Breitling may be best known for its ties to the world of aviation, but its historical ties to the sea also date from 1957 with the Superocean collection. It was launched to compete with Omega’s first Seamaster, released the same year, as well as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the Rolex Submariner some years earlier. It was obviously a hard ask for Breitling to challenge these three dive watch 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. Technically speaking, the 36 mm is marketed as a ladies’ watch, while the entry-level model for men is the 42 mm automatic.
Inside is the Breitling Caliber 17, which is based on the tried-and-tested ETA 2824-2. A completely reliable, unadorned engine, it offers a 38-hour reserve, a frequency of 28,800 VPH, and because 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 Superocean Automatic is an attractive alternative to a regular dive watch, a very successful and good-looking model that comes in enough different sizes and colors to fit every wrist.
The Ultimate Breitling Superocean Buying Guide
