First launched in 1957, the Superocean was created for professional divers, but it quickly found favor on the amateur diving scene and among scuba enthusiasts. Breitling preserved the spirit of the original model with the Superocean Héritage line, which blends a timeless look with cutting-edge technology. In 2017, the brand reinvigorated the line’s design, but was careful to retain the character that has made this instantly recognizable watch so unique.
A key innovation was as practical as it was aesthetically stunning: a new stainless-steel bezel with an ultra-hard high-tech ceramic ring that is both scratchproof and extremely shock-resistant. With the elimination of the metal ring surrounding the minute circle, the bezel appears to form a seamless whole with the dial in a matching color. The unusual shape of the hands (triangular for the hours and lozenge-like for the minutes), along with the slightly cone-shaped hour markers, reinforces the ties today’s design has with its 1957 ancestor while ensuring optimal legibility, enhanced by luminescent markers.
This year, the Superocean Héritage II collection has been extended to include some 44 millimeter models.
Superocean Héritage II B01 Chronograph 44
The Superocean Héritage II B01 Chronograph 44 is the watch family’s flagship model. Equipped with the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, it has been crafted in three versions with robust stainless-steel cases. The first model features a striking black dial and is presented on a black Aero Classic rubber strap; the second one is equipped with the same strap but has a silver dial; the last one has a bold blue dial and an Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet.
These three alternative models are powered by the the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 mechanical movement, which is visible through a transparent sapphire caseback and boasts a power reserve of more than 70 hours. It has contrasting panda subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44
There are also three new Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44 wristwatches, powered by the triedand-tested Breitling Caliber 13 automatic movement. The subdials are located at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock and, together with the date window at 3 o’clock, lend the chronograph a particularly sporty look.
There are two stainless-steel versions of the Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44: one has a black dial and an Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet, while the other features a blue dial and a blue Aero Classic rubber strap that perfectly complements the dial. The stainless-steel and 18 k red gold model with a black dial is presented on an Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet.
Superocean Héritage II B20 Automatic 44
A sleek and striking new interpretation of the family is the Superocean Héritage II B20 Automatic 44, a threehand version of the watch powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B20 and equipped with a date window at 6 o’clock. The Breitling Manufacture Caliber B20 powering this COSC-certified watch is a robust automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve. Based on the Tudor Caliber MT5612, it features exclusive finishing and reflects the cooperation between two brands that are now pooling their expertise in the development and production of selected mechanical movements.
There are two subtle stainless-steel designs: one with a black dial and a black Aero Ocean Classic rubber strap, the other with a blue dial and an Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet. The stainless-steel and gold Superocean Héritage II B20 Automatic 44 has a black dial and a black Aero Classic Rubber strap. This exclusive interpretation is also available in a 42 millimeter version.
The sturdy stainless-steel case with its screw-locked crown is water-resistant to 20 bar (200 meters). Its fluted unidirectional rotating bezel, with a luminescent dot at 12 o’clock, is fitted with a 120-tooth system enabling extremely accurate adjustment and very smooth rotation – ideal for checking a dive time or marking off any other time measurement.
