Superocean Breitling

SuperOcean watches: Breitling sets out to conquer the ocean floor

While Breitling was mainly oriented in flight chronometers, the Swiss manufacturer decided to tackle the nautical world in the 1950s. In 1957, it presented a diving watch that quickly became a reference in the field: the Breitling SuperOcean. Waterproof to a depth of 100 meters, it competes directly with other prestigious models, such as the Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Submariner. Designed specifically for diving, the Breitling SuperOcean watches of the 1950s were straightforward: a synthetic glass to protect the dial, luminescent hands to read the time in the depths of the sea, a screw-down crown to ensure water resistance and a rotating bezel used to time intervals. This first collection of SuperOcean also had a very aesthetic and functional black dial, as well as a bezel that was slightly bevelled towards the inside. While the rotating bezel could then be turned in either direction, it quickly became unidirectional to avoid any accidental manipulation during dives.

The SuperOcean, a classic that won't fade, signed Breitling

It was truly in 2007 that Breitling Superocean watches saw their former glory resurface. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this diving watch, the Swiss manufacturer decided to celebrate it by launching two models in the form of a tribute: the Breitling SuperOcean Héritage 38 and the Breitling SuperOcean Héritage 46. Identical in every way, these two diving watches have only one major difference: one has a case with a diameter of 38 mm, the other 46 mm. Returning to the minimalist style of the very first SuperOcean watches from 1957, both timepieces have a black dial and a unidirectional bezel of the same color. While the indexes are again marked by simple sticks, the numerals are also absent. Despite this, these dive watches with a stainless steel case bring some welcome novelties. The Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 36 and 48 watches are equipped with the Breitling 37 manufacture caliber, with a COSC-certified 28,800 vph balance and a 42-hour power reserve. We also notice that the date appears on the dial and that this diving watch 2.0 is now waterproof to a depth of 200 meters. The following year, in 2008, it was the turn of the Breitling SuperOcean Chronograph to make its appearance. A new tribute to the original model, this one nevertheless marks its difference thanks to its large 46 mm case and its three windows in the dial in particular.