We at DiveIntoWatches.com had the chance to visit Breitling Chronometrie SA, Breitling’s impressive manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. This meant we also had a chance to spend some time with the brand-new Breitling Superocean II that was introduced shortly before Baselworld 2015. Here we take a look at the 44-mm version with metallic blue dial, matching blue bezel insert, and rubber strap.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Superocean II comes with a redesigned bezel (featuring a luminous dot at 12 o’clock, a 15-minutes gradation scale, and less dominant numbers), a different dial with Arabic numerals and a slimmer case (for a more comprehensive introduction to the Superocean II range, we recommend you read WatchTime’s previous article).
You can choose between a 44- and 42-mm version with either black or blue dial (or black and white if you prefer a 36-mm size), but only the 44-mm model features an integrated helium- release valve at 9 o’clock, making it the most “professional” version, with a water resistance of 1,000 meters and partially satin-brushed surfaces (versus 500 meters and 200 meters and polished surfaces in the smaller models).
The unidirectional bezel is still partially filled with rubber, which looks amazing, but to be honest we had initially hoped for something different, like ceramic, after the recent re-introduction of the Breitling Chronoliner.
As you have probably noticed, the dial is rather busy (which is typical for Breitling) but still surprisingly legible. It comes with an internal circle of 24-hour indexes, which includes the only aspect we found to criticize: the “15” at 3 o’clock is partially covered by the date window and somehow closer to the center of the dial then the rest of the numerals. It could have been simply left out instead.
Other than that, the new Breitling Superocean II offers well-built quality and is as “Breitling” as they come, which means this redesign can be considered another happy landing for this aviation-associated brand.
What we would have changed:
- Even if it meant a less functional (from a diver’s point of view) choice, we’d have preferred the folding clasp from the Superocean Heritage instead of the buckle
- The position of the “15” marker next to date window
What we liked very much:
- The typical look and feel of a Breitling
- Beautiful color combination
- The mix of polished and satin-brushed parts
- The slightly slimmer case
What we absolutely loved:
- The redesigned bezel is much more functional and visually closer to what you expect from a dive watch
- Wide choice in sizes, colors and straps
Technical Details:
Manufacturer: Breitling
Model: Superocean II
Reference: A17392D8/C910/228S/A20SS.1
Case: 44-mm diameter, 14.2-mm height; stainless steel case with screw-down crown; solid caseback; sapphire crystal; unidirectional bezel (120 clicks) with rubber inlay; 1000-meter water-resistance
Strap: Rubber, 22-mm lug size, stainless steel buckle (leather strap options and a steel bracelet are available as well)
Dial: “Gun Blue” with applied logo
Movement: Breitling Caliber 17 (base: ETA 2824-2), with COSC certification
Price: $4,150 on bracelet, $3,650 on strap
Scroll down for more photos…
