Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection
A retro-inspired aquatic watch that will be available for a limited time only.
Today Breitling is launching its 2020 collection, which comprises, as the hero of the show, the brand new fully redesigned Chronomat range. In addition to this permanent addition to the catalogue, the brand is also presenting a so-called “capsule collection”, and while the watches aren’t numbered, they will be produced for a limited time only. Inspired by a well-known 1950s dive watch, the 1957 Superocean, the watches are modernized and have an extra aquatic vibe (including a very surprising and colourful LE). Meet the new Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection.
The Superocean Heritage ’57 Classic range
While there’s no doubt that the specifications of this watch refer to a modern piece, the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 is – as you could have guessed from its name – inspired by a vintage model. Those familiar with historical Breitling pieces will have certainly spotted the resemblance with the late-1950s Superocean, a diver’s watch produced by the brand distinguished by its concave bezel and its specific indexes.
Based on this historical design, today the brand modernizes it and creates a so-called Capsule collection – a concept usually found in fashion but now applied to watchmaking, which implies that the watches will be produced for a limited time only, but not in limited numbers.
The case of this Superocean Heritage ’57 might be identical in shape to the original model, but it displays a modern execution and dimensions. Entirely polished and with thin, elongated lugs, it measures 42mm in diameter with a surprisingly thin 9.9mm profile. The watch isn’t per se a diver’s watch, with its 100m water-resistance, but more a casual, all-rounder piece. Shreds of evidence of this positioning are the non-screw-down crown and the bidirectional bezel.
The bezel, just like the late-1950s model, is oversized – larger than the case – and has a bowl-like, concave profile, which echoes the domed sapphire crystal. The insert is made of polished ceramic, available in black or blue.
The Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection comprises three different models with different colours and materials. Two stainless steel models are presented, either with a black or a blue colour scheme (dial and bezel). A third edition will be available, with a two-tone case combining steel and 18k red gold, presented with a black dial with golden indexes and hands, and a black bezel. Each version is available on a vintage-inspired calf strap (pin or folding buckle), or with an integrated “mesh” Ocean Classic stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp.
The dial is also inspired by the vintage edition and takes advantage of the unique shape of the indexes and hands – which combined with the bowl-like bezel, give the watch great personality. All the elements are filled with white Super-LumiNova and Breitling has opted for a no-date display.
Powering this Superocean Heritage ’57 is a tried-and-tested outsourced movement, the Calibre 10, a Chronometer-certified version of the Sellita SW 300-1. This automatic movement, hidden under a solid steel caseback, beats at 4Hz and boasts 42 hours of power reserve.
The Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition
In addition to the three classic models, the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection will also include a limited edition watch, produced in 250 pieces. And let’s get straight to the point: this is quite a statement piece. As Breitling’s CEO Georges Kern said: “We designed the Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition as a watch for people who want something a little out of the ordinary.” Well, this is certainly a bold watch, the “hate or love” kind of piece.
While the case, movement, display and bezel are identical to the other non-limited versions, this LE adds splashes of colour all over the dial, with a “rainbow” Super-LumiNova insert for the indexes and the markers – gradually going from yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, red, to orange. The dot on the bezel is also coloured, in yellow.
Adding to the colourful dial, the Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition can be matched to an Outerknown ECONYL® yarn NATO strap, which can be purchased separately in one of six colour combinations.
Availability and price
The Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection will be available this summer – July 2020. The length of the production run isn’t specified yet. Price start at CHF 4,200 in steel with a leather strap and CHF 4,650 in steel with the steel bracelet. More details at www.breitling.com.
6 responses
A Rado Captain Cook re-edition is better looking, is a proper dive watch at 200m and screw down crown with a functional bezel. It has 80 hours power reserve and all for well less than half the price. It’s not a Breitling though.. !
Rado have called and asked if Breitling can return their watches! Seriously, a vintage style dive watch with a concave Basel and a ETA movement for €4000+? The Rado Captain Cook offers the same style and virtually the same look for half the price with a much better ETA movement – anti-magnetic hairspring and a power reserve of 80 hours over no anti-magnetic capability and a 42 hour power reserve. Why did Breitling bother?
As the original Rado Captain Cook came out 5 years after the Original Breitling Superocean, I think it’s Rado that needs to return Breitlings watches not the other way around. There are many more expensive brands/watches using ETA/Stellita movements (think 7750, the price range for watches with this movement is astronomical) then both Rado and Breitling. Although I have a wide price point of watches in my collection I have always had a special place in my heart for Breitling, probably because my first decent watch was a Navitimer and overall there line up is reasonably priced. Of course this is all just my opinion, in the end as long as you buy what you love and buy what you can afford you can’t go wrong. Too many people, these days, place resale value over pure horology passion in the decision making process. Viva Watchmaking!
Rado has a date … This is a great differentiator.
The date, for those who use it on a daily basis, is as important as the hours.
Good thing these are limited ed. That giant concave bezel puts this collection firmly in the ugly category.
I like this breitling and yes the captain cook is better. I think the price is off as well definitely on the high end