Breitling is showing off a new Superocean Heritage collection this week, which brings updates to the brand’s most historic diver design for the first time since 2017. The new collection takes an evolutionary approach, not straying too far from the established formula, which is a good thing as it works quite well. Subtle refinements come to the case and dial, and no less than four different sizes are represented, from 36mm to 44mm (including 40mm, finally), meaning there are options for every wrist here. The new watches are launching in a slew of familiar colors, including a summer ready sea-green, and a trick Kelly Slater limited edition sporting a ‘Hawaiian shirt’ themed dial.
The Superocean Heritage last saw updates in 2017, which set a strong foundation for a generation of growth and expression within the collection. It ultimately became one of the more unexpectedly interesting collections on offer from the brand. Breitling is wise to continue building on that same formula, now layering on more options with a few important refinements in tow. In total, the new collection is composed of six new watches, each with a selection of color options created inline with what we see elsewhere within the brand’s expansive stable.
Looking top down at the new Superocean Heritage collection, we find a chronograph offered only in a 42mm size in three different colors, including blue, black and green. This watch uses the Breitling manufacture caliber 01, which has been COSC certified, and is visible through an exhibition back. The rest of the watches are presented in a time and date configuration in 44mm, 42mm, and 40mm, all featuring the same trio of colors. These watches use Breitling’s new manufacture caliber B31 that debuted in the Top Time earlier this year. Finally, there is a 36mm variation that uses the outgoing caliber 10 (an ETA 2892 adaptation), and features a unique sea green dial option.
The Kelly Slater limited edition is offered in 40mm, a size that presents at just 11.7mm in thickness, by the way. The deep blue dial gets a ‘topical foliage’ pattern stamped in a slightly lighter blue. This is inspired by the famous surfer’s Hawaiian home. We’ve seen some really great Slater editions from Breitling over the years, and while I’m not sure where this one falls on the scale, it shows a first sniff at what will undoubtedly be a highly versatile platform for the brand moving ahead.
Overall, the new Superocean Heritage watches represent a welcome step for the collection. A refined case, ceramic bezel inserts, and millenese style bracelet options all feel right at home here, and the new selection of sizes and dial colors make this a highly dynamic collection as a whole. Pricing starts at $5,250 for the 36mm example on a rubber strap, and rise to $6,200 for the caliber B31 equipped models ($6,500 equipped with a steel bracelet). Finally, the chronograph references start at $8,900 on a rubber strap, and top out at $9,200 on a bracelet. Breitling
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