Breitling Superocean

Breitling Superocean is the brand's diving line. Its history begins in 1957, when Breitling presented its first professional dive watch. Two branches are represented here: the modern Superocean and the Breitling Superocean Heritage, which recreates the look of that first diver.

The modern Superocean is inspired by the Slow Motion dive chronograph of the 1960s. Hence its recognisable features: a square minute hand, large rectangular markers and a white minute-track ring around the edge. The unidirectional bezel has a scratch-resistant ceramic insert. The models covered here use the self-winding Breitling 17 calibre with a 38-hour power reserve.

The Superocean Heritage looks more restrained, with applied indices, historically shaped hands coated with Super-LumiNova, a sunburst finish and a bezel with a ceramic ring. The three-hand Heritage models use calibre B20 or B31, both with a date aperture at 6 o'clock. The chronographs use the Breitling 01 or Breitling 13. The numeral II in the name, as in Superocean Heritage II, denotes the second generation of the branch.

The choice within the line starts with branch and function: modern or vintage-style diver, three hands or chronograph. Then come size, metal and strap. A few examples:

• Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 42 Green on a woven steel mesh bracelet;
• the Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 Blue Rubber on a blue rubber strap;
• the Superocean Automatic 44 Green Dial from the modern branch.