With the launch of the new SuperOcean collection, Breitling has taken its fans back to the birth of scuba diving. The watchmaker’s latest model is a reworking of its own ’60s SuperOcean Slow Motion – a bold and colourful watch created with simplicity in mind, however, the 2022 SuperOcean updates the best elements of that earlier model. Make no mistake, this is still a legitimate dive watch. It has 300M of water resistance and a screw-down crown, but it’s not only great in the sea. This Swiss-made watch works as well in the office or at a waterfront bar on the Gold Coast.
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To reinforce the watch’s versatility the new collection was unveiled to the media and excited fans at the Wheels & Waves festival in Biarritz. Speaking to an audience including well-known surfers and actors, Breitling CEO Georges Kern suggested that dive watches often had a sameness to their design. With this in mind, Breitling had reworked a popular and iconic model from the past, much as Rado did with its recent Captain Cook Chronograph.
From the outset, the Breitling SuperOcean stands out from the crowd, and there’s a watch in this collection for everyone. In a brave move, Breitling has made the SuperOcean in case sizes ranging from 36-46mm. But don’t worry – all the models are slim (the thickest watch is still only 13mm). You’ll recognise the case from recent SuperOcean models, but the dial – with its large contrasting dial ring – is pure ’60s chic. This is reinforced with large bold markers and quirky hands, including a square minute hand. Breitling has enhanced the pared-down aesthetic by dropping the date window. Unlike the original Slow Motion model, this watch does have a second hand.
This is a fun watch that has a wonderful colour palette. There are sedate blue and black variations alongside a model that includes an on-trend turquoise dial. There’s even an orange Kelly Slater limited edition. And guess what? The watch comes with three case options – stainless steel, bronze and steel/red gold. All boast a slim Breitling Caliber 17 automatic movement and come with a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap.
The Breitling SuperOcean gives sportsmen what they want. It’s shock, water and sand resistant. It has the build quality that you’d expect from a heritage Swiss brand and functions as a tool. But where it excels is in the design. It’s more than a dive watch. Yes, it offers serious performance, but it also has a laid-back vibe. Ideal for the beachfront bar.
Breitling SuperOcean Automatic
Diameter: 36 – 46mm
Height: 12.21 – 13.22mm
Lug Width: 18 – 24mm
Straps: Stainless Steel Bracelet or Rubber
Case: Stainless Steel, Bronze or Steel/Red Gold
Movement: Swiss-Made Breitling Caliber 17 Automatic
Glass: Sapphire Crystal with AR Coating
Water Resistance: 300M
Price: AUD $6290-$9190