The Breitling Superocean Heritage II is a modern dive watch collection that pays homage to the brand’s vintage models from the mid-20th century. Launched as a reimagined line, it combines retro aesthetics with contemporary performance, appealing to enthusiasts of classic dive watches. This series emphasizes robust construction, legibility, and water resistance, making it a staple in heritage-inspired horology.
What is the History Behind the Breitling Superocean Heritage II?
The original Superocean models debuted in the 1950s, designed for professional divers with exceptional water resistance up to 300 meters at the time. The Heritage II line, introduced around 2017, revives this legacy by updating those designs for today’s standards. It draws from specific references like the Ref. 806 from the 1960s, featuring bold dials and bezels that echo the era’s bold style.
Breitling refined the Heritage II to balance nostalgia with reliability, incorporating modern materials while preserving the proportional cases and cushion-shaped profiles of its predecessors.
What Are the Key Design Features of the Breitling Superocean Heritage II?
Central to the design is the unidirectional rotating bezel, marked with a dot at 12 o’clock for precise dive timing. Dials come in vibrant colors like black, blue, green, and even playful shades such as brown or cream, often with applied indices and sword-shaped hands for superior low-light readability.
The case typically measures 42mm in diameter, with a thickness around 13.2mm, offering a substantial yet wearable presence. Lugs are curved for comfort, and the exhibition caseback reveals the movement in many variants. Bracelets or rubber straps provide versatility for land or sea use.
What Movements Power the Breitling Superocean Heritage II?
Most models in the Breitling Superocean Heritage II lineup feature automatic calibers, such as the Breitling 17, a modified ETA 2824-2 with a 38-hour power reserve. Some versions use the COSC-certified Breitling 13, based on the Sellita SW300, extending the reserve to 42 hours.
These movements ensure accuracy within chronometer standards, with features like hacking seconds and quick-set dates. The Heritage II prioritizes mechanical authenticity over quartz alternatives.
What Sizes and Materials Are Available in the Breitling Superocean Heritage II?
While 42mm is the standard size, smaller 36mm and 44mm options cater to diverse wrists. Cases are crafted from stainless steel, with some limited editions in bronze for a patina-developing effect over time.
Bezels feature ceramic inserts for scratch resistance, and sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings enhance durability. Water resistance is consistently rated at 200 meters, suitable for recreational diving.
Is the Breitling Superocean Heritage II Suitable for Professional Use?
With 200-meter water resistance, a screw-down crown, and robust construction, the Breitling Superocean Heritage II excels in recreational diving and water sports. However, it lacks helium escape valves found in saturation dive watches, positioning it better for enthusiasts than extreme professionals.
Its lume-filled markers and hands provide excellent visibility underwater, and the bezel’s click ensures reliable elapsed-time tracking.
What Are Some Common Variants of the Breitling Superocean Heritage II?
Popular variants include the B20 All Black with a stealthy PVD coating, chronograph models adding sub-dials for timing functions, and limited editions with unique dial colors like the “Tobacco Brown.” Pre-owned markets often feature early releases with different strap options.
Each variant maintains core Heritage II traits while offering personalization.
In summary, the Breitling Superocean Heritage II stands out for blending vintage charm with modern dive-watch capabilities. Its thoughtful design and reliable specs make it a compelling choice for collectors and divers alike, embodying enduring style in horology.
People Also Ask
How much does a Breitling Superocean Heritage II typically cost?
Prices vary by model and condition, generally starting around entry-level luxury watch ranges and climbing with complications or limited editions.
What sets the Breitling Superocean Heritage II apart from modern dive watches?
Its retro-inspired proportions, bold color palette, and mechanical focus distinguish it from sleeker, tech-heavy contemporaries.
Can the Breitling Superocean Heritage II be serviced easily?
Yes, as it uses widely serviced movements, routine maintenance like seals and lubrication is straightforward at authorized centers.
