Zach Brass
Breitling Superocean has been a diving watch icon since 1957 and the Superocean Chronograph Ref. According to Breitling, the 807 was the world’s first dedicated diver chronograph. Obviously, it’s an important collection of watches. But do persistent icons need refresh? Of course, the answer is yes, but the question is what needs to be changed. What should I refine? And how many changes are there, if there is no longer a similarity to how many changes it has become such an established design in the first place? Well, Superocean Heritage Range is receiving its first refresh since 2017. I think most of you would prefer this next generation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owsxxwc1m4a
The range is very vast and there are also new 36mm and 40mm sizes of Superocean Heritage Automatics and 42mm and 44mm sizes, so all wrists are really offered. However, the SuperOCAN chronograph is strictly new 42mm size, especially down from 44mm. All of these cases are refined to be thinner than their predecessors, along with a more ergonomic proportion, and new Caribourg also enter the mix. There will be a total of 30 new configurations across the new Breitling Superscene Heritage Range, including a limited edition designed in collaboration with Surfing Goats and longtime B-Squad member Kelly Slater. However, we would like to hone three examples that we could practice: the blue sunburst dial configuration of the Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42, the green sunburst dial variant of the SuperoCean Heritage B31 Automatic 40, and the light green reference within the SuperoCean Heritage Automatic 36 range.
Breitling Super Scene Heritage B31 Automatic 40
All SuperoCean Heritage B31 automatics, ranging from 40mm to 44mm, feature a new, manufactured B31 caliber that debuted at Top Time in March. The B31 not only increases the power reserve from 70 hours to 78 hours, but also allows for thinner cases. So how much has the dimensions changed?
Using the 42mm size as an example, the thickness decreases from 14.35mm to 12.03mm Svelte. The lug-to-lug has also dropped considerably, falling from a considerable 51.58mm to a more familiar 49.55mm. SuperoCean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 We have a lug with a diameter of 40mm, a thickness of just 11.73mm and a lug toe of 48.2mm. No one can imagine having problems with these sophisticated measurements, especially when the case remains in a 200-meter, water-resistant 200-meter screw-down state and features an exhibition caseback that we no longer have before.
All SuperoCean Heritage B31 Automatics have ceramic inserts in colours that match each black, blue or green sunburst dial for a one-way bezel. However, please note that the 40mm range is only available in blue and green for now. My estimation seems to have a slightly tweaked style in the applied index, but of course Breitling has gotten the time of the signature spear and the minutes of the sword. All time indexes and three central hand incorporate Super Luminova for visibility in the dark, and finally, a date window located symmetrically at the 6 o’clock position.
Moving towards the strap options, there is also a sophisticated mesh bracelet, said to be thinner to the new case proportions, and integrated to ensure that it is completely washed away against the case. Breitling phrases this as “watertight integration.” There is also another dial matching rubber strap with a textured pattern that mimics a mesh bracelet, but there is no gap between the case and the strap either. Instead, like a bracelet, it is now washed down into the case. All of these straps are secured to the wrist via a steel folding grip.
Brand Blade Ring Model SuperoCean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Case Dimensions 40mm (D) x 11.73mm (T) x 48.2mm (LTL) Case Stainless Steel Water Resistant 200m, Screw-In Crown Crystal (S) Sapphire Front and Back Dial Green, Samble Stud Finish (Test) COSC Certified Power Reserve 78 Hours Functional Time, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Unidirectional Timing Bezel Availability Price is USD 6,200
Breitling Super Scene Heritage B01 Chronograph 42
Secondly, as the name suggests, the Breitling Superscene Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 is now presented in a different size, replacing the ETA 7750-based caliber 13 with an automatic caliber different from the previous Heritage Chronograph 44.
Not only can this B01 have a slim case of 14.55mm thickness instead of 15.65mm thick on the 44, it also brings a completely different dial layout with the balance and symmetry that is often seen in B01-driven chronograph watches. Simply hand over all the Ts and dots, the stainless steel 200m water-resistant case is a lug with a diameter of 42mm, thickness of 14.55mm and a lug toe of 49.56mm.
Instead of the counter at 12, 9, 6 o’clock and the date and time complications at 3 o’clock, the dial is distilled in a position between 9 o’clock, in the three windows at the window position at 9 o’clock, whether it’s a green, black or blue sunburst like here, the dial is distilled in a few seconds between 9 o’clock. Like Automatics, you have the option to purchase the Chronograph 42 with either a mesh bracelet or a rubber strap.
Brand Breitling Model SuperoCean Heritage B01 Automatic 42 Case Dimensions 42mm(D) x 14.55mm(T) x 49.56mm(LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistant 200m, Screw-In Crown Crystal (S) Sapphire Front and Back Dial Blue, Sunburst Finish (Test) B01, Manufacturing Caliber, Automatic, COSC Certified Power Reserve 70 Hours Functional Time, Minutes, Small Seconds, Date, Chronograph, Unidirectional Timing Bezel Availability Price US $9,200
Breitling Super Scene Heritage Automatic 36
Finally, I saw the 36mm Super Chian, but there was no 36mm SuperoCean Heritage model. Stainless steel Super Shen Heritage Automatic 36mm, blue or light green, diameter 36mm, thickness 10.42mm, measured on a lug-to-lug, despite its small size, it is protected by a screwed crown and is just as accurately protected as COSC certified Kalibari.
It is also paired with the same flash-two-case “Ocean Classic” mesh strap or dial-matching rubber strap. However, the 36 does not use movements specifically for the B31 production, instead using a 42-hour automatic Breitling caliber 10. This is an adaptation of the ETA 2892-A2 brand.
Brand Breitling Model SuperoCean Heritage Automatic 36 Case Dimensions 36mm(D) x 10.42mm(T) x 42.84mm(LTL) Case Stainless Steel Water Resistance 200m, Screw Down Crown Crystal (S) Sapphire Front and Back Dial Light Green, Sunburst Finish (As Tested) STRAP Green Techted Rubber Strap Clasplin 2892 Base, Automatic, COSC Certified Power Reserve 42 Hours Functional Time, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Unidirectional Timing Bezel Availability Price US $5,250
verdict
Overall, I think I can agree that all the improvements, improvements, new sizing will evolve. The sports watch becomes thinner and feels much higher and more luxurious when you sit on your wrist. So, on those grounds, I have to give Breitling the tip of the hat. Well done work. With the B31, we appreciate the increased caliber stamina and the new exhibit of caliber.
My one note is that, although not necessarily criticism, the B31 does not have a perfect balance bridge that appears to have better resistance to shocks. But considering that Breitling built its name into robustness, I don’t think we have anything to worry about in that respect. The 42mm chronograph is a more democratic size, and its dial layout (thanks to the B01) ensures that it nets a more balanced vision.
Breitling Super Scene Heritage Automatic 36 expands the demographic that allows you to enjoy more of the Super Scene. Some consider caliber drops from potential Achilles heels, but I think this segment has the advantage of bolder colour exploration, like the dense light green colorway of current size.
