Best of 2022: Breitling Superocean 44 Special Edition Watch
Tuesday - 17 January 2023
A complete redesign of Breitling’s famous line of dive watches last year brought about the 44mm models running on an automatic movement and with that – a Breitling Superocean 44 Automatic Special Edition watch that encapsulates everything that sets the Superocean series apart from any other standard dive watch on the market.
The new Breitling Superocean 22 Special Edition watch is a defining model of the entire series that packs a punch with its broad 44mm diameter and a case engineered from robust stainless steel. It features a deep marine blue unidirectional rotating bezel surrounding a black legible dial, not to mention a choice to be made between a robust and quick-drying rubber band for plenty of water-based activities but also a robust stainless steel bracelet that elevates the watch to more sophisticated heights for evening use. First, let’s take a quick look at the popular design of the Breitling Superocean and its story…
A little about the Breitling Superocean watch
After decades of success in its conquests under the sea, the Superocean watch by Breitling is one of the Swiss watchmaker’s most highly recognised and collectable designs. Its story began back in 1957 when two versions of the Superocean watch were released: a time-only model and a chronograph. Both captured the style of the nautical sports era perfectly. Subsequently, the Breitling Superocean watch has retained a very retro aesthetic ever since. Details that combine elegance with performance were met with a practical 200-meter water-resistant capability for plenty of underwater exploration, whilst on dry land, these earlier Superocean watches could easily transform from a beach companion to a boardroom accessory. The same can still be said for the latest models to enter the Breitling Superocean collection. There are three materials to choose from, a range of dial colours to pick from and some useful modifications worth noting.
One particularly important Breitling Superocean watch from the manufacturer’s history was the ref: 807, which used the main chronograph hand on the dial to indicate diving duration. The calibre developed to allow the Breitling dive watch to do this was named the “Slow Motion” and it allowed the chronograph hand to make one evolution around the dial over the course of an hour. A running indicator was also developed, which turned a yellow disc to let the wearer know when the chronograph hand was in action. Following in the same style as the Breitling Superocean Slow Motion watch, the Swiss watchmaker has released a slew of new models that look incredibly eye-catching on the wrist. A few first things to note about the new releases; all models have a distinctive handset, they all feature a slim ceramic bezel inlay and their rubber straps and stainless steel bracelets come fitted with a new folding clasp accompanied by a micro-adjustment mechanism.
The new Breitling Superocean 44 Special Edition
Designed for sporty individuals and those who like to take to the water frequently, the Breitling Superocean 44 Special Edition watch released last year is still a strong contender amongst sports watch, dive watch and tool watch collectors. Why? Because it offers everything that the Superocean watch is renowned for, with a chronometer-certified movement, luminous dial elements and a handy time measuring tool on the bezel, plus a staggering 1000-meter water-resistant capability.
The 44mm stainless steel case of the special edition Breitling Superocean watch sits at a height of 14.2mm and features a screw-down crown with two gaskets and a screwed-in caseback engraved with the Breitling name and logo. Behind this caseback is the Breitling 17 calibre, which performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comprises a total of 25 jewels. It also provides a power reserve of 38 hours once fully wound. The strength of the case and its impressive water resistance is leveraged furthermore by a strong piece of convex anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass on top, which protects the dial from dust, denting, scratching, heat, light and moisture damage.
The black dial of the Breitling Superocean 44 Special Edition watch is home to a set of chunky and highly visible hour markers represented in a mix of Arabic numerals and trapezoid-shaped markers. The date window in white sits at 3 o’clock, surrounded by a minute track around the edge of the dial where a deep blue-coloured unidirectional rotating bezel circulates. The bezel is clearly marked with a 60-minue track and is designed in the same fashion as the rest of the dial. Luminous hour markers and hands also guide the way to clear timekeeping during the night and whilst under daring depths of water where light is limited.
Whether you’re more drawn towards the three-link stainless steel bracelet version of the Breitling Superocean 44 Special Edition watch (reference A173678A1B1A1) with its folding clasp and push button release mechanism or the black rubber option with a folding clasp and an embossed brand logo upon its surface (reference A173678A1B1S1), you can explore more details of these watches with a member of our sales team at Jura Watches today on 01335 453453.
