 USD. Read more at breitling.com