Breitling may be known for its ties to the world of aviation, but its historical ties to the sea also date back to 1957 with the Superocean collection. It was launched to go head-to-head with Omega’s first Seamaster, released in the same year, as well as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the replica Rolex Submariner a few years earlier. It was obviously a tough ask for Breitling to challenge these three replica watches legends, but the Superocean’s 200-meter water-resistance rating is on par with Omega and Rolex and more than double the depth rating of the original Blancpain.
The Breitling Superocean has always been with us, often adapted and updated, but never abandoning its professional dive watch features. Today, the collection covers five case sizes (36 mm, 42 mm, 44 mm, 46 mm, and 48 mm) as Georges Kern, Breitling’s CEO wants to revamp the brand’s entire portfolio to appeal to a more unisex audience. Since the 36 mm is technically marketed as a ladies’ watch, the entry-level model for men (and the cheapest replica Breitling mechanical watch you can buy for men) is the 42 mm automatic.
The Breitling Superocean is unwaveringly modern in style (although those who want a vintage-inspired dive watch have plenty of options in the Superocean Heritage collection). The dial is a mix of bold Arabic numerals and large luminous geometric shapes, with a date window at 3 o’clock (except for the various 48 mm titanium models, which only have a time display).
The Breitling Caliber 17 is based on the time-tested ETA 2824-2 movement. It is a very reliable, effortless engine offering a 38-hour reserve, a frequency of 28,800 Vpn and since it is a commonly used third-party movement, you can have it serviced by any watchmaker of your choice without any problems. Perhaps best of all, even the “least” water-resistant models are capable of reaching a depth of 200 meters, with the most dive-friendly models reaching up to 2,000 meters. You may never need such high water resistance, but you would certainly be hard-pressed to find anything less.
The Breitling Superocean Automatic is available in a range of different dial colors, with matching stainless steel straps, color-matched rubber straps, or nylon NATO straps made from recycled plastic. At retail, steel straps are available for $500, but not all models are available with all strap/bracelet options. The Breitling Superocrean Automatic is an attractive alternative to a regular replica watch, and it is a very successful and good-looking model that comes in enough different sizes and colors to suit every possible wrist.