SuperOcean designs from the 60s are on the rise with a 2022 makeover.
Over the past few years, Breitling fake has devoted significant resources to building its ties to aviation. Breitling even operated a team of seven L-39 Albatross jets from 2003 to 2019. After all, the only reason Breitling was founded was to provide timing instruments for the aviation industry. But in the mid-1950s, Breitling started producing dive watches alongside their aviation line, these models were called the SuperOcean. Production has continued steadily since then, with the SuperOcean becoming an important, albeit secondary, part of Breitling’s identity. The design of the SuperOcean collection has evolved over time, with a design that is thoroughly contemporary, as well as a contemporary design that is intentionally reminiscent of models of yesteryear.
Today, Breitling released a new collection of SuperOcean models inspired by the company’s 60s designs, notably the SuperOcean Slow Motion. This peculiar model uses a modified Venus 188 movement that pushes the chronograph hands around the dial once every hour. This hand can be read against the 60-minute indicator to track elapsed time. It can be difficult to tell at a glance whether a chronograph is running, so an indicator has been placed at six o’clock to let the wearer know if it is running. The collection is available in four case sizes: 46, 44, 42 and 36 mm. Within these case sizes, there is a range of dial colors and even case materials – there is stainless steel, but also steel, steel gold and bronze. The collection is available on a bracelet or on a rubber strap. Breitling must have foreseen the collective enthusiast’s desire for a dateless window and a smaller case, while still appealing to “mainstream modern tastes” with 44 and 46mm cases. Whether you like a watch or not is one thing, but there are definitely models that fit your wrist.
The new SuperOcean doesn’t have the original chronograph complications – but they do borrow the thick minute track and square minute hand from the SuperOcean Slow Motion. They also stay the same by not including a date window. These design decisions create a balanced and simple diver, while also possessing a unique visual identity that is at least not derivative. Inside is the Breitling Calibre 17, in a neat chronological configuration. While Breitling doesn’t usually focus on their diver’s watch heritage, the new SuperOcean proves that when they do, they do it right.
Breitling has been crushing it lately. Part of their strategy seems to be aligning the way they roll out new models. The formula goes like this: Find a retro model beloved by fans and either reproduce it faithfully, or find the coolest details and include them in the new watch, along with modern and relevant themed elements. Pricing also seems to be in line with previous versions; the 36mm model is a nice way to get into the brand. When it comes to the new SuperOcean, there is of course a tie-in, and Breitling hired their ambassador Kelly Slater to do it. In the collection, there is a 42mm 1,000-piece limited edition “Kelly Slater” model. Here’s the story behind the watch’s design, from a recent press release:
“I’ve been making best replica watches with Breitling for the past few years, but especially this very personal watch. It was inspired by my late father who had a watch with an orange dial that he used to wear Go surfing with it. “As long as I can remember. Green along with orange is a color scheme that I like to airbrush on my boards since I was a kid. This combination has always bothered me. ” – Kelly Slater
The overall aesthetic of the new SuperOcean is instantly recognizable thanks to the large, boxy minute hand paired with the thick chapter ring. Breitling’s current CEO, Georges Kern, is an industry insider known for his bold moves and grand statements. He’s an otherworldly character, and time and time again, he’s fully backed his vision for Breitling. Breitling releases consistently fall into the sweet spot of mainstream appeal, while still catering to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Basic knowledge
Brand: Breitling
Models: Superocean (46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 36mm)
Reference numbers: A17377211A1S1, A17377211A1A1, A17377211C1S1, A17377211C1A1, A17377211O1S1 or A17377211O1A1
Diameters: 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 36mm
Thickness: 12.21 mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel, Steel Gold and Bronze
Dial Color: White, Orange, Turquoise, Black, Blue, Green
Index: Applied
Lumens: Superluminova
Water resistance: 300M
Strap/Bracelet: Available in stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap
sports
Movement: Breitling Calibre 17
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Diameter: 25.6 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm Power Reserve
: 38 hours winding
: bidirectional, automatic
Frequency: 28,800vph
Observatory Certification: COSC Certification