Breitling Superocean Heritage

A significant refresh has arrived for one of Breitling's most recognizable watch families. The Superocean Heritage collection, a line with deep roots in the mid-20th century, receives a comprehensive update that touches upon nearly every aspect of its design and engineering. This is not merely a cosmetic facelift, but a deliberate evolution that introduces new movements, refines case dimensions, and expands upon the collection's established aesthetic with a clear nod to coastal culture.

The history of the Superocean Heritage is integral to understanding its present form. When Breitling introduced the original Superocean in 1957, it entered a burgeoning market for dive watches with a distinct perspective. While competitors focused almost exclusively on utilitarian, tool-like designs, Breitling aimed for something different. The initial models, the time-only Ref. 1004 and the dive chronograph Ref. 807, were certainly capable instruments for underwater exploration, but they were also crafted with an eye for style that was uncommon for the genre at the time.



This dual focus on performance and presentation became a hallmark of the Superocean line. The original models featured distinctive design cues, such as unique spear-and-arrow hands for clear legibility and a sleek, anodized rotating bezel. These elements set it apart, appealing to a clientele of adventurers who were as active in social settings as they were in the sea. This philosophy, of a watch that is both a capable tool and a handsome accessory, continues to be the guiding principle for the modern Superocean Heritage collection. It carries the spirit of the 1950s originals, but is engineered and styled for a contemporary audience.

The latest iteration of the Superocean Heritage collection is the first major update since 2017 and demonstrates a focused effort on refinement. Breitling has fine-tuned the details across the board, from the case sizes available to the introduction of a new in-house caliber. The goal, as stated by Breitling CEO Georges Kern, was to perfect every detail while preserving the fundamental character of the watch. It is an exercise in sharpening what already works, enhancing its appeal for modern sensibilities without erasing its historical DNA.

Visually, the collection presents a cohesive and appealing aesthetic rooted in a coastal-inspired color palette. The core offerings are centered around classic black, a deep maritime blue, and a rich, earthy green. These colors are applied to both the dials and the matching ceramic-inlayed bezels. The use of ceramic is a significant technical upgrade, offering superior scratch resistance that ensures the bezel, a high-impact area of any watch, maintains its pristine look over years of wear. The colors themselves evoke a strong connection to the ocean and the shore, from the dark depths to the sun-dappled shallows and coastal flora.

The cases and bracelets have also undergone a subtle but important redesign. The new mesh-metal and mesh-rubber bracelets are engineered to be thinner and integrate more seamlessly with the watch case. This creates a more fluid line from the case to the strap, enhancing wearing comfort and giving the watch a more unified and sophisticated profile on the wrist. A secure folding clasp completes the bracelet, providing a reliable and easy-to-use closure that adds to the overall sense of quality and thoughtful design.



Further refinements are evident on the dial, where a keen sense of symmetry and proportion prevails. On the chronograph models, the subdials are tone-on-tone with the main dial, creating a subtle, integrated look that doesn't shout for attention. The date window has been discreetly positioned at the six o’clock position across the collection, contributing to a more balanced and harmonious composition. This placement is a subtle nod to design principles often favored by collectors for its pleasing symmetry compared to the more common three o'clock position.

Legibility, a critical factor for any watch with diving heritage, is maintained and enhanced through the reintroduction of the original's distinctive handset. The hands—a broad arrow for the hours and a slimmer spear shape for the minutes—are paired with pointed, applied indexes. This combination provides excellent contrast and at-a-glance readability in various lighting conditions, a direct link to the functional requirements of the 1957 original that made it a reliable tool for divers.

This refresh also marks a significant step forward for Breitling in terms of mechanical prowess. The collection is now largely powered by Breitling's own manufacture movements. The 42 mm chronograph models are equipped with the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, the brand’s flagship chronograph movement. Known for its robust construction, column-wheel mechanism, and vertical clutch, the Caliber 01 is a highly regarded workhorse that offers a substantial 70-hour power reserve. Its inclusion in the Superocean Heritage underscores the collection's position within Breitling's premium offerings.

For the three-hand automatic models, Breitling introduces an entirely new and exclusive movement: the Caliber B31. This manufacture caliber, first launched in March, powers the 44 mm, 42 mm, and 40 mm versions. Its debut in this key collection signals Breitling's ongoing commitment to becoming a true manufacture, with greater control over its supply chain and the technical specifications of its watches. The B31 provides a very healthy power reserve of approximately 78 hours, a significant advantage over the more standard 40-50 hour power reserves found in many other watches.

The collection offers a wider range of sizes to cater to diverse wrist sizes and preferences. The automatic models are available in 44 mm, 42 mm, and 40 mm diameters. Additionally, a new 36 mm size is introduced, powered by the reliable Breitling Caliber 10 automatic movement. This smaller size broadens the collection's appeal, offering a more compact option that retains all the design DNA of its larger siblings. For those seeking an extra touch of warmth and distinction, select models are available with 18k red-gold outer bezels, which add a luxurious accent without compromising the watch's sporty, functional aesthetic.



The launch is accompanied by a vibrant campaign that draws its inspiration from the sights and surf culture of Hawaii. The modern-retro aesthetic of the campaign, with its saturated colors and lush natural imagery, perfectly complements the design of the watches themselves. It effectively captures the spirit of the collection: a tool for adventure that is equally at home in the relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere of a beachside community. It is a tribute to the sea, the surf scene, and the enduring style of the Superocean.

A standout piece within the new lineup is the Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater, a limited edition created in collaboration with the legendary surfer. With 11 world titles to his name, Kelly Slater is an icon of the sport, and this watch serves as a tribute to his incredible career and his deep connection to Hawaii. Limited to just 500 pieces, the watch is infused with a distinct Hawaiian vibe, most notably on its dial, which features a unique foliage pattern inspired by the play of light through a tropical canopy.

The Kelly Slater edition is more than just a unique dial; it features an open caseback that provides a view of the new manufacture B31 movement within. The outer ring of the caseback is engraved with "One of 500" and "Kelly Slater Limited Edition" to signify its exclusivity. The watch is offered on either a blue rubber mesh strap or a classic stainless-steel mesh bracelet, allowing for a personalized look. It is presented in a special box that carries the same Hawaiian floral motif found on the dial and includes a personal note from Slater himself, making it a true collector's item for fans of both surfing and horology.

To complement the watches, Breitling has embarked on a collaboration with the independent British eyewear brand, Cutler and Gross. This partnership has resulted in an exclusive capsule collection of sunglasses, Breitling Eyewear by Cutler and Gross, designed to mirror the key features of the Superocean Heritage timepieces. The luminous lacquer-filled temple tips, for instance, are designed to echo the watch's arrow-shaped hour hand, while the core wire features an engraving that mimics the Milanese mesh bracelet.



These subtle but clever design integrations create a strong sense of cohesion between the watch and the eyewear. The Breitling "Script B" logo appears on the hinge, and the lenses are available in smoky shades of grey, blue, grey-pink, and green, tying back to the collection's color palette. The four handcrafted styles are available in various materials, including clean metal frames and sculpted eco-conscious cellulose acetate. Each style is limited to 500 frames, with special editions featuring 18k red-gold-plated metalwork to match the two-tone watch models.

Further extending the collection's beach-centric theme, Breitling has also partnered with the iconic Brazilian footwear brand Havaianas. This collaboration has produced a set of special-edition sandals featuring the same Hawaiian floral design seen on the Kelly Slater watch and its packaging. These casual, stylish essentials are available through Breitling Equipment, dedicated spaces within the brand’s boutiques that offer a curated selection of apparel and accessories, reinforcing the lifestyle aspect of the brand.

The Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 stands as the most mechanically complex model in the lineup. Its 44 mm stainless steel case houses the Breitling 01 manufacture caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. The movement's 28,800 vibrations per hour and 41 jewels ensure precision timekeeping and smooth operation of the 1/4th second chronograph. It is water-resistant to 200 meters, a capability supported by a screw-locked crown with two gaskets and a unidirectional ratcheted bezel, a critical safety feature for diving. The cambered sapphire crystal is glare-proofed on both sides for maximum clarity.

The core of the new collection is represented by the models powered by the new B31 movement. The Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic is available in 44 mm, 42 mm, and 40 mm sizes. All share the same impressive technical specifications: the self-winding mechanical B31 caliber with its 78-hour power reserve, a vibration frequency of 28,800 v.p.h., and a date aperture. They all feature a 200-meter water resistance rating, screw-locked crowns, unidirectional bezels, and sapphire crystals. The primary difference lies in their diameter and lug width, offering a range of fits for the modern consumer.



The Superocean Heritage Automatic 36 offers a more compact alternative. At 36 mm in diameter, it is powered by the Breitling 10 caliber, a self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and 25 jewels. It maintains the same robust specifications as its larger counterparts, including 200-meter water resistance, a screw-locked crown, and a unidirectional bezel, ensuring that its smaller size does not compromise its capability as a serious sea watch.

The renewed Breitling Superocean Heritage collection is available through Breitling boutiques, authorized retailers, and the brand's official website. Pricing reflects the inclusion of manufacture movements and refined materials. The Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 ranges from approximately $6,500 to $9,200, depending on the choice of strap or bracelet and the inclusion of a two-tone bezel. The standard Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic models are priced from $6,200 to $7,700 across the 40mm, 42mm, and 44mm sizes, with variations for straps, bracelets, and two-tone options. The limited-edition Kelly Slater model is priced between $6,450 and $6,750. The most accessible model is the Superocean Heritage Automatic 36, which ranges from $5,200 to $5,500. This tiered pricing structure provides multiple entry points into a collection that successfully blends historical inspiration with contemporary watchmaking.

Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42

Case: 44 mm diameter. Screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance of 200 m (660 ft). Unidirectional, ratcheted bezel. Screw-locked crown with two gaskets. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. 22 mm lug width.

Movement: Breitling 01 (Manufacture). Self-winding mechanical. Approximate 70-hour power reserve. 1/4th second, 30-minute chronograph. Vibrates at 28,800 v.p.h. 41 jewels.

Dial: Calendar via dial aperture. Tone-on-tone subdials. Distinctive arrow hour hand and spear minute hand with pointed indexes.

Strap: Thinner, integrated mesh-metal or mesh-rubber bracelets with a folding clasp.

Price: $6,500 to $9,200

Notes: Features Breitling's flagship in-house Caliber 01 chronograph movement. Some models feature an 18k red-gold bezel.



Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater

Case: 40 mm stainless steel case. Open sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance of 200 m (660 ft). Unidirectional, ratcheted bezel. Screw-locked crown with two gaskets. 20 mm lug width.

Movement: Breitling B31 (Manufacture). Self-winding mechanical. Approximate 78-hour power reserve. Vibrates at 28,800 v.p.h.

Dial: Unique foliage pattern inspired by a tropical canopy. Calendar via dial aperture.

Strap: Available on a blue rubber mesh strap or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet.

Price: $6,450 - $6,750

Notes: Limited to 500 pieces. The caseback is engraved with "One of 500" and "Kelly Slater Limited Edition."



Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40

Case: 40 mm diameter. Screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance of 200 m (660 ft). Unidirectional, ratcheted bezel. Screw-locked crown with two gaskets. Sapphire crystal. 20 mm lug width.

Movement: Breitling B31 (Manufacture). Self-winding mechanical. Approximate 78-hour power reserve. Vibrates at 28,800 v.p.h.

Dial: Calendar via dial aperture. Available in black, blue, or green with matching ceramic bezel.

Strap: Thinner, integrated mesh-metal or mesh-rubber bracelets with a folding clasp.

Price: $6,200 - $6,500

Notes: Debuts the B31, Breitling’s first exclusive three-hand manufacture caliber.



Superocean Heritage Automatic 36

Case: 36 mm diameter. Screwed-in solid caseback. Water resistance of 200 m (660 ft). Unidirectional, ratcheted bezel. Screw-locked crown with two gaskets. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. 18 mm lug width.

Movement: Breitling 10. Self-winding mechanical. Approximate 42-hour power reserve. Vibrates at 28,800 v.p.h. 25 jewels.

Dial: Calendar via dial aperture.

Strap: Thinner, integrated mesh-metal or mesh-rubber bracelets with a folding clasp.

Price: $5,200 to $5,500

Notes: The most compact size in the new collection, suitable for a wide variety of wrists.



Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 42

Case: 42 mm diameter. Screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance of 200 m (660 ft). Unidirectional, ratcheted bezel. Screw-locked crown with two gaskets. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. 22 mm lug width.

Movement: Breitling B31 (Manufacture). Self-winding mechanical. Approximate 78-hour power reserve. Vibrates at 28,800 v.p.h.

Dial: Calendar via dial aperture. Available in black, blue, or green with matching ceramic bezel.

Strap: Thinner, integrated mesh-metal or mesh-rubber bracelets with a folding clasp.

Price: $6,200 to $7,700

Notes: Also powered by the new B31 manufacture movement. An 18k red-gold bezel option is available.



Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44

Case: 44 mm stainless steel case. Screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance of 200 m (660 ft). Unidirectional, ratcheted bezel. Screw-locked crown with two gaskets. Sapphire crystal. 22 mm lug width.

Movement: Breitling B31 (Manufacture). Self-winding mechanical. Approximate 78-hour power reserve. Vibrates at 28,800 v.p.h.

Dial: Calendar via dial aperture. Available in black, blue, or green with matching ceramic bezel.

Strap: Thinner, integrated mesh-metal or mesh-rubber bracelets with a folding clasp.

Price: $6,200 to $6,500

Notes: The largest of the three-hand automatic models featuring the new B31 manufacture movement.