Close-Up: Breitling Superocean II


Over the years the Superocean has been a mainstay of Breitling’s watches, moving through a variety of different designs and variations. But in 2015, Breitling brought out a new generation altogether: the Breitling Superocean II. Let’s take a look to see what distinguishes this new watch from its forebears.

First launched in 1957, the original Breitling Superocean was water resistant to 200 meters, making it inarguably a serious divers’ watch. But that’s been far surpassed: recent versions of the Superocean have been water resistant to as much as 1,500 meters. In the last few years, it’s also come to have an in-house movement, Breitling’s Caliber 17, based on the ETA 2824-2 with quick-set date. This movement is also to be found in the Superocean II.

In developing the Superocean II, Breitling has made some subtle but important design updates. The font for the numbers on the rotating bezel is less stylized than on Superocean, and this bezel now has a luminous dot at 12 o’clock. The bezel has graduations for the last 15 minutes of a dive, but these markings are now large rectangular markings, not the small pips seen on models like the current Superocean 44.

Superocean II 44 black 560
The Superocean II in its 44-mm size
Superocean II 42 black 560
The Superocean II at 42 mm

The dial has also gone in for a redesign. There is now a full complement of Arabic numerals to mark the hours, all with white luminous coating. What’s more, the Superocean II has an internal circle of indexes for reading 24-hour time – something you won’t find on any other Superocean model. A red outline for the arrow-tipped seconds hand is standard on all sizes of the Superocean II.

The case of the Superocean II is slimmer than its predecessor. Whereas the Superocean 42 (the number comes from its case diameter) is 15 mm thick and the Superocean 44 is 16.7 mm thick, the Superocean II is 13.3 mm thick with a 42-mm diameter and 14.2 mm thick with a 44-mm diameter.

Superocean II 44 black wet 560

Additionally, the Superocean II comes in a distinctly different size that’s not available in the Superocean line. The 36-mm-wide Superocean II looks nearly identical to its larger siblings, though it’s also available in a white-on-steel version for ladies.

Superocean II 36 black 560 Superocean II 36 white glamor 560

On all three sizes, the Breitling Superocean II has a screw-locked crown, unidirectional rotating bezel that ratchets into place, and a cambered sapphire crystal. The caseback is embossed with a circular Superocean motif. The movement, Caliber 17, is chronometer certified and beats at 28,800 vph. The watches are available on a rubber “Ocean Racer” strap or steel bracelet.

On the 42- and 44-mm models, dials are available in either black or deep blue. The 36-mm model comes with a black or a white dial. The cases of the 36-mm and 42-mm versions are polished steel; the 44-mm case is satin-brushed steel. The water resistance of the models ranges: it’s 200 meters for the 36 mm, 500 meters for the 42 mm, and 1,000 meters for the 44 mm.

The 44-mm Breitling Superocean II costs $4,150 on a bracelet or $3,650 on a strap. Both of the smaller models cost $3,900 on a bracelet and $3,400 on a strap.

Superocean II all three sizes 560 Superocean II 44 blue 560 Superocean II 44 black PR shot 560
Superocean II 44 black dial CU 560
Superocean II 42 blue glamor 560

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  1. William N. Wong

    What is the ACCURACY of BREITLING SuperOcean II A17391?
    Thanks

    Reply
  2. pat o connell

    Just ordered mine in the 42 size today – black face on rubber . Gorgeous looking with quality and COSC as well . Great work you folks at Breitling . This is a keeper.

    Reply
  3. “The dial has also gone in for a redesign. There is now a full complement of Arabic numerals to mark the hours, all with white luminous coating.”

    Now, wait a sec. The 42 version is not so much a redesign as it is to the return of the “King of the Seas” SuperOcean from circa Y2K. Personally, I thought those SuperOceans, along with the Avenger style bezel, were the most elegant looking and distinctively Breitling in a market full of “Rolex me too” style diver watches.

    Nice to see them return to a recipe that worked. Now if they would change the bezel.

    Reply
  4. Personally i think there’s too much going onon the dail. This watch would be better if has less numbers (i dont think the 24-scale is necessary). Maybe hour marks instead of hours?

    Reply
  5. JOAO CARLOS MASTROBERTI

    Existe um relogio de mergulho profissional que se destaca dos demais. este relogio e o OMEGA SEMASTER PLOPROF. Ele e unico, não tem outro parecido. O Preço do relogio e que impede de se ver ele nos pulsos de mergulhadores e demais admiradores do modelo. Uma pena.

    Reply
  6. Robinoz

    It’s a lovely watch, as would be expected. I do like the blue dial model best, but the problem with diving watches is that they are all virtually identical and even some of the cheaper brands are suitable for the diving function.

    It probably comes down to whether you want a work watch ie, sturdy, not necessarily shiny, and capable of taking some knocks or whether you want to ponce about with a nice dress diving watch. To me it would seem sacrilege to wear a beautiful watch like Breitling’s Superocean as a work watch.

    Reply
    • Watches are made to be worn. I think Breitling intends the watch to be worn. Patina is good.
      I will wear my Rolex Explore I everywhere. But I won’t wear my PP Calatrava gardening.

      But having said that a pretty good dive watch and time keeper is the Seiko Prospex SBDC007 Diver Titanium Automatic Shogun: AKA Shogun.

      Relax enjoy your watches.

      Reply
      • Robinoz

        Thanks for commenting guy. I do like some of the Seiko diving watches that have a good reputation for reliability, accuracy and toughness.

        I have an aged Tag-Heuer Professional 1000 diving watch I use for gardening and other outdoor work because it’s extra tough and of course old enough not to matter if it gets scratched or dirty.

        Reply
  7. srhardy

    “Superocean have been water resistant to as much as 1,500 meters. In the last few years, it’s also come to have an in-house movement, Breitling’s Caliber 17, based on the ETA 2824-2 with quick-set date. This movement is also to be found in the new Superocean II” & “The 44-mm Superocean II costs $4,150 on a bracelet or $3,650 on a strap. Both of the smaller models cost $3,900 on a bracelet and $3,400 on a strap” about sums it up. I prefer the PO (planet omega’s) myself as more distinct look and genuine inhouse movement with some inovation with co-axial. Its also going to be an easy design to knock off too at 1/10th the price which will hurt sales. Pretending that this wont happen is ostrich head in the sand mentality and Breitling needs to do more than warm over 1990 tech every couple of years and pretend they deserve to be rewarded. Are things worth what the manufactuer says RRP or what were prepared to pay for, as the gap widens the argument on watchtime needs taking up more and more by us the consumers i think.

    Reply
  8. Wow! It never ceases to amaze me how many marques use the ETA 2824-2. It is the work horse of the industry.
    Handsome watch too.

    Reply
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