Hot Take: Breitling Superocean Collection – Newly Updated
Yesterday, just prior to the start of Baselworld 2019, the new Breitling Superocean Collection debuted. We had the chance to take a look at a couple different sizes.
When most think of Breitling, chronographs come to mind. With a stalwart such as the Navitimer (you can read our recent review of the new 1959 Reissue), other models often don’t get the same level of press, but Breitling has actually been making dive watches since 1957 and they’re quite popular. With the new Breitling Superocean Collection, the brand updates its collection (versus the prior Superocean II) with an astounding five different diameters – 36, 42, 44, 46, and 48mm. So, there’s truly something for everyone and every gender. Note that all of the watches you’ll see here are in either 46 or 44mm – Breitling was good enough to make these available before the announcement.
Changes to the Breitling Superocean Collection
The major changes to the Breitling Superocean Collection consist of new dials and new surface finishes. However, we also have the addition of a 46mm case (previously only available in the Superocean Heritage collection) and where bracelets are employed, matte finishing is the standard.
New Dials and Bezels
When taking a look at the dials within the Breitling Superocean Collection, everything has switched to applied Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12 versus the previously found hash marks. Against dials such as the blue and black, it’s a clean look that stands out more than prior versions. And the bezels have also changed away from a block of ceramic to what the brand calls “deposited varnish”. The surface is embossed so that there’s some real topography at work. Interestingly, the winged logo makes a return – sporty models will continue to feature this while dressier models will not. It seems the fans of the winged logo claimed a victory.
The Lineup
Starting at the top of the Breitling Superocean Collection, the 48mm (17.25mm in thickness) version differs from the rest of the lineup with its DLC-coated titanium case and lack of date function. It’s massive! It keeps a ceramic bezel, non-Arabic dial and adds a sliding bezel lock on the left side of the case. Curiously, the biggest Superocean of them all contains 200M of water resistance. All models contain the Breitling Cal. 17 – an ETA 2824-2 brought up to chronometer spec.
Moving on, the 46mm (16.85mm thickness) versions all contain a DLC-coated stainless steel case. This is similar to what we’ve seen the brand do with the Navitimer 8 collection and prospective buyers should know that it’s more dark grey than it is jet black. That makes it more wearable in my opinion. One can choose between either a blue or black dial while the pieces will come on rubber Pro Diver III straps with either a pin buckle or deployant clasp. Here again, water resistance is 200M. Pricing begins at 4,350 Euros.
The 44mm versions (14.21mm thickness) are also available in either black or blue, but the cases are normal stainless steel. If water resistance is important to you, these pieces will make it down to 1000M. Rubber in blue or black is available or a matte-finished stainless bracelet can be chosen. Pricing starts at 3,350 Euros. The 42mm variants offer the same choices, but the watches are rated to 500M and have a height of 13.32mm. Pricing starts at 3,250 Euros.
The links retain the diagonal links that have became a Breitling hallmark.
Finally, we have the 36mm models within the Breitling Superocean Collection and these are characterized as women’s models. With a thickness of only 11.24mm, they’d probably look good on my wrist as well! With a water resistance of 200m, the smallest of the bunch will be available with either a light blue or white dial. Once again, a matching rubber strap is available along with the choice of bracelet. Pricing begins at 3,250 Euros.
Final Thoughts
The updates within the Breitling Superocean Collection should go over well with fans of the brand. More than that, though, the color options, new dial styling, and approachable pricing should attract looks from anyone looking for a new diver. We’ll get to spend more time with these this week and will come back with additional photos – especially of the big 48mm piece!
For more information (including pricing in your country) on the updated Breitling Superocean Collection visit the brand’s official site.
