A Closer Look at the Breitling Superocean Automatic 2022 Watches
Wednesday - 27 July 2022
Drawing their aesthetical inspiration from a cult favourite – the Superocean Slow Motion – Breitling’s new line of automatic all-purpose dive watches come in a variety of different case sizes materials and dial colours. These new Breitling Superocean watches for 2022 recall the style of the 1960s and 1970s and are suited to virtually everything from water sports, to diving, to snorkelling and sailing.
The original Breitling Superocean Slow Motion Chronograph watches released in the 1960s and 1970s were very much built for scuba diving, yet these new Superocean automatic watches for 2022 offer a pared-down style that will suit every kind of luxury dive watch collector. They all share one very important thing in common – a rotating timing bezel with a scratch-resistant and anti-fade ceramic insert that either matches the colour of the model’s dial or stylishly contrasts it. Let’s get the basics out of the way first of all. The new Breitling Superocean 2022 models come in 36mm, 42mm or 44mm sizes, as well as beefier 46mm. The latter features a patented locking mechanism on its bidirectional rotating bezel, whilst the other sizes are fitted with a standard unidirectional rotating bezel.
The slew of new Superocean watches from Breitling come in different case materials. You can choose between the conventional stainless steel option, a bi-colour option made from stainless steel and 18ct rose gold or a special bronze alloy that comes in the 42mm or 44mm option. Other features shared by all models released in this newly reimagined line include a domed sapphire crystal glass front with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective properties, a screw-down winding crown that helps assist a 300-meter water resistant capability, and a screw-down caseback.
The new Breitling Superocean watches for 2022 all feature a dial surrounded by a high contrast ring, which is where you can read the minutes easily. The main section of the dial itself features a mix of square and rectangular-shaped hour markers that interact beautifully with a minute hand that features the original Slow Motion-inspired square shape on its tip. On the original design of the Breitling Superocean Slow Motion watch, a dot appeared on the dial, displayed in a different colour depending on whether the chronograph function had been activated or not. As a nod to this, the new 2022 Breitling Superocean watches features a second hand with a circular dot at the top. All of these blocky, highly legible features are lined with a generous layer of Super-LumiNova to assist with easy timekeeping at night, whilst underwater or in situations where light is limited.
What’s new?
Of course, one of the main differences between the new Superocean Automatic watches released by Breitling this year and the vintage 1960s and 1970s Superocean Slow Motion watches is that the latter were chronograph dive watches that boasted an innovative single chronograph hand that measured minutes as opposed to seconds. In these latest releases by the brand, the three-handed models are all powered by the automatic Calibre 17, which is the brand’s version of the ETA 2824-2, equipped with a power reserve once fully wound of 38 hours. It also beats to the rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour. These time-only models afford a very symmetrical dial layout since they go without a date feature or chronograph functions.
The options
Whether you go for a rubber strap option or a three-link stainless steel bracelet, all straps feature a fold-over clasp that offers a 15mm micro-adjustment mechanism for wearing over the top of diving gear. Aside from a limited version of a Kelly Slater Superocean watch, exclusive to just 1000 pieces worldwide, you’ll only find the orange dial version on the smaller 36mm size. Similarly, the bronze case versions of the new Breitling Superocean Automatic watches are only available fitted on rubber straps and in sizes of 42mm and 44mm, whilst the bi-colour stainless steel and 18ct rose gold version is only available in a 42mm option with a black dial and an accompanying black bezel.
The 36mm versions of the Breitling Superocean Automatic watches are offered in white, aqua blue and orange – both with stainless steel and rubber band options. For the 42mm options, you get to choose between a black dial or a blue dial with either a rubber or stainless steel bracelet, a green dial with a bronze case and rubber band, or a striking white dial with a blue bezel – both available on a rubber band or a stainless steel bracelet. The next size is the 44mm Superocean. Here you can choose either stainless steel or rubber band options for a black or green dial, as well as a chocolate brown dial option with a rubber band and a bronze case. In addition to this, there’s a blue model with a contrasting black bezel and an option of a rubber or stainless steel bracelet, as well as an aqua blue dial with a contrasting black bezel, also offered on the same two strap options. The largest size in the new line-up is the 46mm model, which comes on a choice of a blue or black dial with a stainless steel bracelet or rubber band option.
There has been a recent call for vintage dive watches over the last few years and whilst Breitling’s aviation instruments and rich catalogue of pilot’s watches are clear favourites amongst Breitling fans, the Superocean dive watch range isn’t far behind. If you’d like more information on any of these models you can visit the new crop here, or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453
