Breitling has redesigned the SuperOcean series. It used elements from the archive of dive watches from the 1960s and 1970s.
In the 1960s, the up-and-coming sport of diving was all the rage. It was inspired by the adventures of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau.
Time was everything in diving and was measured almost exclusively in minutes. Breitling not only wanted to offer the best tool watch for this purpose. It even wanted to give it a sense of style.
To create this early SuperOcean, Breitling's designers eliminated all unnecessary features. The ones that didn't support the vital needs of divers underwater.
They applied a high-contrast ring to the dial in the critical minutes scale. They replaced the thin hands with large luminescent bars for easy reading.
Breitling describes the boldest move of all as the removal of the seconds hand. In its place came a revolutionary minute-based chronograph. They called it the “Slow Motion” because it took an hour for a full rotation of the dial.
Today, Breitling unveiled a new Superocean that returns to the simplified philosophy of the Slow Motion movement-watch philosophy.
The renewal of the collection aims to meet the needs of modern users. But a good eye will spot several design references to the original.
The collection was presented to the media and retailers. Also to influencers at the Wheels & Waves surf and motorcycle festival in Biarritz. An event followed by a day of sea-themed activities. With surprise visits from European surf and screen personalities.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern, speaking at the festival, commented on the Superocean. “There is a certain uniformity in the appearance of most dive watches, but the Slow Motion has always stood out from the others. It is a pleasure to present our modern take on this classic watch, the brand new Superocean.”.
Available in four sizes (46, 44, 42 and 36 mm). The colourful dials of the collection are combined with three different case metals, steel, steel-gold and bronze.
The special alloy we use in the 44 and 42 mm bronze versions has excellent corrosion resistance. But over time it will acquire a fine patina that will make the watch even more unique.
They have two strap options, a sporty rubber strap and a new three-row metal bracelet. They feature a retractable clasp that allows for micro-adjustments of up to 15mm for easy use over clothing and dive suits.
Water resistant up to 300 meters. Contains a ceramic-coated bezel that doesn't allow scratches and means it will never wear out or fade.
For safety, the bezel is one-way in most sizes and two-way with a patented lock in 46 mm. This watch is also shock, sand and saltwater resistant.
The Breitling Caliber 17 automatic comes with a two-year warranty and a power reserve of around 38 hours.
