From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: the Breitling Superocean Heritage line.
What’s the difference between Superocean Heritage, and Superocean Heritage II?
Sporty, elegant, and with a retro-cool aesthetic,
Breitling Superocean Heritage watches have become some of the most sought-after dive watches around.
While most dive watches have a tool watch, utilitarian look to them,
the Superocean Heritage has carved a niche for itself as the perfect dress-diver.
Today, there are two generations of the Superocean Heritage – the first introduced in 2007, and the
second in 2017 – both inspired by the original Breitling Superocean diver from the 1950s.
Let’s take a look at the history of the Superocean Heritage,
and the differences between the Superocean Heritage,
and Heritage II watches. Subscribe to our channel, to get updates on new videos!
Since its inception, Breitling has been known for its aviation focused watches.
In the 1950s, when professional deep-sea diving and scientific exploration of the
seas began to flourish, so did the popularity of dive watches.
By 1957, Breitling was ready to put their dive watch stakes on the ground.
They released the Superocean, which, with a depth rating of 200 meters, beat out its contemporaries.
The original Superocean watches of 1957 were composed of two designs:
an elegant time-only diver suitable for daily wear; and a chronograph, for the more seasoned
diver who needs a watch for performance. These two would pave the way for more
advanced Superocean models – from automatic to deep-dive watches.
In 2007, to commemorate the 50th year of the original Superocean,
Breitling introduced the Superocean Heritage line.
Inspired by the 1950s dive watch, the Superocean Heritage features a steel bezel with minimal
markers, a crown without crown guards, large sword hands, and a braided “Milanese” bracelet.
In fact, it was one of the first modern watches to revive the mesh steel bracelet,
which continues to be an option within the Superocean line today.
The 1950s Breitling Flying ‘B’ logo, and ‘Superocean’ script were also both
revived in the Superocean Heritage, adding to the affectionate nods to the brand’s original diver.
The Superocean Heritage is available in 38 millimeter and 46 millimeter sizes,
with time only and chronograph options. They are also powered by the ETA-based 2-8-2-4-2 movement.
For the 60th anniversary of the Superocean in 2017, Breitling introduced the Superocean
Heritage II, which superseded the first generation Superocean Heritage line.
It presented a few upgrades. First is the shock- and scratch-resistant ceramic bezel
with a more matte finish, which gave the watch a more modern look. The bezel was
also given a Super Luminova-filled pip at 12 o’clock, on the rotating bezel.
Inside the self-winding chronometer, which is water-resistant up to 200 meters,
is the Calibre B20 movement that was co-designed with the Tudor watch brand.
Based on the Tudor caliber MT-56-12, which was first introduced by Tudor in the Pelagos,
it’s designed for hard use and boasts of a 70-hour power reserve.
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between the Superocean Heritage I
and II is to look at the hour and minute hands. On the Superocean Heritage II,
the hour hand is bisected, and the minute hand sports a more dramatic tapering.
The current, second generation Superocean Heritage now consists of some 30 different models,
sized from 42 to 47 millimeters, and with a range of metals and colors. The first generation
meanwhile, continues to be sought-after, and is available in the pre-owned market.
The Superocean Heritage collection, in its entirety,
has been a great success for Breitling, and is one of the best heritage-inspired dive watches around.
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