Horologii

Breitling Superocean Heritage 57’ Watches Review

Under the leadership of Georges Kern, Breitling has done what so many of us have always wanted: releasing normal sized watches that bring to life some of the brand’s most respected, historic models. Last week, as part of the first Breitling Summit 2020 Webcast, we saw the release of the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57, a vintage inspired capsule collection that takes its inspiration from the very first Superocean launched in 1957.

With most of the world still on lockdown, the online launch has proven that brands as impactful as Breitling don’t need to spend lots of money on large exhibitions to sell their watches. Since the release of the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 watch collection, which was only a week ago, the Swiss manufacturer has already completely sold out of the 250 piece Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition. The stunning rainbow edition was designed to be an embodiment of pure Bohemian chic with a colourful dial decorated with hour markers and hands coated with rainbow Superluminova of yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, red, and orange. The unique dial had also been specifically designed to pair with the with the brand’s vibrant range of Outerknown ECONYL yarn NATO straps available in one of six colour combinations.

Within the first few hours of release, the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition received plenty of ‘marmite’ reviews with many considering the piece “cheap-looking” while others praised the design for being unique and powerful. Breitling CEO Georges Kern even describes: “We designed the Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition as a watch for people who want something a little out of the ordinary – for people who want both a great watch and a little festival of colour on their wrists.” Despite what many believed, the limited edition proved to be the biggest release from the Breitling Summit 2020 Webcast selling out before any other model. But what about the rest of the Capsule collection?

Instantly recognisable for its large concave bezel, distinctive divers hands and vintage Superluminova indexes, the Breitling Superocean Heritage 57’ Capsule collection has been designed to embody the cool, laid back lifestyle of surfers from the 1950’s and 60’s and revive the first iconic Superocean watch released in 1957. For those unsure of what a ‘Capsule’ collection is, it means these watches will be produced for a limited time and in a limited volume, however the watches are not numbered and so not technically classed as ‘limited editions’ like the sold out Superocean Heritage ’57 Rainbow.

According to Breitling CEO Georges Kern, “The Capsule Collections let us tell some of our brand’s most inspiring stories while we produce some remarkably unique watches for a limited amount of time. With the Superocean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection, we’ve focused on the relaxed Southern California fun-in-the-sun culture that defined an era. The surfing itself in the 1950s and 1960s is at the heart of our storytelling here, but those times offered so much more: the great music, the amazing cars, and the almost spiritual connection to freedom found on endless sandy beaches and in the search for the perfect wave.”

One thing that Breitling is always top at is combining vintage styling with modern mechanics and materials. We have already seen it in the Breitling Top Time Limited Edition released earlier this year and the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 collection also announced during the 2020 Summit Webcast, but it is proved once again in the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 and its bi-directional concave bezel. Its bowl-shaped profile remains true to its historic form but is engineered from high-tech ceramic renowned for its robustness and scratch resistance. Similarly, the sapphire crystal glass provides optimal resistance to scratches and effortless legibility over the dial.

Housed within the 42mm stainless steel case of each Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 watch is the Breitling 10 automatic winding calibre. Based on the classic Sellita SW 300-1, the Swiss made movement provides a power reserve of 42 hours, central hands for hours, minutes and seconds and as always, is COSC certified to be accurate to -4 seconds to +6 seconds per day. To assist in the watch’s water resistant rating of 100 metres, the mechanical calibre is kept hidden behind a closed case back decorated with a unique Superocean Heritage 57 decoration.

There are two dial colours and two bezel variations of the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 watch to choose from. The first is a classic black dial available on a black leather strap with a pin or deployment buckle or a mesh steel bracelet. The second is a blue dial presented on a brown leather strap with a pin or deployment buckle or a mesh steel bracelet. You can also find a stunning two-toned model featuring the concave bi-directional bezel in 18 carat rose gold with a black ceramic ring. This version comes with a black dial with a golden-brown leather strap or a mesh stainless steel bracelet and butterfly clasp.

As we have already mentioned the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition has already completely sold out, but the classic Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 is still available to order. Remember, as a capsule collection, these watches will only be on the market for a limited time, so it’s worth getting your order in as soon as possible. You can shop the entire range of Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 watches on the Jura Watches website here where you can also find free delivery and interest free finance options available.

Specifications: Breitling Superocean Heritage 57’ Watches

  • Case Size: 42mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Glass: Cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Bezel: Concave, bi-directional, ceramic with 18 carat rose gold option
  • Case Back: Screw in
  • Crown: Non-screw locked
  • Water Resistance: 100 metres
  • Movement: Breitling 10 automatic winding
  • COSC: Yes
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
  • Power Reserve: 42 hours
  • Jewels: 25
  • Frequency: 28,800vph
  • Dial: Black or blue
  • Hands and Indexes: Superluminova with limited edition in Rainbow lume
  • Strap: Leather or mesh style bracelet
  • RRP: £3,400 – £4,500
  • Limited Edition: Rainbow dial only, 250 pieces